As you exit the Belvedere Gardens, on the right, you will find the Vescovado (The Bishop’s Palace). The building was purchased in 1389 by a family from Roccacigliè in order to offer an adequate residence to the first Bishop, Damiano Zoagli of Genoa. Various embellishments desired by Bishop Castruccio at the end of the 16^th century and by Bishop Ripa in 1630 contributed to the current structure you see today. It’s a simple façade that leads to a portico with Serlian arches. La Sala Lauree (The Graduates’ Room), La Sala dei Vescovi (The Bishops’ Room) and La Sala degli Arazzi (the room of tapestries) overlook an inner courtyard. In the 16^th century, Mondovì was a populous city of 22,000 inhabitants. It was home to the university, “l’Università del Seicento” (The University of the 1600s), which remained in Mondovì until 1566, although graduation ceremonies continued to take place there until 1719.