The Casa della Dogana (Customs House) is considered as one of the most beautiful Romanic buildings in Padua, and has benefitted from a complete and accurate restoration. It was built near the medieval Gate of San Giovanni delle Navi, in 1294, under the podesta of Nicolo Morosini. The Customs House served important functions in controlling trade arriving from Monselice. It is an example of the 13th century typology of porticoed buildings, and is attributed to the architect Leonardo Zise Bocaleca da Monselice, who at that time was also active at both the palazzo of the Commune and the Church of St. Anthony. The high portico is inspired by same 13th century style as Palazzo della Ragione. During renovations in 1611, documented by a date inscribed on a window frame, the original mezzanine with wood ceilings was substituted by a brick structure supported by a portico with low arches. The single-arched windows of the first floor facade are further graced by an elegant double opening closed by a bearing arch and archivolt, decorated with a motif of small lozenges. This motif is derived from the Tomb of Antenore, also by Bocaleca, and is found in various private buildings of the second half of the 1200s. The side of the building facing the San Benedetto Riviera shows the arms of the Commune of Padua and the Morosini podesta.
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