Palazzo Zenobio

Lonely Planet review

This grand baroque structure has housed the Collegio Armeno dei Padri Mechitaristi (Armenian College of Mechitarist Fathers) since the mid-19th century. The structure is the handiwork of Antonio Gaspari, but apart from the grand curved tympanum, the exterior of the building tells you little. To behold the Sala della Musica (Music Room), also called the Sala dei Specchi (Hall of Mirrors) is to witness Gaspari's voluptuous décor at its bubbly baroque extreme.

This and adjacent rooms are handsomely decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from ancient mythology. The building is a world unto itself, with dormitories, classrooms, grand kitchen and halls used for expositions. The exuberant garden is sometimes the scene of private receptions, concerts and the like. Guided tours can be organised by calling ahead.