2014 Italy, Prato: Francesco Datini #1
Statue of Francesco Datini in front of the Palazzo Pretorio.
Datini was a leading merchant and banker who invented the letter of credit.
The Palazzo Pretorio palace was begun in 13th century in red bricks; late-gothic style additions were in white stone. The external staircase and clock were added in 16th century and later.
The main structure in its present form, was assembled during the late 13th century and early 14th century from the merger of three separate buildings, fused to house the local Podestà, the judiciary and Prison. The different building materials, evident from the facade, still allow us to distinguish the outlines of the earlier structures. The oldest part is the tower-house still discernible on the right (13th century), which had belonged to the family of Pipini, with a portico on the ground floor with pilasters of limestone then buffered but still visible. It was purchased in 1284 from the captain of the people of Fresco Frescobaldi to house the municipal government. During the 16th century, the building, including the belltower, collapsed. The restoration added a new bell-tower and crowning crenellations.
2014 Italy, Prato: Francesco Datini #1
Statue of Francesco Datini in front of the Palazzo Pretorio.
Datini was a leading merchant and banker who invented the letter of credit.
The Palazzo Pretorio palace was begun in 13th century in red bricks; late-gothic style additions were in white stone. The external staircase and clock were added in 16th century and later.
The main structure in its present form, was assembled during the late 13th century and early 14th century from the merger of three separate buildings, fused to house the local Podestà, the judiciary and Prison. The different building materials, evident from the facade, still allow us to distinguish the outlines of the earlier structures. The oldest part is the tower-house still discernible on the right (13th century), which had belonged to the family of Pipini, with a portico on the ground floor with pilasters of limestone then buffered but still visible. It was purchased in 1284 from the captain of the people of Fresco Frescobaldi to house the municipal government. During the 16th century, the building, including the belltower, collapsed. The restoration added a new bell-tower and crowning crenellations.