Palazzo Magnani stands on one of the most majestic streets in the heart of the city, Corso Garibaldi.
Historical Notes
The first records of Palazzo Magnani date back to 1608, when documents attest to its ownership by the Becchi family.
In the corner of the palace, between Corso Garibaldi and Via Vicedomini, is an admirable two-faced Janus, dated 1576 and attributed to Prospero Sogari, an artist from Reggio Emilia known as Clemente.
Two-faced Janus
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At the beginning of the 18th century, the palace passed into the hands of the Chioffi family, who undertook major restoration work. Beginning in 1841, work was carried out on the façade and the vaulted entrance hall. The monumental staircase leading to the piano nobile also dates back to the 19th century.
In the entrance hall, the Chioffi family coat of arms can be seen on the vault and on the wrought-iron gate. The first room on the ground floor also features the initials of the founder, Giuseppe Chioffi, G.C. After a series of changes of ownership, in 1917, the palace was sold to the Magnani family, later becoming the city residence of Luigi Magnani, a renowned art collector, musicologist, and man of culture. In 1988, the palace was sold to the Province of Reggio Emilia.
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Architecture
The façade of Palazzo Magnani features an elegant neoclassical design, with a sequence of ashlars, two rows of windows, and an imposing cornice with a frieze. Above the large door, you can admire the stone balcony with carved figures and bas-reliefs.
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The complex extends over approximately 3,000 square meters, including the main building, the noble palace, and the stables. The building to the north of the palace features two courtyards.
Cortile di Palazzo Magnani
Inside the noble palace, the grand staircase, with stone steps and late-19th-century decoration, leads to a large gallery supported by stucco-decorated corbels. The decorative features on the main floor are exquisite. The entrance loggia features floral motifs with cherubs, and two views are depicted above the doors. One depicts the castle of Castelnovo Sotto, the Chioffi family’s hometown.
Among the various rooms, the dining room, the Sala à manger, is certainly worth admiring, with its frescoed ceiling depicting the god Bacchus amidst a display of game, cabbages, and pumpkins.
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Hall of the noble palace
Palazzo Magnani, home of the Palazzo Magnani Foundation, is today a vibrant cultural center and venue for major exhibitions. The Foundation promotes and disseminates the visual arts, organizes cultural events and initiatives, and enhances the local area.
