Pula Communal Palace, Gothic town hall at Forum Square, Pula, Croatia.
The Communal Palace is the town hall at Forum Square in Pula, blending architectural styles from Roman antiquity through Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods in its stone facade. Its interior spaces continue these layered architectural traditions, creating rooms that reflect multiple historical periods.
Construction began in 1296 on the site of the former Temple of Diana, marking a new chapter for Pula's governance. Since then, it has served continuously as the seat of municipal government for over seven centuries.
The facade displays stonework with Latin inscriptions expressing civic duty, along with reliefs showing a rider and legendary figures from medieval times.
The building currently houses the city council and administrative offices, so visitor access is limited. However, the impressive architecture can be easily viewed from outside on the square.
A distinctive detail is the grotesque telamon figure on the facade bearing the building's weight. Nearby sits a Romanesque mermaid holding the tips of stone fins.
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