Description of the attraction
Palazzo dei Priori is a historic building in the heart of Perugia. As in other medieval Italian cities, it was the seat of the priests - the first persons of Perugia. This magistrate was established in 1303, and is housed in a building that was then called Palazzo Nuovo del Popolo - the New Palace of the People. The Priory consisted of 10 representatives of the largest guilds of the city, of which there were 44. They were elected for a term of two months. The only ones who constantly entered the priory were money changers and merchants, who were represented by two persons at once.
During the incessant popular uprisings in Perugia, the institute of "podestà" was created - the head of the city-state, whose residence was located in the Palazzo del Podesta. But in 1534 this palace was burned down - only the so-called Loggia survived from it, which today can be seen next to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. After this event, it was the Palazzo dei Priori that became the main residence of the Papal legate, the new ruler of Perugia. And when Pope Julius III restored the priory, grateful residents of the city immortalized the memory of the Pope by erecting a bronze monument to him next to the cathedral.
Today, Palazzo dei Priori dominates the square, which faces the main street of medieval Perugia - Corso Vannucci. The first part of the building was built in the years 1293-1297 and had 10 spans facing Corso Vannucci and three spans facing the main square. Two more spans, as well as a large portal and a covered balcony, were added in 1333-1337. The Palazzo was later expanded with the addition of six spans along the Corso Vannucci and a richly carved entrance door worthy of the cathedral itself. Here also rises a tower, from which the approaches to the ancient Via dei Priori, leading to the Etruscan Gate, were controlled. Another part of the building was added in the first half of the 15th century - it still retains its Gothic appearance, especially noticeable in the arrangement of the windows on the facade. It housed the Collegio del Cambio, the currency exchange that was the financial center of Perugia.
The roof along the entire perimeter of the Palazzo dei Priori was originally jagged, not so much for defensive purposes as as a symbol of the city's independence. In 1610, the battlements were removed, and when Perugia became part of the united Italy, they were triumphantly returned to their place.
The main portal overlooking the square is crowned with the symbols of the city - the bronze griffins of Perugia and the lion of the Guelphs. Above the door hangs the keys to the gate of Siena, which were solemnly placed there after Perugia's victory at the Battle of Torrit in 1358. The portal leads to a strict crypt with vaults, and from there, the stairs lead to the Hall decorated with frescoes, in which the priors once sat. In 1582 this room was given to the notaries' guild and was named Zala dei Notari. On the left is the entrance to the National Gallery of Umbria, home to one of the most outstanding art collections in Italy.
