Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (Captain of the People's Palace / People's Tower), Assisi

Standing in the town square to the left of the Church of Saint Mary above Minerva is the Captain of the People's Palace. Completed in 1282, this historic building initially served as the headquarters for Captain Guido de' Rossi from Florence, who proudly displayed his coat of arms between two shields adorned with the cross, symbolizing the city. Initially the square’s very first public edifice, this palace underwent significant transformation during a renovation in 1927, when its original roof was replaced by Guelph merlons, mirroring those crowning the nearby bell tower. Meanwhile, on the ground level, three wide full arches still host commercial activities to this day.

Adjacent to the palace stands the People's Tower, built between 1275 and 1305. At its base, measures dating back to 1348 record standard sizes for stones and other building materials used at the time. Originally intended as the residence of the People’s Captain, the tower features large lancet windows on its upper levels, smaller ones below, and a prominent clock. By the 16th century, it had transitioned into the headquarters of the Guild of Notaries, who rebuilt the doorway and set their coat-of-arms on display: a book, a pen and an inkwell.