Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale

Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Complete Guide to Ravenna’s Historic Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale, also known as Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste, is a magnificent palace in the historic heart of Ravenna, Italy. This guide offers a thorough overview of the palace’s aristocratic origins, architectural splendor, visitor information, and its role within Ravenna’s unique cultural landscape. Whether you are a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or a traveler eager to experience Ravenna’s rich heritage, this article will equip you with all you need to plan a memorable visit.

For up-to-date information on events and access, consult the Fondo Ambiente Italiano and official Ravenna Tourism Portal.

Historical Overview and the Rasponi Family
Architectural Features and Symbolism
The Rasponi Crypt and Roof Gardens
Contemporary Role and Cultural Events
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Nearby Ravenna Historical Sites
Visitor Tips and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Visuals, Media, and Further Reading
Conclusion

Historical Overview and the Rasponi Family

Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale traces its origins to the late 17th and early 18th centuries, commissioned by the influential Rasponi family. Over centuries, the palace reflected Ravenna’s transition from a Byzantine hub to a center of Renaissance and Baroque culture. The Rasponi family played a pivotal role in Ravenna’s political, social, and cultural development, and their residence became both a private home and a key venue for cultural gatherings.

The estate later underwent significant transformations. In the 19th century, it was converted into the luxury Hotel Byron. Afterward, it served as headquarters for the cooperative movement under Nullo Baldini. The palace suffered fire damage in 1922 and was rebuilt in a neo-romantic style, now housing official functions (turismo.ra.it).

Architectural Features and Symbolism

Exterior

Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale’s façade combines Baroque exuberance and Neoclassical symmetry, boasting sculpted heads—“dalle Teste”—that symbolize protection and prestige. Facing Piazza del Popolo, the palace’s richly ornamented windows and wrought iron balconies reflect the Rasponi and del Sale family heraldry (Edifici Storici Ravenna).

Interior

Inside, visitors admire grand staircases, frescoed reception halls, and intricate stucco work. The spatial hierarchy leads from an imposing entrance to the piano nobile, where original frescoes and gilded ornaments illustrate the Rasponi family’s social status.

Decorative Symbolism

Blindfolded Moor’s heads and lion’s heads in window architraves reference the ‘dalle Teste’ branch, while crossed lion’s paws (“rasponi”) on sills echo the family’s name and power (Edifici Storici Ravenna).

The Rasponi Crypt and Roof Gardens

Rasponi Crypt

The crypt, the oldest surviving section, dates to the late 18th century. Its neo-Gothic portico opens onto Piazza San Francesco and features a mosaic floor from the lost Basilica of San Severo (6th century AD). The crypt’s niche bears the inscription “Sic vita pendet ab alto,” and although it contains memorials to the Rasponi family, it was never used as a burial site.

Roof Gardens and Terraces

Ascending through terraced gardens inspired by 15th-century designs, visitors encounter cypresses, boxwoods, and a hanging belvedere with panoramic views over Piazza San Francesco and the Basilica’s bell tower. A romantic pergola and a circular fountain enhance the tranquil atmosphere (turismo.ra.it).

Contemporary Art

In 2021, the gardens were enriched with “Laurel Oak Leaves for Dante,” honoring the Supreme Poet on the 700th anniversary of his death. This underscores the palace’s cultural resonance—Dante’s Tomb is just nearby.

Contemporary Role and Cultural Events

Following restoration (2011–2014), Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale has served as a dynamic venue for exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs, reflecting a broader trend in Italy of repurposing historic spaces for community use. Notable exhibitions, such as Graziano Spinosi’s “Ánemos,” harmonize with the palace’s artistic heritage (FAI - Fondo Ambiente Italiano).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale (Rasponi Crypt & Roof Gardens)

Location: Historic center, behind the tourist office, near the railway station.
Public Transport: All city buses stop at Piazza Caduti della Libertà (20m away).
Traffic: Situated in a limited traffic zone; use nearby parking and proceed on foot.

As of March 2024, the Rasponi Crypt and Roof Gardens are temporarily closed for accessibility improvements. Guided group visits are available by appointment—contact [email protected] (turismo.ra.it).

Standard Admission: €2
Free Entry: Children under 6, people with disabilities, caregivers, teachers with school groups, journalists, tourist guides, and group leaders.
Accessibility: Highest terraces and crypt are not accessible to visitors with mobility impairments due to historic features. Contact the tourist office for specific accessibility needs.

Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste (Piazza Kennedy)

Opening: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays.
Tickets: €8 adults, €5 students/seniors, free for children under 12. Purchase on-site or online (Fondo Ambiente Italiano).
Guided Tours: Available in Italian and English on weekends (11:00 AM and 3:00 PM); private tours by appointment.
Accessibility: Ramps and elevators are available; assistance upon request.

Nearby Ravenna Historical Sites

Dante’s Tomb: Final resting place of Italy’s Supreme Poet.
Basilica di San Francesco: Known for its mosaics and Dante’s funeral.
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio: Baroque church nearby.
Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: UNESCO-listed for early Christian mosaics.
Piazza del Popolo: The city’s main square (Wanderlog - Piazza del Popolo).

See the Ravenna Tourism Portal for more.

Visitor Tips and Recommendations

Photography: Roof gardens and terraces offer stunning views—visit at sunset for the best light. Flash and tripods may be restricted during exhibitions.
Combine Visits: Explore Dante’s Tomb and the Basilica di San Francesco nearby.
Plan Ahead: Due to periodic closures and events, always confirm hours and ticket availability in advance.
Dress Comfortably: Wear shoes suitable for stairs and uneven surfaces.
Respect the Site: Maintain a respectful demeanor, especially in crypt and gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Rasponi Crypt and Roof Gardens are temporarily closed for improvements; guided group visits by appointment. Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, closed Mondays and holidays.

Q: How much are admission tickets?
A: Standard admission to crypt/gardens is €2; Rasponi dalle Teste is €8 (adults), €5 (students/seniors), free for children under 12.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment for crypt/gardens; scheduled tours for Rasponi dalle Teste.

Q: Is the palace accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Some areas, like terraces and crypt, are not accessible. Rasponi dalle Teste provides ramps and elevators.

Q: Where can I get more information or book a visit?
A: Contact the Ravenna tourist office or visit turismo.ra.it.

Visuals, Media, and Further Reading

Explore high-resolution images, a virtual tour, and a map of Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale at the official tourism website.

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Contact Information

Address: Piazza San Francesco, 7, Ravenna
Tel: +39 0544 35404 / +39 0544 35755 / +39 0544 482838
Email: [email protected]
Updates and details: turismo.ra.it

Conclusion

Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale is a cornerstone of Ravenna’s historical and cultural identity, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in centuries of aristocratic grandeur and artistic excellence. Its layered history, from noble residence to cultural hub, makes it a must-visit destination. Combine your visit with nearby UNESCO sites and enjoy Ravenna’s unique blend of art, history, and tranquility.

For real-time updates, audio guides, and event notifications, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media. Plan your visit today and discover the living legacy of Ravenna’s noble families.

References and Further Reading

Visiting Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale: Hours, Tickets & Ravenna Historical Sites Guide, 2024, Fondo Ambiente Italiano (https://fondoambiente.it/luoghi/palazzo-rasponi-ravenna-83746?ldc)
Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale in Ravenna: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Architectural Highlights, 2024, Edifici Storici Ravenna (https://www.edificistoriciravenna.it/en/palazzo-rasponi-del-sale-gargantini/)
Palazzo Rasponi dalle Teste: Visiting Hours, History, and Cultural Significance in Ravenna, 2024, Edifici Storici Ravenna (https://www.edificistoriciravenna.it/palazzo-rasponi-dalle-teste/)
Visiting Palazzo Dei Rasponi Del Sale: Hours, Tickets, and Historical Highlights in Ravenna, 2024, turismo.ra.it (https://www.turismo.ra.it/en/culture-and-history/archaeology/rasponi-crypt-roof-gardens/)