House of Street Franchetti 13

Located in one of the city's smaller streets, once known as the Croce Bianca (White Cross), this house illustrates how widespread the influence of Fancelli architecture was, given the use of brick to construct façade elements. While the work may be coarser than other residences of the nobility, the top floor of the block displays a row of fluted columns bearing faux capitals and a floral design, thereby softening the overall appearance. It is also worth mentioning that between the 15th and 16th centuries, this building served as a local government office, which also housed the city's prisons. It would appear that it was here that Mario Equicola (1470-1525), the humanist, writer and secretary to Isabella d'Este, performed his duties.