Palazzo Cignaroli®
Description
Welcome to Palazzo Cignaroli in Verona, an authentic gem nestled in the vibrant historic heart of the city, between Via Roma, Via Teatro Filarmonico, and Vicolo Teatro Filarmonico. This building was not only the residence of the renowned painter Giambettino Cignaroli (1706–1770), but also his lively artistic workshop, where many of his masterpieces were conceived and painted—works that now enrich churches and museums.
The fame of the learned and highly esteemed artist Cignaroli, who was well-versed in Latin and Greek and highly sought after by European royals, was such that his art studio was often visited by prominent European figures traveling through Italy—visits that typically included the city of Verona and, naturally, the famed “artistic atelier” of the great painter.
In 1769, Cignaroli was even visited by Emperor Joseph II of Austria, who hailed him as “The finest painter in Europe.”
As a cultured guide, Cignaroli would sometimes accompany his distinguished international guests around Verona, particularly when they came to his studio to have their portraits painted.
The master preferred to paint large canvases, created for a cultured and elite clientele—patrons with the sensitivity to appreciate diverse artistic stimuli. From his own workshop, he painted for the Elector of Saxony, the King of Poland, the Empress of Russia, the Queen of Spain, and the Prince-Bishops of Brixen.
His painting style was considered a blend between the final echoes of Raphaelesque classicism and the early beginnings of Neoclassicism.
A lasting tribute to the bond between Giambettino Cignaroli and this historic residence can be found at No. 6 Via Roma, where a striking red terracotta medallion is sculpted and embedded in the façade of the palazzo. This bas-relief portrays the master’s likeness and reminds visitors of this place’s extraordinary connection to the painter. Beneath the medallion, a stone plaque reads:
“Giambettino Cignaroli lived from July 4, 1706 to December 1770. He was visited in this house on July 21, 1769 by Emperor Joseph II, who greeted him as ‘The finest painter of his time.’”
In January 1770, the rooms of Palazzo Cignaroli also vibrated with the presence of an immortal genius: the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who, not yet fourteen years old, during his first Italian tour, gave a triumphant concert at the beautiful Sala Maffeiana of the Teatro Filarmonico (located directly across the street). He was then brought to the studio of the aging Master Cignaroli. On this occasion, a portrait of young Amadeus was created—an iconic artwork that captured the energy of that historic moment.
It’s worth noting that in 1764, Cignaroli, together with other Veronese painters, founded the Veronese Academy of Fine Arts, of which he remained director until his death. The Academy still bears his name—Accademia di Belle Arti Giambettino Cignaroli—and is one of the five Italian institutions still active in the disciplines of painting and figure drawing.
After suffering damage from the 1945 bombings, the building was extensively renovated, particularly along its side (Via Teatro Filarmonico) and rear (Vicolo Teatro Filarmonico No. 7—the current entrance).
The front neoclassical section of the historic building, facing Via Roma, was preserved for approximately four meters in depth, while the rear was fully rebuilt using modern construction techniques for residential use, and an additional floor was added.
Today, staying at Palazzo Cignaroli means immersing yourself in this extraordinary legacy.
Our exclusive apartments were renovated again in 2025, with deep respect for the heritage—blending modern finishes with historic elements in a harmonious dialogue.
Each apartment features both modern and historical aspects, the latter distinguished by the presence of a reproduction of a painting attributed to the master or his pupils (the originals are preserved in the private collection of the property).
Choosing to stay at Palazzo Cignaroli is a rich cultural experience—an invitation to discover Verona from a privileged perspective that extends all the way to the rooftop of the building. There, accessible via a convenient elevator, awaits a magnificent rooftop terrace with a comfortable lounge area.
From here, you can relax while contemplating the beauty of Verona, with an unparalleled view that stretches over the imposing Palazzo della Gran Guardia, the Teatro Filarmonico, and even offers a glimpse of the majestic walls of the nearby Arena di Verona. The panoramic scene includes the Lamberti Tower, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the hills and mountains surrounding the city—completing this corner of paradise with unforgettable moments of relaxation and a toast to the magic of the city.
You will feel like a privileged witness and custodian of an illustrious history, right where art and music wrote memorable chapters, leaving a dual legacy—“on canvas and in stone”—of Mozart’s visit, under a gaze that overlooks the rooftops of the City of Love.
Features
Location
Vicolo Teatro Filarmonico 7 - Verona