Palazzo Pretorio

Palazzo Pretorio is actually situated in Via dei Pileati, that is how the upper stretch of Corso Italia is called, from Via degli Albergotti to the corner of Via dell'Orto. It is one of the most impressive buildings in town which is now the seat of the central library of Arezzo. It consists of three different buildings which belonged in the past to three important families of the town: Albergotti, Sassoli and Lodomeri. These buildings can be dated back to the XIII^th century but were later enlarged and transformed just like the other buildings in Corso Italia. Palazzo Sassoli, for example, has been used as a prison for over 500 years since the XIV^th century. We can still see the bars on the windows in some old photos. 

On the facade you can admire quite many XV^th and XVI^th century coats of arms which do not only belong to the main families in town but also to captains or podestàs who had played a relevant role in the town political life.