Castello-Palazzo Da Ponte

The Castello-Palazzo Da Ponte is a fortress that has evolved into a palazzo, a common fate for strongholds no longer needed for defence. Its original quadrilateral plan with corner towers is now largely lost; only one circular tower remains, a survivor from the vanished city wall and the long-gone Porta a Monte. The north front, rendered in plaster, is severe and almost windowless, broken only by a single rusticated stone portal.

The main block facing the piazza rises three storeys, with a modest segmental-arched doorway. Inside, the structure is built of stone masonry, with barrel-vaulted cellars and iron floors. The old stables still have their vault pierced by narrow ‘wolf’s mouth’ windows. In the courtyard, an imposing staircase climbs to a terrace lined with stone-framed doors and windows. A square tower stub remains to the north-west, and above a portal, the Doria coat of arms was placed by Father Rocco.

Description via source. Coordinates and heritage data from the Atika atlas.