Known as Palazzo Comunale, Siena’s
Palazzo Pubblico is considered on of the finest examples of gothic secular
architecture. This was the former residence of the city’s Signoria and is now
the seat of the town council. Out of all the buildings that look onto Piazza
del Campo, this Palazzo is the most imposing building that commands your
attention inside of the square. It is the true and natural center of the
squares
architecture. Until 1270, Siena was ruled by a council of 24 members
known as Governo dei Ventiquattro. This group used to hold meetings in a
building next to the church of San Pellegrino. They decided that they needed a
building that would hold their government and show it had equal power to the
church.
In the late 13th century
they had began to design and construct their new government building. This
building would hold the new government of nine members and confine
them to the palazzo. The council would then be given a large chamber known as
the Salone del Gran Consiglio. The full building was not completed until 1680
when the two side-wings were completed. The large copper disc bearing the
monogram of Christ was placed there in 1425 in memory of St Bernardino of Siena
who preached in the square.
To the left of the Palazzo Pubblico
rises the great Torre del Mangia. Yes, that is correct. It is an enormous
elegantly designed tower dedicated to eating! Ironically enough, the name came
form the towns first bellringer, Giobanni di Duccio. He was given the nickname
Mangiaguadagni because of his gluttonous eating habits and how he was perceived
to “eat away” at the townspeople money given to the government.
The towers foundation stone was laid
in 1325 but the actual construction took place from 1338 to 1348. Entirely in
brick, the tower is surmounted by a stone bell chamber designed by Lippo Memmi.
The tower is 289 feet tall and takes 400 steps to climb this great masterpiece.
As much as you would want an elevator to climb it, the view from the top is
astounding and its height rivals that of the Siena duomo. This was made to show
that the government was just as important as religion in the town. Believe me,
the view shows it. Looking over the and the surrounding countryside is
definitely worth the workout.
