Palazzo Pretorio in Arezzo

Historic Building and Palace in Arezzo

Palazzo Pretorio Arezzo — CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tetraktys

Palazzo Pretorio is a historic palace located in Arezzo, situated on Via dei Pileati, approximately 100 meters from Piazza Grande. This palace has a rich history and has served various functions over the centuries.

The area where Palazzo Pretorio stands has been occupied since the 13th century by different noble families, including the Albergotti, Lodomeri, and Sassoli families. As a result, the palace is the product of merging several buildings constructed in different periods and architectural styles.

Initially, Palazzo Pretorio served as the seat of the Captain of Justice (Capitano di Giustizia). In the early 15th century, the Municipality of Arezzo purchased the palace and converted it into a prison, which remained in operation until 1926.

In the 1920s, a significant restoration effort began, led by architect Giuseppe Castellucci, with the goal of returning the palace to its 16th-century appearance. This restoration was completed in 1934, and the Medieval Museum of Arezzo was subsequently housed in the palace.

The palace’s beautiful façade is adorned with numerous coats of arms, representing the various podestà (chief magistrates) and captains who used the palace as their seat since 1434.

Inside the palace, visitors can find a private chapel on the ground floor, featuring remnants of a fresco depicting the Annunciation. The northern side of the chapel opens onto a stunning courtyard with a loggia, which was largely reconstructed by Castellucci at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Palazzo Pretorio in Arezzo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arezzo!

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