Located in Piazza della Repubblica, next to the Torre Campanaria (Bell Tower) and the Chiesa di S. Andrea, Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall) is still the seat of the Municipality of Orvieto.
The original layout dates back to the 12th century but its modern appearance is the result of subsequent renovations. Over time, the building passed under the dominion of local noble families and the Church, until it reverted to municipal ownership and to definitively carry out its function. The last major restoration was carried out in 1532 when Sangallo’s design for renovation was commissioned, while the direction of the works was later entrusted to Ippolito Scalza. Two designs followed: one by Sangallo for the portico of the lower floor and the other by Scalza for the upper floors but the works, interrupted in 1581, were never completed as can be seen from the building’s unfinished loggia.
The building still has a very elegant appearance, nonetheless, organized on three levels: the first has an entrance loggia that supports the balconies above, the second is composed of an order of framed windows surmounted by tympanums, and the third and last has small rectangular windows.
Inside the building there are pictorial decorations with interesting architectural features, including all the coats of arms and views of the castles that were under the jurisdiction of Orvieto in the 17th century and which are minutely represented in the Palazzo’s Aula Consigliare (Council Chamber).