Broletto

Fun Facts

• • Before the 15th-century balcony known as the 'parlera' was built, public officials had to use one of the large trifora windows to shout important proclamations to the crowds.
• • During the restoration efforts of 1899, builders removed an entire upper floor that had been added during the theatre era, finally revealing the building's authentic medieval profile.
• • In the 18th century, the internal hall was completely reimagined as a grand theatre, effectively becoming the cultural and social heart of the city for the aristocracy.
• • Its location adjacent to the cathedral was a strategic architectural choice meant to symbolise the deep-rooted alliance between the commune's civil authority and the church.
• • One of the support capitals located under the portico is a genuine relic from late Roman antiquity, which was salvaged and reused during the building's construction.
• • The Broletto stands directly on the site of the ancient 'broleto cumano,' a historical meadow where citizens once gathered for public assemblies.
• • The building survived a major fire in 1408 caused by a political dispute between the Rusca and Vittani families, an event that reshaped the building's interior architecture.
• • The distinctive facade features alternating horizontal bands of white marble from Musso, grey limestone from Moltrasio, and red stone, showcasing local geological wealth.
• • The ground level of the structure was significantly lower in the past; centuries of city planning and changes to the piazza elevation buried the base of the original pillars.
• • Valuable frescoes that once decorated the interior walls, including a depiction of the Madonna and Child, were carefully removed and are now preserved at the Musei Civici of Como.