Arco Bollani

Udine (1556) This arch, at the foot of the rise which leads to the Castello, was raised at the behest of the Venetian Lieutenant Domenico Bollani with the double intent of self-celebration and giving a Venetian character to the Piazza Contarena (the present Piazza della Libertà) as an adjunct to the Castello, the centre of La Serenissima’s power.

Works began in April 1556 and were concluded four months later, when the Lion of St. Mark with its copper wings was hoisted into position. Palladio’s name is mentioned in contemporary sources, and is also documented by activity seven years later, when he widened the road rising to the castle and evaluated the visibility of the arch.

View from the piazza della Libertà (photo Sutto 1999)
 

View from the castle slope (photo Sutto 1999)

Detail (photo Sutto 1999)