Rational organisation for a growing spa resort
Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole, Italy
Construction of a new town hall
In the mid-1930s, as Castrocaro Terme gained international reputation as a spa resort, the need for a new and functional town hall was felt. The existing 14th century-building in Terra del Sole was no longer adequate. Mussolini decided to ”join“ the two parts of the town (Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole) by building a new town hall, just halfway between the two locations on the connecting road.
Affirming the Fascist regime
Pantoli and Bertolotti designed the building, inspired by the town hall of nearby Predappio (Palazzo Varano) and the typical Case del Fascio (buildings of the Fascist party). During the late 1930s, the Case del Fascio could be found even in the smallest villages of the Forlì area, constituting kind of “fortresses” to affirm the Fascist regime. The main façade of the town hall is emphasised through a central staircase leading up to a monumental portico, which supports the inevitable balcony, symbol of Fascist ideology and propaganda.
Rationalist style
Very different from the richly decorated spa complex, the administrative building is devoid of decorative elements, except for the horizontal mouldings at windowsill level and the cornice. This essential architectural form is reflected also in the “rational” organisation of the interior spaces, geometrically constructed around a staircase.
