Palazzo di Capitano del Popolo (Captain of the People Palace), Perugia

The Piazza Matteotti was originally known as Piazza Sopramuro, "Plaza above the wall." It was built in the 13th century, standing on the edge of a steep cliff. The square is supported by walls erected against the hillside, thus the name "above the wall." The square was used as a market place with a view of the valley until 1472.

The Captain of the People Palace and the Old University of Perugia closed off the view by 1481. Lombard architects Gasparino di Antonio and Leone di Matteo built the Palace to have a doorway akin to the doorway of the Town Hall. Its two windows are edged with Renaissance wreaths. The lunette over the door has a statue of Justice.

A severe earthquake in 1741 demolished the third floor of the palace. The floor was replaced by a mezzanine. The ground floor has gothic arches. The Old University was constructed in 1453, adjacent to the palace. By 1514, to comply with the designs of Fiorenzo di Lorenzo, two additional stories were built.

Gothic archways to the left of the palace lead to the Lanari Room. The Lanari Room, once in a while, is used as a venue for arts and crafts. There are also a covered market with underground parking, elevators and a terrace with views of the valley and the south part of town.