Vittorio Emanuele II Square

The square was much bigger than it is now and the Cathedral was in the centre of it because the west side was originally further away. In 1438, the Attis built their palazzo very close to the church. This building had been enlarged by Angelo Cesi during the 16th century. The square was closed by four doors until 1487. In 1479 a fountain set in the centre was demolished.
When in 1262 the commune paved the square, wide Roman tanks were discovered and they were first used to store cereals, later to store water ( until 1572).
Palazzo del Capitano and Palazzo del Popolo were added to the east side of Piazza del Popolo. The buildings were separated by a small street, then linked together with stairs. They are over an arcade called Voltoni, in the past seat of Balestrieri.