Palazzo dei Priori, Assisi

Palace in Assisi

Public Domain / Carlo Raso

Standing proudly on Assisi's main square, the Palazzo dei Priori has long symbolized the city's civic life and governance. Originally established as a magistracy in 1320, this impressive structure tells the story of Assisi's evolution from a medieval commune to a modern Italian municipality. With its sweeping vaults, frescoed halls, and architectural grandeur, it remains one of the must-see places in Assisi for those intrigued by history, art, and politics.

Today, the Palazzo dei Priori continues to function as a seat of local administration, but beyond its offices lies a treasure trove of civic artistry. Its walls echo the aspirations and ideals of the town's past leaders, immortalized through frescoes, heraldic emblems, and sculptural details. As you explore its elegant halls, you'll find that it's not just an administrative building but also a living museum of Assisi's civic identity - a highlight of any walking tour of Assisi.

History and Significance of Palazzo dei Priori
Things to See and Do in Palazzo dei Priori
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Palazzo dei Priori
Is Palazzo dei Priori Worth Visiting?

History and Significance of Palazzo dei Priori

The Palazzo dei Priori’s history began in 1320 when it was first documented as the residence of Assisi’s magistrates. In 1337, the priors purchased property from the Florentine Bardi banking family, building a new structure that extended across the road toward the Moiano gate. This ambitious project included a striking vaulted passage over the adjoining Palazzo del Popolo, exemplifying the city’s confidence and expanding administrative power.

During the papacy of Sixtus IV Della Rovere (1471-1484), the building underwent significant reconstruction, marking a period of renewal in both design and purpose. The Palazzo’s underground level once sat at the Roman pavement height, while the ground floor loggia hosted the Monte di Pietà - a charitable pawn institution established in 1468. The upper floors housed the Priors themselves, adorned with plaques and coats of arms that celebrated papal alliances and civic achievements.

After Assisi joined the Savoy Kingdom in 1860, the palace was extensively restored. The main entrance hall was embellished with frescoes by Alessandro Venanzi in 1870, depicting Assisi's villas, castles, and noble families, reaffirming local pride in the new era of Italian unity. Later, between 1906 and 1910, Mayor Pietro Uber commissioned further decorations in the Council Hall from architect and painter Carlo Gino Venanzi, who added allegorical frescoes celebrating learning, charity, work, and justice.

Things to See and Do in Palazzo dei Priori

Visitors can admire the architectural and artistic richness of the Palazzo dei Priori, which embodies centuries of civic pride. The grand entrance hall, with its intricate vaults and Venanzi's 19th-century frescoes, sets the tone. Upstairs, the Council Hall offers a stunning example of early 20th-century municipal art - its wooden furnishings, frescoed ceiling, and symbolic imagery creating a visual narrative of Assisi's enduring values.

Take time to appreciate the heraldic symbols throughout the palace, each representing popes, cardinals, and governors connected to the city's history. The coats of arms of Pope Paul III Farnese and his contemporaries remain among the building's most striking details. For visitors fascinated by history and politics, exploring the Palazzo is one of the best things to do in Assisi - a window into how religion, art, and governance intertwined across the centuries.

How to Get There

The nearest major airport is Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, located about 20 minutes from Assisi. From the airport, travellers can reach the town by taxi, rental car, or pre-booked shuttle transfer. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Assisi on Booking.com.

The Palazzo dei Priori stands in Piazza del Comune, in the very heart of Assisi's old town. It is easily reached on foot from most major landmarks, including the Temple of Minerva and the Basilica of Santa Chiara. Visitors arriving by train can travel to Assisi railway station, located about 3 kilometers away, and continue by taxi or local bus. Drivers can park at Piazza Giovanni Paolo II or Porta Nuova Car Park, both offering easy access to the historic center and a pleasant uphill walk to Piazza del Comune.

Practical Tips on Visiting Palazzo dei Priori

Best time to visit Palazzo dei Priori: Mid-morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and good natural light for interior frescoes.
Entrance fee in Euros: Usually free; may vary during exhibitions.
Opening hours: Typically 9 AM-6 PM, but hours can change depending on municipal use.
Official website: www.comune.assisi.pg.it
How long to spend: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Accessibility: The upper floors may not be fully accessible; inquire at the entrance.
Facilities: Public restrooms nearby; guided group access may require advance booking.
Photography tip: Capture the façade and the adjoining Piazza del Comune for a perfect composition combining civic and medieval architecture.
Guided tours: Available through the Assisi tourist office; often combined with nearby landmarks.
Nearby food options: Cafés and trattorias around Piazza del Comune offer Umbrian specialties and outdoor seating with views of the square.

Is Palazzo dei Priori Worth Visiting?

Definitely. The Palazzo dei Priori is one of the top sights in Assisi for those wanting to understand the city's civic and cultural evolution. Its combination of medieval structure, Renaissance restoration, and later frescoes tells a story of continuity and pride that mirrors Assisi's own identity. More than just a government building, it's a piece of living history that connects the town's medieval past with its modern role.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.0 (34)

Palazzo dei Priori sits on Piazza del Comune in Assisi near the Torre del Popolo and is described by visitors as a beautiful, enchanting spot with many corners to explore; some see it only from outside while others recommend a visit and note opening hours around 10:00–18:00, and reviewers praise its roomy, clean accommodations and friendly owners.

Co ie Milliken

6 years ago

"Awesome place!! We stayed here for 4 days in August and it was great. Roomy, clean...and the hotel owners are the best. Very friendly."

Mairwen1

3 years ago

"This is one of several historic buildings in Piazza del Comune. Palazzo dei Priori is easy to spot. Looking like a mini castle, it takes up most ofone side of the piazza. It is not a particularly striking building but it has a long history. It’s a lot older than it looks (due to a major renovation in the 1920s). The earliest part was built in the late 1200s and became the residence and offices for the ‘priori’, or city magistrates, who moved in around 1275. Originally it was a much smaller building than what you see here today. Over the centuries, surrounding buildings were acquired and the palazzo was enlarged well beyond the original site. By 1337, the Comune needed more space. Buildings on the right were acquired and were incorporated into the palazzo to serve as the new residence for the priors. The building was rebuilt and enlarged more than once. In 1442, it was badly damaged when the mercenary, Nicolò Piccinino with his army of 20,000 men, attacked and looted the city. It stood in a sad and sorry state for some time but was finally rebuilt and further enlarged in 1471. Structural problems in the 16th century caused another rebuild and not surprisingly, they took the opportunity again to add more space. The palazzo took on its current appearance during a major restoration in 1926. Today it still functions as a centre of government and administration and houses the Town Hall. We weren’t able to go inside when we were there. While you are here, take an extra few minutes to check out the Volta Pinta, a strange tunnel-like vault under the Palazzo del Governatore, which is painted with detailed frescoes of tiny figures and patterns in scenes that are known as grottesques...."

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Riccardo Guglielmo

4 months ago

"Enchanting place... every corner is full of places to visit"

SoCalOregonian

7 years ago

"Palazzo dei Priori is composed of 3 buildings, the first being “A new palace of the Commune in Assisi” was completed in 1275 in its current locationin Piazza del Comune. At this time, the Podesta took up residence within the building. It was first referred to as Palazzo dei Priori in 1330. In 1337, the city bought the property to the right and were remodeled and added to the original Palazzo. This section was the home to the Civic Art Gallery until moving in 1997. The building was expanded again in 1457 with the construction of the 3-story building, which was completed in 1471. This complex is still in use to day by the city government...."

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Rika

6 months ago

"Seen only from the outside."

phat_dawg_21

7 years ago

"This is a collection of buildings that form one side of the Piazza del Comune. Palazzo dei Priori has a long history. The oldest section was builtbetween 1275 and 1295 to house the city government which had been housed in what is now Santa Maria sopra Minerva. The First Extension began in 1337. The Commune bought the houses to the right of the Arco dei Priori. These buildings were remodeled as a two-story extension to the original palace, providing residential space for the Priors. The Palazzo was almost completely destroyed in 1442, when Nicolò Piccinino sacked the city. In 1457, the Commune contemplated abandoning it and rebuilding the equally ruined Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. However, it was subsequently decided to rebuild Palazzo dei Priori. The rebuilding seems to have been complete by 1471, when the Commune built the a three-story extension to the right on the land that had previously been used as an orchard. Structural problems became apparent in the oldest part of Palazzo dei Priori in the early 16th century. The abattoir behind the palace (in what is now Piazza della Chiesa Nuova) was acquired in 1508 and the palace was largely rebuilt. The reinforced foundations at the rear of the palace date to this period.n nThe palaces took on their current appearance (which includes the addition of battlements to the oldest of the palaces) during a major restoration in 1926. The city authorities still occupy much of this complex...."

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The Palazzo dei Priori appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Assisi!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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