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Di Penta Palace

Among the examples of twentieth-century architecture in the city, Palazzo di Penta in Piazza della Vittoria preserves a unique and semi-hidden history. Its creator, Davide Pacanowsky was a Jewish architect of Polish origin, who arrived in Italy in 1923 thanks to a scholarship granted by the Italian government to the most deserving foreign students. Enrollment in the faculty of architecture of the Milan Polytechnic allowed him to save himself from Nazi persecution, while the family was exterminated in a Nazi camp. Invited to Campobasso by former fellow student Antonio di Penta, in 1936 he was commissioned to redesign a building which he transformed into one of the most representative architectures of the twentieth century which still today characterizes the square for its elegance and originality. After the enactment of the racial laws of '38, Pacanowsky was imprisoned and interned in the Sepino concentration camp, where he remained for four years, continuing to provide his contribution of technological knowledge by participating in the excavations of the archaeological site of Altilia. In 1944, together with the archaeologist Maiuri, director of the excavations, he received honorary citizenship for the important works carried out in the municipality of Sepino; after the war he continued to build popular buildings, bridges and villas in other Molise centers and in Italy.
Piazza della Vittoria, 6-8 Campobasso - Italy/Campobasso/Molise
Photo gallery (3 images)
Tourist experience: The experience is to appreciate this interesting site from the historical and architectural point of view of the twentieth century, for a better view it is recommended to use the digital map and access the multimedial contents with historical photos of the interior. Moreover the area is enriched by the presence of the War Memorial Monument.
Spoken languages: Italian
Experience duration: 15 minutes
Opening: Public place always open
Booking: No booking required
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Local popolarity: 7
Destination influence: 4
Categories
Cultural material heritage: Historical monument, Industrial patrimony, Historical palace/castle, cultural heritage
Cultural immaterial heritage: Historical itinerary, Cultural heritage
Hidden tangible patrimony: Pathways
Hidden intangible patrimony: Building practices
Experiences: Showing around, Urban path
Form filler: Nella Rescigno
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