Palazzo Senatorio

The palace occupies the site of the former Loggia dei Pisani, although the earliest surviving structure dates from the 15th century. By the early 19th century it was known as the Casa del Comune or Palazzo della Città and served as the seat of the Senate of Trapani, where representatives assembled to deliberate on public affairs. The building underwent extensive remodelling in the second half of the 17th century, while a major renewal around 1696, promoted by Fra Giacomo Cavarretta, enlarged the interior, rebuilt the monumental staircase and transformed the façade. At the beginning of the 15th century, a bell tower was erected above the adjoining Porta Oscura to house the city's public clock, which was replaced in 1828 by the twin clock and calendar added to the top of the façade.

The present Baroque façade was constructed between 1671 and 1672. Designed by Pietro Castro and Andrea Palma, it is arranged in three superimposed architectural orders and is regarded as one of the principal examples of Baroque civic architecture in Trapani. Three niches in the upper storey contain statues of the Madonna of Trapani, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Albert, sculpted by Giuseppe Nolfo in 1701. Together, these decorative elements reflect both the civic authority of the palace and the religious identity of the city.

Today Palazzo Senatorio remains one of the principal historic landmarks of Via Torrearsa. Its prominent façade, together with the adjoining Porta Oscura and civic clock, continues to reflect the building's long association with the government and public life of Trapani.