Mirandola originated as a Renaissancecity-fortress. For four centuries it was the seat of anindependent principality (first a county, then a duchy), a possession of the Pico family, whose most outstanding member was the polymathGiovanni Pico della Mirandola (1463–94). It was besieged two times: in 1510 by Pope Julius II and in 1551 by Pope Julius III.
On 29 May 2012, a powerful earthquake hit the Mirandola area. It killed at least 17 people and collapsed churches and factories. Also 200 were injured. The 5.8 magnitude quake left 14,000 people homeless.[4]
ThePalazzo del Comune is a 1468 edifice ofGothic style (largely restored in the 19th century), with the portraits of the Pico and other artworks, including anAdoration of the Magi once attributed toPalma il Giovane.
Thecastle of the Pico family has been recently restored and it is now open to the public.
The Church of St. Francis is a fine Gothic church. It houses the tombs of the Pico family, including that of Prendiparte Pico (14th century). Collapsed during the second of the2012 Emilia earthquakes.
