Palazzo del Capitano
A majestic Renaissance building with Gothic elements, once the seat of justice, now housing Perugia's Court of Appeal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for photos
Palazzo del Capitano
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic Renaissance building with Gothic elements, once the seat of justice, now housing Perugia's Court of Appeal.
"A majestic and stunning building, once the seat of the judiciary during the municipal era."
📸 Admire the Facade
The exterior is the main draw. Take time to appreciate its blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture.
📍 Location, Location, Location
It's centrally located in Piazza Matteotti, making it easy to combine with other Perugia sights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palazzo del Capitano Facade
A majestic and stunning building overlooking Piazza Matteotti, blending medieval and Renaissance styles.
Portal Details
Admire the intricate portal, adorned with griffins and an allegory of Justice, showcasing its historical significance.
Piazza Matteotti Views
Experience the grandeur of the Palazzo from the bustling Piazza Matteotti, a central hub in Perugia.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Its Dual Identity
Appreciate the Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Admire the Facade
The exterior is the main draw. Take time to appreciate its blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture.
📍 Location, Location, Location
It's centrally located in Piazza Matteotti, making it easy to combine with other Perugia sights.
🏛️ Understand Its Use
This building houses judicial offices. Public access might be restricted, so focus on external viewing.
🧐 Look for Details
Don't miss the portal with griffins and the allegory of Justice – a testament to its history.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Admire the Facade
The exterior is the main draw. Take time to appreciate its blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture.
📍 Location, Location, Location
It's centrally located in Piazza Matteotti, making it easy to combine with other Perugia sights.
🏛️ Understand Its Use
This building houses judicial offices. Public access might be restricted, so focus on external viewing.
🧐 Look for Details
Don't miss the portal with griffins and the allegory of Justice – a testament to its history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Palazzo del Capitano for its majestic and stunning facade, a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture with Gothic influences. Its central location in Piazza Matteotti makes it a key landmark. While interior access is limited due to its function as a courthouse, the exterior alone is highly appreciated for its historical significance and architectural details, such as the portal with griffins.
"A delightful little museum, with a diverse collection of works, showcasing the owner's passion and knowledge. Everything is well-maintained; perhaps the lack of supervision is a bit worrying, especially in a multi-story building with artifacts freely displayed."
Riccardo Della Valle
"Very beautiful on the outside, also known as the Palazzo del Bargello, it was built for the transfer of the judiciary between 1473 and 1481. It stands in the Porta di San Pietro district, in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, and is the seat of the Court of Appeal and the Attorney General of the city of Perugia, as well as other municipal offices."
Giuseppe Celsi
"The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo in Perugia, also known as the Palazzo del Bargello in the 15th century, is a Renaissance-style building with Gothic elements. It housed the Capitano del Popolo and part of the city government. The portal, similar to that of the Palazzo dei Priori, is decorated with griffins and an allegory of Justice. In the 18th century, it lost its battlements and one floor due to an earthquake. Next door stands the Università Vecchia, home of the Studium Perusinum since the 15th century. Today, the building houses the Court of Appeal and the city's Attorney General's Office."
Francesco Gentile
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo del Capitano is located in Piazza Matteotti, a central square in Perugia. It's easily accessible on foot if you're already in the historic center. If arriving by car, park in one of the city's garages (like Partigiani or Cupa) and take the escalators or mini-metro up to the center.
Yes, Piazza Matteotti is a key point in Perugia's public transport network. Buses frequently stop in or near the piazza, connecting it to other parts of the city and surrounding areas.
The Perugia train station (Fontivegge) is a bit of a distance from the historic center. It's recommended to take a local bus or taxi to Piazza Matteotti to reach Palazzo del Capitano.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Palazzo del Capitano primarily functions as a judicial building. While the exterior is a significant attraction, public access inside may be limited or restricted to specific areas or events. It's best to check for any official visiting information.
As it houses the Court of Appeal and Attorney General's Office, standard business hours for government buildings likely apply. Public access to the interior might be restricted outside of these hours or for specific purposes.
Typically, there is no entrance fee to view the exterior of Palazzo del Capitano. If there are any specific exhibitions or guided tours of accessible parts, a fee might apply.
Direct public tours of the entire Palazzo del Capitano may not be regularly available due to its function as a courthouse. However, parts of the building might be accessible during specific events or for official business.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the building's impressive Renaissance architecture with Gothic elements, its grand facade, and the historically significant portal featuring griffins and an allegory of Justice.
Absolutely! The facade and its location in Piazza Matteotti offer excellent opportunities for architectural photography, especially during the golden hours.
Built between 1473 and 1481, it was originally for the transfer of judiciary functions and housed the Capitano del Popolo. It has undergone changes due to earthquakes and renovations.
It's opposite the Palazzo dei Priori and adjacent to the Università Vecchia. The 1932 covered market is also nearby, and you can see foundations of the square.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the architectural details of the Palazzo.
For architectural shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the full facade. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or for capturing detailed shots of the portal.
The best vantage points are directly from Piazza Matteotti. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and grandeur of the building.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different times of day to capture the interplay of light and shadow on its Renaissance and Gothic features. The detailed portal with griffins and the allegory of Justice is a must-capture element. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
Key architectural features include its majestic presence and the intricately decorated portal. This portal is particularly noteworthy, featuring prominent griffins (a symbol often associated with Perugia) and an allegory of Justice, hinting at the building's original purpose. While an earthquake in the 18th century led to the loss of battlements and a floor, the Palazzo retains its grandeur. Its proximity to other historical structures like the Università Vecchia further enhances its architectural context within the city.
Today, the Palazzo del Capitano continues its civic function, serving as the seat of the Court of Appeal and the Attorney General's Office of Perugia. This ongoing use means that while the exterior is freely admired, interior access is typically limited to official business or specific public events. Visitors can appreciate its historical and architectural value from the outside, imagining its past as a center of power and justice.
Historical Context and Evolution
Over the centuries, the Palazzo has witnessed significant historical events and undergone physical transformations. The mention of it being known as the Palazzo del Bargello in the 15th century highlights its evolving nomenclature and potentially its changing administrative roles. The impact of natural disasters, such as an 18th-century earthquake, necessitated structural modifications, including the removal of battlements and a floor, altering its original silhouette.
Despite these changes, the Palazzo del Capitano remains a vital part of Perugia's urban fabric. Its current role as the seat of the Court of Appeal and the Attorney General's Office signifies its enduring connection to the city's legal and administrative systems. This continuity allows visitors to connect with its historical significance while observing its present-day importance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit