On the piano nobile.
The eighteenth-century Great Hall of the College is now known as the Sala dei Cardinali because its walls display numerous portraits of cardinals who once studied at San Carlo. It is an integral part of the palace’s oldest wing and the highlight of the monumental route. Beginning in 1715, it was fully decorated by quadratura painter Pellegrino Spaggiari and figure painter Antonio Consetti. The decoration covers the whole room: the overlooking balconies continue into the rich ceiling design, which creates the illusion of an open architectural space in the theatrical style typical of Emilian Baroque, completed by allegorical figures, ornaments, and noble coats of arms.
