Broletto di Como

Como's Broletto stands directly against the cathedral on Piazza Duomo. The medieval civic palace combines striped stonework, pointed arches and a bell tower, preserving a compact image of communal government beside the city's religious institutions.

Why it matters

The Broletto housed Como's communal institutions from the thirteenth century. Its position near the cathedral and bishop's palace brought civic and ecclesiastical authority into close proximity. The tower's bell summoned public assemblies, giving the building both an administrative and a public ceremonial role.

What to notice

Bands of grey, white and red stone distinguish the facades. Four pointed arches support the main front, with three Gothic triple-light windows above. A balcony and blind arcading add further detail. The rear repeats the arcaded arrangement, while the portico retains a floor level lower than the surrounding square. Traces of painted family coats of arms survive within the building.

Context and history

The medieval structure acquired Gothic additions as Como's civic centre developed. Its rectangular body has two principal levels, with the stone tower at the northern end. Later changes in function extended its life beyond communal administration, leaving the palace as a record of the city's architectural and institutional history.