Gotico Palace, Piacenza
Gotico Palace in Piacenza (Palazzo Comunale) is also known as "Gothico". This is an outstanding example of medieval urban architecture and one of the symbols of the city. Despite the fact that the palazzo has not been completed, it is beautiful and peculiar even in this form, and it is a treat for the eye. The building, although not very high, dominates the central part of the city.
History of the palace
The construction of the palazzo was commissioned in 1281 by Alberto Scoto, who at that time was the head of the trade guild and council of the city government. According to the first plan, the present façade of the palace was to become only one of the four parts of the square structure. But the plans of the people were interrupted by an outbreak of plague that did not allow the building to be completed. A team of 4 architects worked on the construction: Pietro da Cagnano, Negro de Negri, Gherardo Campanaro, Pietro da Borghetto. Initially, city meetings were held on two floors of the building. Soon the second floor was used as a warehouse, and after the construction of a wooden theater in 1644 – for performances. During the 17th century, there were several reconstructions and balconies were added to the building. But at the end of the 19th century, during the reconstruction, the palace was restored to its original appearance, removing the extensions. In the early 20th century, another restoration was carried out.
Architecture and events
The building resembles the traditional municipal buildings of northern Italy, with a low portico for city meetings and large windows with a balcony. This is the so-called Lombard style. The palace has a cornice decorated with large arches, a central tower with a bell and two side towers. The portico on the first floor is made of white stone and red Verona marble, it has 5 arches from the front and 3 archways from the sides. It contrasts strongly with the second floor, which is made of terracotta bricks. Large arched windows complement the geometric decorations and symbols of the Ghibellines. A copy of the statue of Madonna and the Baby is in the niche between the 4th and 5th windows of the front side. The back of the building is closed, there is an interior courtyard. The huge hall of the second floor is decorated with frescoes and paintings.
The famous poet Francesco Petrarca performed in the big hall on June 11, 1351. On February 18, 1561 the hall was the venue for the carnival celebrations of the grandiose local festival. Now the hall is used for cultural events, art exhibitions and various meetings.
How to get there
The Gotico Palace is located in the central city square of Piacenza – Piazza Cavalli. In front of it there are the paired statues of the Cavalli del Mochi, and near the neighboring church – the Monument of Romagnosi. On the square there is a Municipio stop – Ufficio Turismo. It can be reached by buses № 1, 2, 16.
Opening hours: visitors can see the exterior of the building all year round, the second floor and the hall – only during temporary exhibitions. To get the exact information you should call phone numbers (+39) 0523 492223, (+39) 0523 384849.
Free admission. Data of May 2018.
