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The building: photos

 

ABOUT THE BUILDING

The Palazzo Pretorio takes up the whole of the left-hand side of Via dei Pileati and is one of Arezzo’s most commanding buildings; a building that is rich in history and architectural detail and an example of medieval and Renaissance Aretine architecture.

The building was born out of the consolidation of different buildings belonging to the noble Albergotti, Lodomeri and Sassoli Guelf families and existing since the early 13th century. Its handsome and harmonious façade is adorned with several coats of arms reminiscent of the governors and captains that held the town since 1434.

Many of these heraldically and artistically estimable coats of arms date back to the 15th and 16th century and range from the Alberti di Catenaia to the Rondinelli, from the Rinuccini to Da Filicaia, from the Miniati to the De Nobili, from the Spadari to the Cappelli.

Before it was converted into the seat of the Library (1959) the building also served as a jail (1600-1926) and after extensive restoration work was established as the new home of the Medieval and Art Museum.

See also some photos on the right