Palazzo Piacentini, also known as Casa Fiorani, is one of the most significant historic buildings in San Benedetto del Tronto. Originally built in 1812 by Giuseppe Fiorani, a master carpenter of Ripan origin, the building has undergone several transformations over time. Starting in the second half of the 19th century, the Fiorani family, eager to assert their social prestige, gave the palace an elegant and refined appearance that has been faithfully restored today.
The building has three levels: the ground floor opens onto Consulate Street, the second floor is decorated with 19th-century frescoes, and the basement features a series of cross vaults. The facade, adjacent to the ancient “Sea Gate” of the Castle, presents a fine balance between the pinkish color of the brick and the white of the mirrors on the upper floor. The square windows are framed by thin flat terracotta pilasters, which divide the facade into equally sized compartments.
A characteristic feature of the palace was the “Fiorani Arch,” built in 1857 on the occasion of the promulgation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, and demolished in 1944 during the retreat of German troops.
For many years, Palazzo Piacentini was the home of Beatrice Piacentini-Rinaldi, a dialect poet who helped give literary dignity to the Sambenedettese dialect. Currently, the building houses the Municipal Historical Archives and serves as a cultural center, continuing to play a significant role in the city’s cultural life.
For more details, you can visit the official Piacentini Palace page.