Also known as the Municipal Palace or Palazzo Comunale, Cervia Town Hall is an imposing building on the grand Piazza Garibaldi. Visit the square to appreciate the Town Hall’s beautiful minimalist architecture and feel the sense of history which abounds here.
The Cervia Town Hall was built between 1702 and 1712 and started its life as the Priory Palace. Its designer was Francesco Fontana, the son and student of Carlo Fontana who is renowned as one of the most influential and important architects of 18th-century Rome. Look for other influences of Francesco Fontana throughout the town. He is attributed with the new urban plan of Cervia.
The large yellow-fronted town hall is a beautiful example of Fontana’s work. Notice the central porch covered by a gable symbolizing divinity. On either side are great staircases leading to a public hall.
The building is home to municipal offices as well as several significant works of art. Visit the exhibition dedicated to the Milanese artist Giuseppe Palanti, the permanent exhibition on the painter Maceo Casadei or the photography exhibition which features the work of Sante Crepaldi. All of these are found on the first level.
Piazza Garibaldi sits at the center of Cervia and makes for a delightful place to visit when you are exploring the town’s main attractions. Enjoy people-watching as you sit in one of the outdoor cafés, or if you are lucky enough your visit may coincide with a festival or concert. The Cervia Town Hall makes for an impressive backdrop to the events that are regularly held in the square.
Cervia Town Hall occupies one side of Piazza Garibaldi and is easy to find, sitting at the heart of the old town. Reach it on foot as the square is pedestrianized. If you are arriving by car, it’s best to park outside the old town and walk to Town Hall.