Descrizione
As you stroll along the historic Via del Corso in Corinaldo, the majestic Town Hall immediately catches the eye with its grandeur and charm. This building, a symbol of this town in the Marche region, is not merely an administrative centre, but a true guardian of local history and culture.
Its current structure, built between 1784 and 1791 by the Fano-born architect Francesco Maria Ciaraffoni, with subsequent alterations by Giuseppe Brunelli, stands on the foundations of an ancient Renaissance palace. Its neoclassical forms reflect the transition from Baroque opulence to 18th-century simplicity, with elegant arches and windows set on pedestals that create striking interplays of light and shadow. From the eastern loggia, the view stretches as far as the Apennines, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Marche countryside.
Upon entering the palace, one steps into a veritable treasure trove of historical and artistic treasures. As you walk through the palace’s corridors and state rooms, you can admire the works in the prestigious municipal picture gallery, a collection of portraits spanning three centuries of art, from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. These works, donated by Corinaldo’s noble families, bear witness to the town’s rich artistic heritage.
Among the masterpieces on display, the portrait of Monsignor Pietro Agostino Boscarini stands out; it has recently been attributed to the famous Fano-born painter Carlo Magini. Another notable work is the portrait of Blessed Pope Pius IX, painted by the Corinaldo-born artist Domenico Berardi. These artistic treasures further enhance the palace’s charm, making it an unmissable destination for anyone wishing to discover the historical and cultural soul of Corinaldo. In the cellars, another surprise awaits visitors: the Hall of Costumes and Folk Traditions. This space houses the ducal costumes used during the historical re-enactment of the ‘Contesa del Pozzo della Polenta’, a tradition deeply rooted in the town’s collective memory.
The costumes, made each year by the district that wins the Palio, represent just a fraction of a vast sartorial heritage comprising over 500 costumes, including those of nobles, heralds, squires and commoners. Here you will also find painted palios, tools for working with fabrics and a reproduction of the legendary ‘Cannone di Fico’, a reference to a historic Corinaldo legend.
