Old City Hall

The Old City Hall is a building located in the historic center of San Donato, whose origins date back to the 16th century. Over the years the structure has been expanded and modified several times. The last structural alterations date back to 1877 when it was used as the municipal headquarters.

In 2022, the building became home to the Museum of the Twentieth Century and the Shoah. The restoration has enhanced the functionality and 19th-century architecture, which is built on two floors around the inner courtyard. Noteworthy are the symmetrical openings, the harmonious alignment of doors and windows, and the vault of the Sala del Podestà frescoed with an allegory of Italy. The decorations of the rooms were made by Salvatore Palumbo in 1924.

During World War II, in the registry office, staff forged documents to save Jews interned in the village. Pasqualina Perrella, a municipal employee, left this testimony, "I remember very well the large number of documents we forged. We were all aware of the danger, but we felt we had to act out of a moral duty, since the Jews were now part of our community." For this action, Pasqualina and Carmela Cardarelli were arrested by the Germans on April 6, 1944.

On May 11 of that year, Allied forces launched Operation Diadem against the Gustav Line, also striking San Donato Val di Comino. On May 15, an artillery shell hit the municipal house, destroying the upper floor and damaging the offices below. Despite the extent of the damage, fortunately there were no casualties.

Since 1997, the rooms of the Old Town Hall have hosted contemporary art exhibitions. In 2022, transformed into the Museum of the Twentieth Century and the Shoah, it became a place of memory and culture that honors the history and courage of the San Donato Val di Comino community.