Palazzo dei Notai (Notaries' Palace), Bologna

Sitting at the heart of the city, this palace stands as a testament to the historical richness that defines the Main Square, which draws visitors from across Italy and beyond. Originating from the 13th century, its majestic presence today owes much to a restoration carried out in the early 20th century, rejuvenating its medieval charm.

True to its name, the Palace once played host to the Society of Bolognese Notaries, a group of scribes wielding quills like swords in their noble quest for paperwork domination. Its facade proudly flaunts their coat of arms – three inkwells and as many quills – a nod to their ink-stained legacy. In a bygone era, during the 18th century, the ground floor housed the so-called "salara", or salt deposit.

Within the interior of the palace, fine glimpses of history are captured in beautifully preserved 14th and 15th-century frescoes detailing religious and civic themes alongside private professional rooms. Today, while the neighboring Municipal Palace handles the active municipal offices, this beautifully preserved architectural landmark remains one of the most photographed and historically significant structural anchors of the central square.