The majestic Gothic building of Palazzo dei Priori (Priors’ Palace) stands out solidly on the Southern side of Piazza del Popolo, opposite the Cathedral. Built at the end of the 13th century together with Palazzo del Capitano (Captain’s Palace), it was changed several times: in 1334-47 the right side was enlarged, in 1367 the quadrangular tower, almost as a hinge between the two squares, was built and finally in 1513, at Leone X’s behest, the architraved windows in Renaissance style were opened on the facade. The well-known bronze eagle made by Giovanni di Gigliaccio in 1339 stands out, as the emblem of the town, on the top left corner, overlooking the square.
The building hosted Chief Magistrates, Priors and Governors of the Papal States over the centuries, and currently houses the Magistrate’s Court and the Municipal Offices.