Palazzo del Comune

Palazzo del Comune is a palace in Arezzo, located in Piazza della Libertà, on top of the San Pietro Hill, near the Cathedral of Santi Pietro e Donato. Today, the palace houses the city’s Town Hall.

SHORT HISTORY

Palazzo Comunale, known at first as Palazzo dei Priori, was home to the supreme magistrature of Arezzo. The original facade of the building, dating back to the 14th century, can be admired from Via Ricasoli.

In 1454, there was a first major renovation. In 1466, the large clock was mounted on the tower.

In the second half of the 16th century, a new makeover of the palace began after a design by the famous Florentine architect Alfonso Parigi, which was completed in 1602. During the works, the layout of the stairs was changed, and the large internal portico was built.

In 1650, the facade collapsed and some frescoes painted by Lorentino d’Andrea were lost. The reconstruction was carried out by slightly withdrawing the front of the building.

In 1715, a bell dedicated to the Madonna and Saint Donatus was placed in the tower.

The last major renovation was carried out in 1930s, under the supervision of Giuseppe Castellucci and Umberto Tavanti. The crenellations date back to this renovation.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE

On the ground-floor atrium of the palace, where the Tourist Center is now located, there is a 1640 fresco by Salvi Castellucci, a pupil of Pietro da Cortona, depicting the Madonna with Child and San Donato.

Going up the stairs leading to the upper floors, you can admire some interesting frescoes by local artists, such as the Madonna enthroned between Saint Donatus and the Blessed Gregory X, painted in 1483 by Lorentino d’Andrea, and Saint Francis receiving the stigmata, painted by his son Angelo, during the early 16th century.

In the Council Hall (Sala del Consiglio), there is a wonderful 15th-century fresco by Parri di Spinello, representing Christ on the Cross between the Madonna and Saint John the Evangelist. A masterpiece, even if partially damaged, is the 1525 portrait of Pietro Aretino executed by the great Venetian painter Sebastiano del Piombo.

The Hall of Weddings (Sala dei Matrimoni) contains two beautiful 16th-century paintings by Giorgio Vasari, and a fresco made in 1610 by Teofilo Torri, describing some exciting moments of the history of Arezzo.

From the top floor, you can access the tower, from which you can enjoy a picturesque view of the historical center of the city.

HOW TO GET THERE

Palazzo del Comune is located about about 900 meters away from the Arezzo railway station. The closest bus stop is in Via Ricasoli, about 30 meters away, on the bus Line CS2.