Broletto, Medieval palace complex in Novara, Italy
The Broletto is a medieval palace complex consisting of four buildings arranged around a central courtyard with brick archways serving as main entrances from Piazza del Duomo and Corso Italia. Inside the complex, rooms and corridors preserve architectural elements and layouts that show how administrative functions were distributed across the different structures.
Construction of this administrative center began after the Peace of Constance in 1183, with the first written records mentioning the complex dating to 1208. The building reflects Novara's growing power and the city's need to establish a strong governing structure during the medieval period.
The name Broletto comes from a medieval term for a public palace, and the complex still reflects Novara's role as an important administrative center during that period. Walking through the courtyard, visitors can sense how this place once governed the city's affairs and brought people together for civic matters.
The complex can be entered on foot from either Piazza del Duomo or along Corso Italia, with both entrances clearly accessible from the street. Visiting in the morning or early afternoon allows you to explore the buildings and courtyard at a relaxed pace without the crowds of later hours.
Archaeological discoveries during 20th-century renovations revealed that this complex was built directly over Roman-era structures buried beneath its foundations. This hidden layer shows the site had importance long before the medieval period began.
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