Montepulciano - Palazzo Comunale

The Palazzo Comunale, an austere and massive building on the west side of the Piazza Grande, was begun at the end of the 14th century, but was given its present form in 1424 by the Florentine Renaissance architect Michelozzo, as plans by Michelozzo found as recently as 1965 have demonstrated. The plain, clearly articulated facade with its battlemented top and the tower with its upper section are reminiscent of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, though the Palazzo Vecchio lacks the symmetry of Montepulciano's Palazzo Comunale. From the top of the tower (which visitors can climb) there are extensive views of the surrounding countryside.