Broletto, Municipal palace in Pavia, Italy
The Broletto is a palace in Pavia that has served as the city's administrative center since the late 12th century and features two primary components. The ground floor opens to the street through a covered portico, while the upper level houses a spacious assembly hall designed for meetings and municipal business.
Construction began in the late 12th century with the south wing, followed by the east wing, as documented by inscriptions within the structure. Over subsequent centuries, the palace continuously served the city's administrative needs and underwent modifications to accommodate changing requirements.
The building reflects how public spaces evolve over time, transforming from civic gathering places into venues for contemporary art exhibitions. Visitors experience how the same rooms once used for city governance now display modern works from international artists.
Access to the interior requires prearranged guided tours, and the building is equipped with facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. Those planning a visit should check in advance how to reach the site most easily and which areas are accessible at any given time.
Beneath the structure, archaeologists discovered Roman remains from the 4th-5th century, including mosaics now housed in the Civic Museums. These underground layers reveal that urban life flourished at this location more than 1500 years ago.
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