Palazzo del Governo, Taranto, Apulia, Italy Europe

The Government building located in Taranto is the seat of the Prefecture and of the provincial administration. It was built on the ruins of the specially demolished Politeama Alhambra theater, and was inaugurated on 7 September 1934 by Benito Mussolini, in front of the crowd of citizens that filled the roundabout in front. The structure was built over four years based on a project by the architect. Armando Brasini, who directed the work with the collaboration of the technicians of the provincial administration, and was completed with the construction of the rotunda in front of the main façade, capable of accommodating thousands of people, and from which it is possible to enjoy the panorama of the Great Sea and the Cheradi islands. . The total sum committed in this operation was 21,000,000 lire. The building is 52 meters high, but reaches a height of 85 meters above sea level with the two bronze antennas placed at the top. It also extends over an area of ​​4,500 square meters, and is formed by a grandiose spur with arcades, inspired by a port fortification, made entirely of brown carparo stone. The plan of the building is in the shape of a letter "M" in honor of Benito Mussolini. On the façade overlooking the rotunda there is a grandiose loggia in which there are two bronze eagles placed on cylindrical pedestals, while on the sides of the main door reliefs with naked armed figures can be seen, as well as two giant Roman trophies with coats of arms surmounted by Victories . On the two lateral towers two large bells were placed, destined to sound in particular circumstances, and always on the sides of the main door, during the Fascist era, two lictor beams were erected, about 20 meters high, subsequently demolished. Inside the building, which is spread over six floors, there are lounges furnished with stylish furniture and elegantly painted and decorated, including the Hall of Emblems (where the Provincial Council meets) and the Hall of Representation. The palace also temporarily housed some paintings by Bernardo Cavallino, Paolo de Matteis, Francesco Solimena, Leonardo Antonio Olivieri, part of the Ricciardi collection now at the archaeological museum of Taranto. Currently the rotunda is named after the "Sailors of Italy".