Originally the building constituted the western wing of the monastery of the Conventual Franciscan fathers. With the suppression of the monastic order and the transfer to the State of the monastery's properties, the palace was used in 1810 as a courthouse, and after 1860, hosted the first prefect of the Province. The building underwent renovations and expansion until 1908, assuming its current appearance. Behind the palace it is possible to admire the gardens of the Prefect's villa, built in 1800 on terraces connected by walkways and balustraded staircases with dense and lush vegetation.