Municipio

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The Municipal Building of Borgo San Lorenzo is an imposing and evocative construction located in Piazza Dante, the bustling heart of the town. Serving as the town hall, the building is an artistic work by Tito Chini and the Fornaci San Lorenzo, and stands as one of the main examples of Liberty architecture in Mugello. Completing its construction in 1931, it was officially inaugurated on the 28th of October of the same year. Before its construction, the area where the palace stands today was used for livestock markets, and in the early 20th century, it served as a sports field. The name Piazza Dante was only attributed to it in 1926 when it was transformed into a public garden, and the following year saw the erection of the monument to the fallen of the Great War, a work by local sculptor Giorgio Rossi. The idea of building a new town hall had already emerged in 1883 when the municipal administration commissioned engineer Niccolò Niccolai to draw up a development plan that included, among other things, the construction of the town hall and schools. Although the project was drafted in 1898, economic difficulties, World War I, and the devastating earthquake of 1919 prevented its realization. Only in July 1925, following the seismic events, was the definitive decision made to build a new town hall. The final project was entrusted to engineer Augusto Lorini, who collaborated with artist Tito Chini to decorate the building. The Municipal Building was constructed and adorned following a unified design that combined architecture with esoteric, Masonic, and fascist symbolism, reflecting the historical and cultural period in which it was created. The interior decorations and the structure of the building itself reflect a deep influence of esotericism and Masonic philosophy, widely spread in Mugello at that time. Chini integrated symbols and forms in the design that relate to the initiatory tradition, such as columns oriented along the north-south axis, reminiscent of those of the Temple of Solomon. In particular, the interior decoration is a refined combination of symbols, intertwining through the use of decorative elements like the compass and square, triangles, circles, and columns, symbolizing duality and the pursuit of harmony. The Podestà room, currently used by the Mayor, at the center of this project, is conceived as a true "ideal temple." Within this context, Guglielmo Pecori Giraldi, a prominent figure and general, is celebrated as an example of virtue, with his image included in the cycle of frescoes dedicated to the "illustrious men" of Mugello. References to esotericism are also evident in the orientation of the internal columns and the pictorial decorations, suggesting an ascensional, both physical and symbolic, path. The stairs, ceilings, and walls are enriched with symbols alluding to spiritual transformation, such as the philosopher's stone and enlightenment. Masonic symbolism is also reflected in the use of light, which plays a central role in guiding the visitor along the initiatory path of the building. Additionally, an interesting curiosity is the presence of a series of bees in the staircase decoration, which, depending on the viewing angle, reveal two inscriptions: “COMVNE DI BORGO SAN LORENZO” and “IL DENARO DEL PVBBLICO E' SACRO,” emphasizing the connection between the public and the sacredness of its administration. The Municipal Building of Borgo San Lorenzo, with its artistic decorations and symbolic significance, is therefore a true testament to how architecture and art can merge with the cultural and philosophical traditions of an era, giving life to a work that is not just an administrative seat but also a place rich in history, symbolism, and mystery.