Broletto di Como

The Broletto di Como is the original seat, in the Middle Ages, of the municipality of the city of Como.

The Broletto was built in 1215, commissioned by podestà Bonardo da Codazzo. The building was erected on the site of the so-called broleto cumano, ie a meadow used to hold town meetings, as early as the 11th century.

The facades are built in bands of Lombard marble in three different colours: white, gray and red, while the civil tower is built in ashlar technique.
From the 15th century onwards, the progress of the construction of the Duomo required the demolition of the southern part of the Broletto.

Over the following centuries, the works on the Duomo also required a gradual demolition of the Pretorio, first partially demolished to make way for the construction of the northern chapel (1645) and then completely demolished to preserve the marble cladding of the northern side of the cathedral. able to lay (1882).

When it lost its civic function, the interior of the Broletto was used as a theater hall in the 18th century.

A primitive theater hall is documented from 1712, when in the hall of the building stood a wooden structure that served as a stage for theatrical performances aimed at the less well-off classes of the bourgeoisie.

Currently, the Broletto is used as a conference hall, and for art exhibitions and urban ceremonies. From 2015 to August 2018, the part of the sotto portico on the northernmost arcade housed a tourist information point of the city of Como.

Como is sinking slowly but surely. Because the lake has no exit, the city was also prone to flooding. That is why in the 14th century it was decided to raise the city about 1 meter. The cathedral that was built later is therefore also higher. This can still be seen in the lower floor in the portico, which was re-exposed in 1975.

Willem Vandenameele