Palazzo Capitano del Popolo description and photos - Italy: Orvieto (Topic)

Palazzo Capitano del Popolo description and photos - Italy: Orvieto. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Palazzo Capitano del Popolo.

Photo and description

The Palazzo Capitano del Popolo, located in the square of the same name in Orvieto, is a simple building striking in its nobility. It was built in the early years after the city became an independent commune in the early 13th century. In many important buildings of Orvieto, you can see architectural elements borrowed from the Palazzo, from the episcopal palace of the Palazzo dei Papi to the family estates of the noble inhabitants of the city. Details such as the grandiose arches supporting the first floor of the building or the staggered cornices are ubiquitous throughout the city.

Construction of the Palazzo began in the first quarter of the 13th century, probably by order of Neri della Greca. For this, a place was chosen where the Papal Palace stood from 1157, which fell into decay as a result of a long period of civil unrest. According to some sources, the Papal Palace was even burned down.

Palazzo Capitano del Popolo originally consisted of a single floor in the form of a covered gallery, which was used as a market square or meeting place. Here, magistrates often spoke to the population, and the rulers of the conquered cities swore allegiance to Orvieto. At the same place in 1375, Orvieto submitted to the Church, becoming part of the Papal States.

Ten years after the completion of the construction, the Palazzo was expanded, and in 1315 a bell tower was added to it, on which a bell decorated with various symbols was placed. In 1472, the upper part of the palace was covered with a roof, and the huge hall was divided into two rooms - the large one was called Zala dei Quattrocento. For many decades, the Palazzo was the seat of the head of the militia, the city podesta (ruler) and the so-called Seven Signors.

Beginning in 1596, one of the rooms housed an auditorium in which students studying law, theology and logic were engaged twice a day. This continued until the end of the 17th century, and nothing more is known about this mini-university.

In 1578, the upper floors of the Palazzo were used as a theater, the performances of which were sponsored by the commune government. Already in our time, in 1987-1989, restoration work was carried out in the building, after which the palace was turned into a conference center. During the same work, interesting archaeological discoveries were made, in particular, the foundation of an Etruscan temple of the 5th century BC was found. and part of a medieval aqueduct with a cistern.

We also recommend reading Castle of Marchione (Castello Marchione) description and photos - Italy: Apulia

Topic: Palazzo Capitano del Popolo description and photos - Italy: Orvieto.