Palazzo Dei Priori, Volterra
The Palazzo dei Priori is a Gothic architecture, Gothic-style monumental civic building in the center of the town of Volterra, located on the Piazza dei Priori, also known as Piazza Maggiore. The imposing 13th-century stone building once the office of appointed town magistrates, still has offices of the local commune, including the communal council, for Volterra, province of Pisa, region of Tuscany, Italy. History and Description This building, initially called Palazzo del Comune, was commissioned in 1208 by Ildebrando Pannocchieschi, Palatine Count of the Holy Roman Emperor. The design and construction is attributed to maestro Riccardo da Como; the first floor was completed in 1234, and the upper floors by 1257. Originally, it housed the town leaders, consisting of 24 elders (Anziani), which in 1283 were replaced by 18 Priors of the People (Priori del Popolo), and in 1289 by 12 Defenders of the People (Difensori del Popolo). The stone facade and the tower likely did not receive ...
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Palazzo Priori 2 Volterra
A palace is a grand residence, especially a royal residence, or the home of a head of state or some other high-ranking dignitary, such as a bishop or archbishop. The word is derived from the Latin name palātium, for Palatine Hill in Rome which housed the Roman Empire, Imperial residences. Most European languages have a version of the term (''palais'', ''palazzo'', ''palacio'', etc.), and many use it for a wider range of buildings than English. In many parts of Europe, the equivalent term is also applied to large private houses in cities, especially of the aristocracy; often the term for a large country house is different. Many historic palaces are now put to other uses such as parliaments, museums, hotels, or office buildings. The word is also sometimes used to describe a lavishly ornate building used for public entertainment or exhibitions such as a movie palace. A palace is distinguished from a castle while the latter clearly is fortified or has the style of a fortification ...
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