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THE OLD TOWN CENTRE Piazza Garibaldi  The piazza as it appears today -- the bustling centre of town life -- is the product of a gradual evolution over centuries during which all the major seats of town government came to be concentrated around it. In 1221 the Palazzo Vecchio marked its south side, while between 1282 and 1285 the construction of the Palazzo dei Mercanti (today Palazzo del Governatore) led to the expansion of the piazza towards the north, giving it the form it has today. Further major changes were made in the 14th century when the area was enclosed within a fort of towers and gates. In 1606, the collapse of the tower and the relocation of the Palazzo del Comune (Town Hall) hastened the systemization of the north side. Finally, changes to the west side during the 20th century have accentuated the composite nature of the piazza, lending it its current appearance.Photo: ©Franco Furoncoli, Photographer
Palazzo del Comune (Town Hall) This massive brick edifice, the weight of which is somewhat relieved by a loggia on the |
ground floor, occupies the southeast side of Piazza Garibaldi. Designed by the architect Magnani in 1623 and completed in 1673, its appearance recalls the Palazzo Farnese in Piacenza. Other buildings of mediaeval origin form part of the town complex: Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and Palazzo dei Notai.
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