The Gran Guardia is a palace situated in the historical center of Verona (Italy). Its construction was very long and difficult: it began in 1610 to end only in 1853.
It is located a few dozen meters away from the Arena, beyond the Piazza Bra gardens.
The building was built as a place for the inspection of the troops when it was not possible, due to the weather, do it outdoors. It was decided to build it close to the walls of the Cittadella, so they already had a completed wall and it could reduce costs and times.
The construction was stopped and resumed several times over the years beginning during the Republic of Venice and continuing under the Hapsburg Empire.
The new building closed the south side of Piazza Bra, giving it a new framework and a new role: it became the central square of Verona, a role that had always been of Piazza delle Erbe.
When it was decided to complete the structure, the author of the monument was unknown, but it is now believed that it was the designer Domenico Curtoni.
The Gran Guardia is now used for exhibitions and conferences.
