Palazzo degli Anziani, Gothic municipal palace in Pistoia, Italy
Palazzo degli Anziani is a Gothic municipal building in Pistoia that rises in stone at Piazza del Duomo with three ground floor arches and mullioned windows across its main facade. The structure now houses administrative offices and a museum displaying sculptures and decorative arts distributed throughout its multiple levels.
Construction began in 1295 during the tenure of Giano della Bella, requiring the purchase of properties near Pistoia Cathedral to make room for this ambitious civic project. The building remained a seat of municipal government and power for centuries, shaping the city's political identity.
The palace houses a municipal museum displaying paintings and sculptures created over several centuries, revealing what artistic works the city's rulers valued. These collections show how local patrons shaped cultural life through their choices and commissions.
The building sits centrally on Piazza del Duomo and is easily reached on foot in the heart of the city's historic center. Visitors should check current opening hours and access conditions before planning their visit, as some areas may have restricted access.
The facade displays a black marble head and hanging prison keys dating from 1399. These objects serve as lasting reminders of the building's role as a center of justice and civic power in medieval Pistoia.
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