Sala dei Notari (Notaries’ Hall), Perugia

The Notaries' Hall (Sala dei Notari) in Perugia is a historical chamber within the grand Palace of the Priors (Palazzo dei Priori), historically significant as a gathering place for the town's nobility and, later, as the center for public meetings and classical music concerts. This room, characterized by its vast Romanesque arches and a collection of paintings and frescoes, traces its origins back to the Free Commune period when it served as a venue for people’s assemblies.

Initially known as the People's Room, it was repurposed in 1582 when it became the headquarters for the "Art of Notaries," an influential guild of notaries, acquiring its present name. The hall is structurally magnificent, supported by eight robust arches and adorned with remnants of frescoes from the late 13th to the 14th century, though many originals were lost or painted over during renovations, particularly those by Matteo Tassi in 1885.

The various coats of arms from different periods, including those of significant historical figures such as Braccio Fortebraccio, a prominent lord in Perugia during the 15th and 16th centuries, are noteworthy within the hall. These elements, combined with the stories and legends depicted, contribute to the room’s rich tapestry of history and art.

Having undergone numerous alterations during three centuries of Papal rule, the Notaries' Hall was restored to its former medieval state post-1860, preserving its architectural and artistic heritage. Today, it continues to be a pivotal space for creative, theatrical, and musical events, embodying a blend of historical reverence and contemporary cultural use. The entrance to this iconic hall faces the IV November Square, offering an inviting gateway to this emblematic piece of Perugia's cultural and political history.