Count’s Palace

The Count’s Palace was built in the Middle Ages for the then ruler of
Scarlino
– Ildebrandino Aldobrandeschi XII, otherwise known as “The Red Count”

In 1277 Aldobrandeschi was forced to sell his beloved house to the Municipality of Pisa, which moved on to govern Scarlino.

The house then passed into the hands of various counts and nobles, and also some local religious institutions, only to be split up and sold as apartments in the 19th
^century
.

Today its exterior walls are clad in beautiful sandstone, while the main facade on Charles General Citerno Street has been rendered in an elegant cream hue.

Much of the structure built by the Aldobrandeschi has been lost, but the original entrance with its ancient decorative moldings and arches remains, and is now part of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena Bank.

If you go around the right side of the building you will find a picturesque courtyard adorned with a statue of a noble-looking man. The statue was added in the early 19th century. I think it fits the house perfectly and reminds me a bit of Aldobrandeschi himself!