Archita Palace – Office building

This imposing architectural complex overlooking the beautiful Piazza Garibaldi was built after a decree of 1787, signed by the King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, which consisted on the construction of a large orphanage that would have hosted the children of the poorest families of the city. A large open space was chosen as place of construction and was used by Archbishop Capocelatro to host public events and performances. Nevertheless, with the events of 1799 and the subsequent changes in the government, the work dragged on for decades and was interrupted several times.

After its completion in 1896, the structure has hosted various institutions and the Court took the name of “Palazzo degli Uffici” (Office Building).

Among the educational institutions housed within the large spaces, the Archita Classical High School should certainly be mentioned; it was established in 1872 as a municipal educational institution and subsequently transformed into a Royal High School-Gymnasium.

The high school, one of the oldest in Puglia, hosted various illustrious students such as Aldo Moro who studied there between 1926 and 1934, obtaining his high school diploma in Taranto.

This large building influenced the urban development of Taranto during the Umbertine era; it affected not only the organization of the roads, which obviously had to adapt to its size, but also (and most importantly) changed the aesthetic of the city.

Its sober and proportionate neoclassical architectural style became an inspiring model for many other buildings that were being built in the meantime.

The main façade, aligned with the Swinged Bridge, is characterized by its symmetrical perfection and its balance. The large Doric entablature, the row of windows and the tympanum (with a mechanical clock) give to the façade an even more spectacular look.