Palazzo d'Accursio

Palace in Bologna

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Vanni Lazzari

Palazzo d’Accursio, also known as Palazzo Comunale, is a magnificent palace situated in Bologna. Nestled on the Piazza Maggiore, it served as the city’s Town Hall until November 11, 2008. The palace is renowned for housing the Civic Art Collection, showcasing paintings ranging from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Additionally, it is home to the Museo Morandi, which displays the works of Giorgio Morandi generously donated to the city by his family.

History of Palazzo d’Accursio

The history of Palazzo d’Accursio dates back to 1336 when it became the seat of the Anziani, the highest magistrates of the commune, and subsequently served as the government headquarters. It was the home of Law Professor Accursio, which it is named after. In the 15th century, the palace underwent restoration work led by Fioravante Fioravanti, who added notable features such as the Clock Tower, also known as Torre d’Accursio. It also had a carousel with wooden figurines (Madonna with Child and Wise Men) which were removed in 1796.

The Façade of the Palazzo d’Accursio

The façade of the palace exhibits a captivating combination of elements, including a portcullis and a terracotta sculpture of the Madonna with Child created by Niccolò dell’Arca in the upper section. Above the portal stands a remarkable bronze statue of Pope Gregory XIII, a native of Bologna, which was installed in 1580. Another bronze statue, depicting Pope Boniface VIII, is now housed in the Medieval Museum.

The interior of the Palazzo d’Accursio

The first floor of Palazzo d’Accursio accommodates the Hall of the Communal Council, where the Bolognese Senators convened. Adorning its ceilings is a captivating frescoed gallery created by Angelo Michele Colonna and Gioacchino Pizzoli between 1675 and 1677. Ascending to the second floor, visitors will discover the Farnese Hall, reconstructed in 1665 under the patronage of Cardinal Girolamo Farnese. The hall boasts exquisite fresco decorations executed by pupils of Francesco Albani.

Ascending to the top floor of the palace, visitors will encounter the Municipal Art Collections (Collezioni Comunali d’Arte). This floor houses a captivating display of artworks owned by the municipality.

Part of the Placa can be seen by visiting the Biblioteca Salaborsa.

The Palazzo d'Accursio appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bologna!

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