Palazzo Tedeschi
(11th-17th centuries)
Witness to centuries of history of aristocratic affairs, Palazzo Tedeschi has undergone several changes which reflect its ancient roots and numerous owners. Originally known as Palazzo Saraceno, the first of a series of residences belonging to the Girifalca family who later changed their name to Saraceno. Over the centuries, the palace changed hands and names. From Palazzo Saraceno it became Palazzo Chiurlia, then Severo-Vernice and finally Tedeschi, the name of the current residents.
The origins of the palace lie in the 11th century. The secondary façade with its elegant and sober single lancet windows takes us back in time evoking the architectural simplicity of medieval times. However the main façade facing onto the street dates back to 1500, an era of more refined and complex architecture. The main entrance leads into a barrel-vaulted hall with lunettes, typical of the period, which allowed the master of the house to arrive by carriage without getting wet in case of bad weather.
Once inside, the visitor is welcomed into an imposing space which displays the grandeur of the residence. The sophisticated vertical structure of the palace is developed by a double-arched portico with low arches supporting two levels of loggias. The first is adorned by elegant 18th century balustrades which bestow a certain elegance to the palace. The true treasure of the palace however, is hidden in the smallest details. On the first level of the staircase leading to the two loggias some inscriptions of great historical value can be found. The first is the ancient crest of the Girifalca family before changing their name to Saraceno. Next to this is another inscription narrating a significant event of the 4th century: the celebration of the first confirmation. These fragments of history are a window onto the roots and the evolution of this building. Palazzo Tedeschi is not only a magnificent example of historical architecture but a silent narrator of the transformations and affairs of the town.
