Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo

Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo is a Gothic palace in Reggio Emilia located at Piazza del Monte, featuring medieval architecture with a grand meeting hall and decorated facades. The building displays a richly designed southern side that combines neorenaissance style elements with older Gothic features.

Construction of the palace began in 1280 to house the Captain of the People, a foreign official responsible for order and justice. Between 1920 and 1929, extensive renovations restored the medieval features while preserving the neorenaissance elements of the southern side.

The main hall displays frescoes from the 15th century showing the Madonna with child, along with heraldic shields of former city Captains. These artworks reveal the artistic and political importance the place held during the Renaissance.

The building now functions as Hotel Posta, continuing a hospitality tradition that started in 1515 with an inn. Visitors can explore the publicly accessible areas, including the square and the exterior architecture.

The building housed a long history as a lodging place stretching back at least to the early 16th century, surviving various periods of hardship. This continuous use as accommodation makes it a living example of the city's hospitality tradition.