Palazzo dei Priori: Viterbo's Town Hall and Art Museum

The Palazzo dei Priori, located in Viterbo's central Piazza del Plebiscito, stands as a symbol of the city's civic power and artistic heritage. Construction of this significant building began in 1460 and was completed in the mid-16th century, serving as the seat of the municipal council. The palace is composed of two pre-existing buildings connected by an arch: the Palazzo del Comune and the Palazzo degli Uffici, with the connecting corridor serving as a Pinacotheque.The palace's facade, facing the Piazza del Plebiscito, features a portico with nine arches supported by columns. The coat of arms of Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere, who contributed to renovations, is prominently displayed on the loggia. Inside, the palace is adorned with beautifully frescoed rooms, including the Capella Palatina, decorated with frescoes by Filippo Caparozzi and Marzio Ganassino, and the Sala Regia, featuring frescoes by Tarquinio Ligustri, Luigi Nuzzi, and Baldassare Croce. The chapel's main altar showcases a Visitation by Bartolomeo Cavarozzi.The courtyard of the Palazzo dei Priori features stone benches and a fountain designed by Filippo Caparozzi in 1626. Etruscan sarcophagi lids are also displayed, and the courtyard offers panoramic views of the Valle Faul. The Museo dei Portici, a branch of the Museo Civico Luigi Rossi Danielli, is located within the palace and houses altarpieces by Sebastiano del Piombo. The museum's collections include Etruscan, Roman, and medieval artifacts, providing insights into the area's diverse history.