PALAZZO DEL CONSIGLIO COMUNALE (12th century) The City Council Palace was built together with the autonomous Comune in the 12th century on the ruins of the Forum of the Roman city at the crossroad of the Decumano (the main Roman road) and the Cardo (the axis road). Originally a single large hall was placed on the top of the present staircase and was used for council meetings. Clear traces of the ancient construction can be noted on the right side of the building which faces Piazza Signorelli. In the 1500's it was extended to the left side beyond the present Via Roma and the bell tower was raised above the arch passing over this street connecting the two buildings. The large entrance stairway was also built at that time. In the following years, the building underwent numerous reworks and in 1896 it was restored following the whims of architect Castellucci, the same Cortonese architect who designed the present day facade of the church of Santa Margherita. On the side of the building that faces Piazza Signorelli there is a column which was raised in 1508 and supports Florentine sandstone. In the Council Hall, which can be reached by the staircase near the column, there is a fireplace found in the Sernini Palace in Piazza Alfieri, carved in stone by G.B. Infregliati, also known as Cristofanello (16th century).