Palazzo Basile

Walking along Via Roma, the old Via Carmine, you can see several aristocratic buildings, built as a result of the urban planning promoted by the Imperiali family in the 18th century, including the famous Porta del Carmine. Opposite Palazzo Carissimo and almost in continuity with Palazzo Caniglia, Palazzo Basile has a rather linear façade, with a series of windows that emphasise the horizontal layout of the palace. On closer inspection, some very interesting details can be seen, such as the shells carved into the stone - a typical ornamental motif of the Baroque period - which cover the various windows. If you look at the portal, you will notice the coat of arms of the Basile family, the noble family that built the palace, above the entrance arch. The shield of the coat of arms has some details that will arouse your curiosity, such as the basilisk, the monstrous serpentine rooster that can kill with a single glance, holding a basil plant, accompanied, a little further down in the centre, by a waving comet. It is a fascinating mixture of cross-references to the symbolism of the elements and to the name of the noble family of Francavilla's patrons.