Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, Gothic palace in Siena, Italy
Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo is a Gothic palace built from brick and light-colored stone, with multiple levels and characteristic window patterns. The structure displays typical medieval masonry and wall details that were common in 14th century Siena.
The palace was built in 1360 as the headquarters for the Captain of the People, a key official in medieval Siena's government. It represented the city's communal power and independence during that period.
The palace shows how medieval Siena combined Gothic style with everyday living spaces, mixing beauty with practicality. Walking past it, you notice how the city used such buildings to display its power and taste.
The palace is privately owned and typically not open for interior visits, but you can view the exterior architecture from the street. It sits on Via del Capitano in central Siena, making it easy to locate on foot.
During a major renovation in the 1800s, decorative battlements and coats of arms were added to strengthen its medieval appearance. These later additions give the building a slightly romantic character that blends older style with 19th century ideas about how it should look.
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