Podestà Palace

Once part of an ancient defensive tower along the town walls, Palazzo del Podestà tells a fascinating story through its facade, adorned with the crests of the podestàs who governed this land from the 15th century onward. Over the centuries, the building has evolved, adapting to the times. Originally a symbol of political power, it later became the “Ravvivati” Theater, a lively cultural venue that enriched the social life of Asciano until the last century.

Palazzo del Podestà stands out among the facades surrounding the historic Piazza del Grano, keeping watch over the beautiful 15th-century fountain. The structure reveals traces of an earlier palace, evidenced by a simple ogival arch. The building was then expanded, incorporating the tower behind it, which was part of the defensive wall, likely to provide the podestà and his entourage with the necessary space.

Each crest embedded in the impressive, austere facade tells a story—a visual narrative spanning centuries, revealing the individuals who shaped Asciano’s destiny. Among these is the notable Vieri di Nanni, who in 1471 oversaw the construction of the fountain that adorns the square. Most of the crests are carved in stone, while some were crafted in ceramics, likely produced in the workshops of Asciano’s master potters.

In modern times, the Palazzo del Podestà was converted into a theater belonging to the local Accademia dei Ravvivati in the 19th century. As the community's needs evolved, the building saw its last major transformation in the 20th century, becoming a cinema, transitioning from theatrical performances to film screenings.