Town Hall - City Hall

The City Palace of Taranto is the municipal residence in the Old Town of the city, it was built between 1864 and 1869 according to the project of the architect Davide Conversano, author of the urban plan of the Old Town, and replaced the Residence of the Captain, a building used as the "Municipal House" and the "Residence of the Royal Governor." 

In this 16th-century structure, fortified by 4 towers at its corners, the military governor of the city was assisted in his functions by a Council, elected through a very complex procedure: indeed, the 30 most worthy citizens were chosen from the population, who in turn designated another 72, in order to form lists composed of 24 people each. These lists had to alternate for a year within the Council, selecting the 6 citizens who made up the Executive Committee. 

In 1929, consolidation works on the building became necessary, which also involved modifications to the main facade, which was raised to accommodate the clock. Further consolidation works on all floor levels and restoration of the facades were carried out in 1979. 

Inside, corresponding to the doorways (one of which is now closed), an arch called the "Governor's Arch" crosses the entire palace, connecting Piazza Castello with the interior of the Old Town, while the wide staircases lead to the elegant Hall of Mirrors on the first floor and the Council Chamber on the second floor, as well as to the administrative offices, all of which enjoy a picturesque view.