Piazza del Comune

Why it matters

Montefalco's Piazza del Comune, historically described as a round plateau, occupies the summit of the town and brings civic and religious buildings together. Five streets radiate from the square toward the former town gates, linking the piazza to the medieval urban plan.

What to notice

The Palazzo Comunale, with its loggia and bell tower, dates to 1270 and was enlarged in the fifteenth century. Santa Maria de Platea, among the town's oldest buildings, is associated with the commune's early public assemblies. The square is also bordered by historic residences including Palazzo Pambuffetti, Palazzo Senili, Palazzo Santi-Gentili, Palazzo Langeli and Palazzo De Cuppis.

Context and history

Documents from 1180 refer to the settlement as castrum Cocoroni. Montefalco developed as a free commune by the end of the twelfth century. The Palazzo del Popolo was built in 1270, and the town's civic institutions remained centred on the piazza. Pope Pius IX granted Montefalco city status in 1848. The Fuga del Bove, a later civic tradition, brings together the town's four historic quarters.