Palazzo Pretorio - Pistoia - Tuscany

The large Palazzo Pretorio of Pistoia occupies almost the entire southwestern side of Piazza del Duomo. Built between 1367 and 1389, it has always been the seat of the city court, a function it still fulfills today, and it also houses the apartments of the Podestà. In the first half of the 19th century, the palace underwent a major expansion, but many parts of the original structure were preserved. A visit to the courtyard is truly evocative, where the 14th century stone bench on which the Podestà sat during audiences is still well preserved. In the 15th century, the ceiling was decorated with frescoes, to which the coats of arms of successive Podestas were added later. The main facade is in stone and is characterized by two orders of double lancet windows, the five middle ones on the first floor, in Gothic style, dating from the 14th century layout of the building.

willem vandenameele