The distance between the Palazzo dei Priori and the cathedral was deliberately narrow to create a close-up perspective of the facade, enhancing the imposing appearance of the church.

Its removal, and the construction of a new building set further back, expanded the square, giving the cathedral facade more prominence and creating a direct opening to Corso Carducci.

The structure was rebuilt in the 16th century by Antonio Maria Lari, with further renovations between 1840 and 1865 altering its Renaissance appearance in an attempt to restore its original medieval form.

It features statues of the Four Evangelists from the 14th century, a central rose window depicting the Redeemer, two 16th-century side tabernacles, a balcony with original columns, and a tympanum with religious imagery (1897) created by artist Leopoldo Maccari.

The building was constructed between 1948 and 1950 by the ALBEN company, on the site of the medieval Palazzo dei Priori, which was demolished in 1938 by the Fascist city government to make way for the headquarters of the National Institute for Social Security.