CORTONA | The historical and famous palaces

Palazzo Passerini

Palazzo Passerini, also known as Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (Palace of the Captain of People), is one of the most important palaces that rises on the main square of Cortona, Piazza della Repubblica. The palace dates back to 1250, it was built as the headquarter of a new judge, the so-called Captain of People, who had to defend the rights of the people against the violences of the tycoons. The building originally was high and it was provided of its own bells and tower, higher than the one on the clock tower of the Municipal Palace. In 1500 due to the visit to Cortona of the pope Leone X, the palace was profoundly renewed by the cardinal Silvio Passerini. Palazzo Passerini was completely restored and it were added other sides, that makes the building a real Renaissance palace. The façade was frescoed, and there was also a big terrace with many coloured stained-glass windows. The original medieval architecture is remained on the side façade of the palace, where you can see many original little windows and the original features of the tower- palace. A little curiosity: Palazzo Passerini hosts also our office on the ground floor, so we are very lucky to live directly this architectural and historical beauty every day!