Palazzo Marotta, once known as Palazzo Ludovisi and later as Palazzo Mangieri, stands majestically among the “Dolomite Spires” that characterize the landscape of Sant’Angelo Le Fratte. This imposing building, once home to illustrious figures such as the jurist Giovanni Francesco Mangieri, is a symbol of history and resilience. The building is nestled between massive rock outcrops, with adjacent houses that seem to merge with the surrounding nature.
The December 16, 1857 earthquake also left its mark on the Ludovisi-Mangieri Palace, leading to the removal of a large stone on which it was partially built. This stone was later worked to become the lintel of the Mother Church and to create the parapet walkway of the bridge over the Landro River. Other stones were used to pave the ground in front of the bishop’s palace and under the clock of the Mother Church bell tower, which was lowered.
After the devastating earthquake of November 23, 1980, the palace was partly rebuilt and restored, thus preserving its historic structure. Today, what remains of its glorious past is the ancient family coat of arms, visible above the main doorway entrance, which testifies to the historical and cultural importance of this noble residence in the context of the village of Sant’Angelo Le Fratte.