The palazzo gotico is a remarkable example of medieval public architecture, symbol of the city lay power.


The building, which remained unfinished (apparently, the façade was supposed to be just one side of the whole building), dominates the main area in the city center, piazza Cavalli, with the equestrian statues of Ranuccio and Alessandro Farnese. The palace was commissioned in 1281 by Alberto Scoto, leader of the merchants and gibelline lord of the city, and was projected by schools from Piacenza and Como. 

The architects who followed the construction were Pietro da Cagnano, Negro de Negri, Gherardo Campanaro and Pietro da Borghetto from Piacenza. The building has the traditional aspect of Northern Italian Municipal palaces, with a low portico for people’s gatherings and solemnial windows with a balcony letting light into the great hall on the upper floor, which had originally been created for large assemblies, but was actually used as a warehouse and, subsequently, as a theatre. 

On 11th June 1351 it hosted the famous poet Francesco Petrarca, while on  18th February 1561 it was used to celebrate the carnival, which was very popular for the carousels and extraordinary celebrations organised by the Duke Ottavio Farnese. 

The frame decorated with arches, the  typical gibelline crenellations, the central tower with the bell and the two side towers are fine examples of medieval public architecture. There is a striking contrast between the lower, pink marble part and the upper, red brick part decorated with geometrical patterns. There used to be a thirteenth century Madonna with child, dating back to the 13th century, once located in a niche in the façade and now kept in Palazzo Farnese city museums it has been substituted by a copy.