Palazzo d'Accursio (Municipal Palace), Bologna

The grand structure towering over the western side of the Main Square is the Municipal Palace, whose name was given because it served as the city's Town Hall until 2008.

Dating back to the 13th century, it was originally the residence of the renowned medieval lawyer, Accursius. In 1530, just two days before his coronation as Emperor in the Basilica of Saint Petronius, Charles V was crowned King of Italy in the palace's chapel, where he received the Iron Crown of Lombardy.

Start your visit by stopping in front of the central entrance. Above the portal of the palace is a monumental bronze statue depicting Pope Gregory XIII, the Bolognese pope credited with reforming the old Roman calendar and introducing the Gregorian calendar still in use today. Positioned above and to the left of the entrance is a terracotta sculpture of the "Virgin and Child" crafted by the Italian sculptor Niccolò dell'Arca.

Upon crossing the central inner courtyard, continue toward its north-western corner to find the grand Bramante "Corded" Staircase, designed with wide, gentle ramps so officials could ascend on horseback. Follow this staircase up to the first floor directly into the Hall of Hercules, home to Alfonso Lombardi's 1530 terracotta sculpture depicting Hercules defeating the Hydra. Continuing up to the second floor leads to the entrance of the Clock Tower, where you can view the intricate 15th-century mechanical clockwork and step out onto the upper stone balcony overlooking Main Square.

Remodeled by papal legates in the 16th century, the palace's ceremonial halls offer fine views of the square. The Red Room, adorned with immense chandeliers, is a popular setting for civil ceremonies.

Last but not least, the numerous chambers of the Municipal Art Collections housed at the top of the palace exhibit Emilian artworks spanning from the 13th to 19th centuries.