Commissioned by Antonio Bevilacqua, Michele Sanmicheli (b. Verona 1484-1559) made renovations in the early 1530's. The structure is based on a Bramantean two story palace type. At first glance there seems to be an unclear point of centralization, this is due to the lack of space at the time of building. The original plan called for more bays and a central entrance. The facade is consists of two distinct ideas, the top story highlighting the concept of layering and the lower going back to the fortress look. The top story creates a complex rhythm with columns alternating between striaght and left and right spiraled fluting and the fenestration should also be noted here, while the windows themselves are alike the frames around them alternate between a small arch with a triangular or segmental pediment and festoons and a larger arch with a bust keystone and all'antica figures in the spandrel and entablature. Marking the transition of exterior levels is a balustraded balcony with modillions underneath. The lower level is heavily rusticated, with rusticated columns, lintels carried on brackets, and unequally spaced bays. Figural keystones are also used on the lower story. Mannerism and Romano's Palazzo del Te were influential here, as we can see a complex and rhythmic layering. There are factors that point to the emulation of antiquity, especially since Verona had some classical remains. One example is the Porta de'Borsari, which shows that there was interest in later antiquity.
Also designed by Sanmicheli in Verona, the Palazzo Canossa. Probably before the Bevilacqua, you can see some similarities:
- Bramantean two story type
- contrast between stories, arched window frames above and a rusticated lower floor
- balustrade
- layered planes
Differences include:
- doubled pilasters
- continuous base for orders
- statues above cornice
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