Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, Gothic civic palace in Orvieto, Italy
The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo is a civic building made of pink tufa stone with five wide arches on the ground floor and six smaller arches above, forming a characteristic Gothic pattern. Its interior is divided into several areas, including the Sala dei Quattrocento with its vaulted ceiling and other rooms designed for public events and gatherings.
The building was constructed around 1156 and initially served as a papal residence, but was later adapted to provide quarters and offices for city officials. Major changes occurred in the 15th century when the main hall was divided to create additional space for administrative functions.
The palace takes its name from the civic leaders known as Capitani del Popolo who held office here and guided the city's governance. Visitors today can walk through the spaces where these magistrates gathered to make decisions that shaped Orvieto's future.
The palace is located in Orvieto's old town and is easily reached on foot, especially from Piazza del Duomo. Visitors should check ahead about opening times and current events, since the spaces are now used for conferences and exhibitions.
Beneath the palace lie ancient Etruscan foundations, where you can see old stone blocks stacked with an engraved letter A carved into them. This hidden archaeological layer shows how the site was rebuilt over centuries, with different civilizations layered on top of one another.
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