Palazzo Pretorio

Palazzo Pretorio is a palace in Arezzo, located in Via dei Pileati, about 100 meters away from Piazza Grande. Since 1954, the palace houses the Municipal Library of Arezzo.

SHORT HISTORY

The area on which the current palace stands was occupied since the 13th century by the houses of the Albergotti, Lodomeri and Sassoli families. Thus, the palace is the result of the unification of several buildings, built in different periods and styles.

At first, Palazzo Pretorio was the seat of the Captain of Justice (Capitano di Giustizia). At the beginning of the 15th century, the palace was purchased by the Municipality, and transformed into a prison, which was closed only in 1926.

In the 1920s, a long restoration began, completed in 1934 by the architect Giuseppe Castellucci, who returned the structure to its 16th century appearance. After the restoration, the Medieval Museum of Arezzo was transferred there.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE

The beautiful facade of the palace is decorated with many coats of arms of podestà (chief magistrate) and captains, who used the palace as their seat since 1434.

Inside the palace, on the ground floor, there is a private chapel, where you can admire the remains of a fresco depicting the Annunciation. On the northern side of the chapel, there is a beautiful courtyard with a loggia, almost completely redone by Castellucci at the beginning of the 20th century.

On the first floor, a large room, illuminated by the large windows of the facade, now welcomes all those who want to use the Library. Inside the room, there is an ancient tabernacle, with the crucified Christ between the Virgin Mary and Saint John.

Another tabernacle, dating back to the 14th century, is located in a smaller room, adjacent to the reception of the Library, which preserves the images of the Madonna with Child and Saints.

On the second floor, there is a room where precious manuscripts are kept, which has a beautiful 16th century wooden ceiling.

HOW TO GET THERE

Palazzo Pretorio is located about 950 meters away from the Arezzo railway station. The closest bus stop is Viale Buozzi Opp 5 – Prato, on the bus Line CS2, located about 140 meters away.