Palazzo del Podestà, building in Parma, Italy
The Palazzo del Podestà is a stone building in Parma constructed in Romanesque style with thick walls and sturdy masonry. Its facade features rectangular windows, crenellations with notched profiles, a grand arched entrance, and the main section displays elegant bifore windows from the medieval period.
The Palazzo del Podestà was built between 1221 and 1240 as a residence and office for the podestà, an important city administrator. Over the centuries, the building underwent several renovations, notably in the 18th century in neoclassical style and again in 1927 to reveal the original medieval stonework.
The palace shapes the appearance of Piazza Garibaldi and reflects how medieval governance was woven into public life. The shops along its facade show how commerce and administration existed side by side, making it a focal point for daily interaction.
The building stands directly on Piazza Garibaldi next to the Palazzo del Comune and is easy to reach on foot, with open shops along the facade to browse and explore. Viewing the exterior is possible at any time since the square is publicly accessible and active with people during the day.
In 1606 a tall adjacent tower collapsed and severely damaged both this building and the neighboring Captain's residence. Later, windows were partially bricked up in the 18th century to balance the facade, but a 1927 restoration exposed the original medieval stonework beneath.
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