Bologna Palaces (Self Guided), Bologna

Bologna is famous for a huge number of ancient buildings and unique historic sites, closely associated with a huge number of mysteries and legends. There are numerous incredibly beautiful palaces in the city, richly adorned with art by great masters, intricately decorated interiors and luxurious old furniture. Each palace is fit to leave an unforgettable impression upon visitors, firmly imprinted in their memory with a feel of an elusive spirit of the times.

Among them mandatory to visit, perhaps, is Palazzo del Podestà, a historic landmark erected circa 1200 as the seat of local government.

Also notable are:

Palazzo Re Enzo – built between 1244 and 1246 as an extension of the nearby Palazzo del Podestà; takes its name from King Enzio of Sardinia, Frederick II's son, who was a prisoner here.

Palazzo d'Accursio – formerly a Town Hall of Bologna; now home to the Civic Art Collection.

Palazzo dei Notai – built in 1287 by the city's notaries guild as their seat, redesigned in 1381.

Palazzo dei Banchi – a 16th century Renaissance-style palace, presently occupied by businesses offices and private apartments.

Palazzo Della Mercanzia – a Gothic palace built in 1382; inside there is a library storing original recipes of some of the classic regional cuisine, such as Bolognese sauce and green lasagna.

Palazzo Bolognini – a piece of Renaissance architecture erected between 1517–25; still owned by descendant of the 16th-century Senatorial family.

Palazzo Fantuzzi – a monumental Renaissance-style palace designed in 1517; known for its sculpted exterior decoration and beautiful ceilings inside.

To visit and learn more about these magnificent palaces of Bologna, take our self-guided walking tour and enjoy!