Palazzo Comunale, Neoclassical palace in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Rieti, Italy.
Palazzo Comunale is a Neoclassical palace located on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II in Rieti, featuring a symmetrical facade with stone columns and refined decorative details. The building houses the Civic Museum on the second floor with historical and artistic collections, while technical offices occupy the rationalist tower on the property.
The building originated in the 13th century when Rieti became a free commune and was completely redesigned between 1748 and 1752 by architect Filippo Brioni in Neoclassical style. Earlier in the 16th century, architect Vignola had made significant alterations that shaped the structure before this later transformation.
The palace interior displays Liberty style decorations created by artist Antonino Calcagnadoro, reflecting artistic trends of the early 20th century. These ornaments shape how the rooms feel and show how the space was designed during that time.
The palace sits on a central plaza in Rieti and is easily accessible on foot when exploring the city center. The best time to visit the Civic Museum is in the morning when the rooms are less crowded and the collections are easier to view.
The building contains masonry from multiple periods, with medieval foundations still visible beneath the Neoclassical facade completed in 1752. A rationalist tower added in 1956 sits alongside these earlier layers, creating a visual record of Italian architectural styles spanning centuries.
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