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Historical places #22 in Ravenna

Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste

4.5 · 743 reviews
Refined, historic, and academically oriented
Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste, Piazza John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 12, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy
Interesting facts
1

The 'dalle Teste' suffix refers to the family's coat of arms, which features the heads of eight Saracens.

2

The palazzo was acquired by the Municipality of Ravenna in the late 20th century to prevent its deterioration and serve the public.

3

The building stands on the site of previous medieval structures that were demolished to accommodate the expansive baroque design.

4

The renovation project completed in 2016 focused on restoring the structural integrity of the courtyard and the main decorative salons.

5

It contains a series of interconnected rooms on the piano nobile that maintain the original 17th-century spatial distribution.

Overview

Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste is a prominent 17th-century aristocratic residence located in the historic center of Ravenna. Commissioned by Count Rasponi, the structure is a quintessential example of the baroque architecture favored by the local nobility during the period. The building features an expansive facade and a grand internal staircase designed by architect Giacomo Sellari. It currently serves as a municipal cultural venue, frequently hosting rotating art exhibitions, conferences, and public events. The internal piano nobile preserves original stucco work and frescoed ceilings that illustrate the family's social status. It is situated directly on Piazza Kennedy, a square renovated to highlight the relationship between the historic architecture and contemporary urban space.

Photo spot

The central courtyard, which provides a symmetrical view of the baroque architecture and the main entrance staircase.

Insider tips

Check the municipal cultural calendar online before visiting, as the palazzo is often closed to the public during private corporate events or exhibition installations.

Focus on the ceiling frescoes in the main salons, which are often the best-preserved elements of the interior.

What to avoid

Do not assume the building is open for public tours every day, as its primary function as an event space dictates availability.

Good to know

Frequently closed on Mondays and during periods of exhibition changeover or private event bookings.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume and refrain from touching the historic wall treatments or frescoes.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45 minutes to 1 hour
Best time to visit
Mid-morning on a weekday to avoid crowds attending temporary exhibitions or public functions.
Address
Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste, Piazza John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 12, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy
44.417, 12.197
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleBaroque
Key Features17th-century stucco work, frescoed ceilings, and grand courtyard

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-morning on a weekday to avoid crowds attending temporary exhibitions or public functions..

The central courtyard, which provides a symmetrical view of the baroque architecture and the main entrance staircase.

Close by you'll find Dante's Tomb, Basilica of San Vitale, Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.