Restoration and Conservation of the Facades of the Castelfiorentino Town Hall
Year: 2018
Location: Castelfiorentino (FI)
The Town Hall of Castelfiorentino, built in the 13th century, is a symbol of medieval civic architecture, enriched over time with Renaissance and modern transformations. Located in the heart of the historic center, it dominates Piazza del Popolo with its imposing structure, complemented by a bell tower added in the 19th century.
Over the centuries, this building has served multiple functions, hosting the courthouse, the municipal technical office, and other public services. After years of partial maintenance, the restoration completed in 2018 marked a turning point, restoring the palace’s historical value and improving its usability for the community.
The project pursued three main objectives:
• Historical and architectural conservation: Preserving the original elements of the building.
• Aesthetic enhancement: mproving the exterior appearance of the palace, restoring harmony and stylistic coherence.
• Functionality and safety: Ensuring the structural stability and adapting components for modern use.
RESTORATION OF PLASTER
The degraded plaster, further compromised by previous inappropriate interventions, was completely renewed:
• Removal of incompatible cement-based materials.
• Application of macroporous lime-based plaster, using natural hydraulic lime.
• Final wash with pigmented lime milk, to unify the tones and respect the original aesthetic.
FRAMES AND STONE SURFACES
The window frames and entrance portal were restored through:
• Cleaning and consolidation with ethyl silicate.
• Filling of gaps with compatible mortars.
• Color retouching to highlight the architectural details.
BELL TOWER
A distinctive element of the building, the bell tower required specific interventions:
• Removal of moss and lichen using biocide treatments.
• Consolidation of cracked surfaces with mortar injections.
• Reconstruction of missing elements with materials similar to the originals.
GUTTERS AND SHEET METALWORK
The drainage system was completely revised to eliminate water infiltration:
• Replacement of gutters and adjustment of slopes.
• Repair of metalwork, respecting the historical aesthetics.
RESTORATION OF DECORATIVE AND WOODEN ELEMENTS
• Shutters and entrance door: Dismantling, stripping, repair, and repainting in original tones.
• Commemorative marble plaques: Cleaning, consolidation, and restoration of faded inscriptions.
NIGHT LIGHTING
To enhance the facade, high-efficiency LED projectors were installed, with a color temperature that highlights architectural details without altering the original hues.
During the restoration, traces of walled-up openings dating back to the 13th century were discovered, providing valuable insight into the architectural evolution of the palace and its subsequent transformations.
The interventions led to:
• Preservation and enhancement of architectural heritage, respecting original materials and techniques.
• Improved aesthetic appeal of the palace and its usability for citizens and visitors.
• Ensured structural stability, securing the building for future generations.
The restoration of the Castelfiorentino Town Hall is a model example of how historical heritage can be recovered and enhanced, returning a symbol of cultural identity to the community.
