Cremona, Loggia dei Militi

Built in the 13th century (1292), the loggia takes its name from the fact that it was intended to host, during the Middle Ages, meetings of the captains of the citizens' militia. The Loggia dei Militi is a significant example of Gothic civic architecture in Lombardy.
Built entirely of brick, it has a portico with large ogival arches above which there are three decorated windows with three lights. Between the arches, we note the plaque indicating the date of the founding of the Loggia, on which is sculptured the town banner. Beneath the portico is the emblem of Cremona represented by a double simulacrum of Hercules holding the city emblem. According to legend, the mythical Greek hero founded the city.