The Palazzo dell’Arengo is a historic building in Ascoli Piceno. It was built as the town hall of the city, but at the moment part of it serves as the seat of the Pinacoteca Civica.
Palazzo dell’Arengo Ascoli Piceno
Useful information
Address: Piazza Aringa, 7 – Ascoli Piceno. Phone: +39 0736 2981. Opening times: From Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 till 13:00 and from 15:00 till 18:00; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 till 18:00. Ticket price: 8 Euros (discounted: 5 Euros). The opening hours and ticket prices are for the Pinacotheque, and include visits to the Forte Malatesta and the Contemporary Art Gallery.
History and description
Towards the end of the 12th century, when Ascoli Piceno was becoming ever more important economically and politically, it became a free city. Its people also felt the need to build their own town hall for the emancipating city.
Until then, public assemblies had been held in churches or in public squares. Now, however, they felt the need to create a special space and thus the Palazzo dell’Arengo was built in Piazza Aringa.
Despite being incorporated into the Palazzo del Comune, which was built between 1679 and 1745, the Palazzo dell’Arengo has retained its original structure.
What to see
The Palazzo dell’Arengo consists of two floors, the lower of which is divided into two large halls. Both rooms are divided into three naves by two rows of slender columns and therefore remind one of churches. In these halls the merchants met to trade their wares. The merchandise was also stored here.