By challenging the traditional, typological approach to the history of town halls, this study aims to place Italian civic architecture at the center of a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary examination. This approach seeks to uncover the multifaceted nature of these buildings by focusing on their varied uses and functions, as well as their cultural and identity significance. Unlike a traditional history of architectural models and persistencies, this study presents a narrative of continuous transformation, conversion, and adaptation. Italian civic architecture has undergone substantial changes over time, and these changes have been shaped by the distinct material and symbolic functions that public buildings have fulfilled, and continue to fulfill, in the regions where they were built. The following papers delve into this complex history, highlighting the nuances and richness of Italian civic architecture.