Palazzo Isolani, Bologna

Palace in Bologna

CC BY-SA 3.0 / AHert

Standing proudly near the Two Towers on Strada Maggiore, Palazzo Isolani is one of Bologna's finest examples of Renaissance architecture and aristocratic heritage. Once home to one of the city's most distinguished noble families, the palace has evolved over the centuries into a refined blend of history and contemporary style. Today, it's one of the top attractions in Bologna for those who appreciate grand architecture and a touch of modern sophistication. With its beautifully preserved halls and a boutique hotel on-site, Palazzo Isolani is also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Bologna for travelers interested in both art and urban life.

Its elegant arcades and intricate detailing stand as a reminder of Bologna's 15th-century prosperity, while its new role as an event space and hotel keeps it at the heart of the city's vibrant social scene. Few places embody Bologna's ability to balance preservation with innovation as gracefully as Palazzo Isolani.

History and Significance of Palazzo Isolani
Things to See and Do in Palazzo Isolani
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Palazzo Isolani
Is Palazzo Isolani Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Palazzo Isolani
Nearby Attractions to Palazzo Isolani

History and Significance of Palazzo Isolani

Palazzo Isolani was constructed in the 15th century for the prominent Isolani family, one of Bologna's oldest noble dynasties. Its design, attributed to architect Pagno di Lapo Portigiani, blends Renaissance symmetry with Gothic elements, evident in the graceful arches and windows that line its façade. The palace served as the Isolani family residence for generations and played host to aristocrats, scholars, and political figures during Bologna's most prosperous periods.

Over time, the building underwent renovations that respected its original form while introducing elegant interior features - from frescoed ceilings to grand staircases and marble floors. The palace stands on Strada Maggiore, one of Bologna’s most historic streets, connecting directly to the famed Two Towers, making it a natural part of the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Things to See and Do in Palazzo Isolani

Visitors entering Palazzo Isolani are greeted by a magnificent portico and courtyard that exemplify the refinement of Bolognese Renaissance design. The inner courtyard, framed by arcades, offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of Strada Maggiore, with its original columns and arches beautifully preserved. Inside, rooms once belonging to the Isolani family retain their noble charm, adorned with period furnishings and decorative plasterwork.

In recent years, part of the palace has been transformed into a boutique hotel, bringing new life to this historic space. The luxurious rooms and suites preserve their architectural character while offering modern comforts, allowing guests to experience Bologna’s history firsthand. Other sections of the building are now used for Isolani Meeting - a venue for congresses, seminars, workshops, and press conferences. These versatile event rooms merge historical elegance with contemporary functionality, making the palace a central hub for cultural and professional gatherings in Bologna.

How to Get There

For those arriving by train, Bologna Centrale is the nearest major railway station and about a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride to Strada Maggiore. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. Travelers arriving by car can park at Parcheggio VIII Agosto or Tanari Parking, both within easy reach of the city center. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Palazzo Isolani

Best time to visit Palazzo Isolani: During open-house days or public events to access interior spaces.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free for the exterior and courtyard; fees apply for hotel stays or private events.
Opening hours: Dependent on event schedule and hotel operations.
Official website: www.palazzoisolani.it
How long to spend: 20-45 minutes for a visit; overnight for guests of the hotel.
Accessibility: The main courtyard is accessible; some interior areas have limited mobility access.
Facilities: Boutique hotel, event spaces, and nearby cafés.
Photography tip: Capture the symmetry of the courtyard arches or the façade’s elegant terracotta tones at sunset.
Guided tours: Occasionally offered during Bologna’s cultural heritage events.
Nearby food options: Numerous restaurants and cafés along Strada Maggiore and near the Two Towers.

Is Palazzo Isolani Worth Visiting?

Yes - Palazzo Isolani is one of the must-see places in Bologna for its architectural grace and rich cultural evolution. Whether admired from its historic portico, explored during an event, or experienced as a boutique hotel guest, the palace offers an intimate connection with Bologna's Renaissance past. It's a place where old-world beauty meets modern vitality, perfectly encapsulating the city's enduring charm.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (157)

Palazzo Isolani, at Via Santo Stefano 16 in Bologna, is a well-preserved historic palace now hosting shops, restaurants and event spaces; visitors praise its atmospheric medieval architecture, striking portico and oak pillars, and note a light-filled internal galleria (Corte Isolani) that connects to Piazza Santo Stefano. Guests also report it operates in part as accommodation with friendly service, comfortable rooms, a small kitchen area and a communal rooftop terrace, and others highlight its suitability for conferences and events.

Ly e Lin

3 years ago

"Casa Isolani and Palazzo Bolognini Isolani ( This is a must see restoration work of 11 century home. Today it hosts a series of stores restaurantsand shops inside the large co ected mansion. And the outside is surrounded by restaurants in historical district) No tourist walking along Strada Maggiore can fail to notice the extraordinarily beautifulnportico at number 19: towering oak pillars (9 metres), with their unusual "wooden style"nstructure, support the third floor of one of the most characteristic examples of 13th-centurynBolognese habitation. Built on ruins after the fire which in 1210 devastated the south-neastern part of Bologna, the building was the first senatorial residence of the Isolani family,nwhich having arrived in Bologna from Cyprus became distinguished in Bolognese public lifenfrom the lAth century. If one looks up carefully at the portico, three arrows can be seen protruding from the ceiling:nlegend has it that, to take revenge on his wife, a cuckolded husband hired three archers to killnher. The woman, however, appeared naked and the three archers were so amazed that theirnaim was off, and the arrows went into the ceiling. In 1877, the building underwent serious restoration under the direction of Raffaele Faccioli;nthis opened the ogival doors on the ground floor and restored the windows to their originalnancient style. In fact, today only the main entrance and a double-lancet window arenorigimal, but the impression of pure thirteenth-century architecture is concrete and tangible. The ancient entrance to the house coincides with that of the modern-day Corte Isolani, ansuccession of internal couryards and hallways which co ected the Isolani residence to the eighbouring building, bought in 1842 from the Bolognini family. The offices, shops andnbar-cafès which look onto the light-filled "galleria" take nothing away from the medievalnBolognese atmosphere, kept alive by the colours and architecture so rich in history. Goingnthrough Corte Isolani, one reaches Piazza Santo Stefano; from this side, the welcomingnbuilding on entering the "galleria" is the senatorial residence of the Bolognini, acquirednby the Isolani family in the 19th century. This building, built between 1451 and 1455nby Pagno di Lapo Portigiani da Fiesole, is a proud indication of the arrival of the Tusca Renaissance in Bolognese culture. The façade, built on two orders separated by a string-coursenband, is an interesting fusion of the new Renaissance elements and local traditions; above thenportico with its rounded arches supported by Corinthian capitals, there are the pointed-archnwindows of the superior order and archlets fringing the cornice. A collection of carved heads look out from medallions inserted in the windows and othernheads, alternated with wases or urns, emerge from the archlets of the cornice. These curiousnheads looking out onto the square: who knows how many stories they could tell?..."

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Alan Gardiner

2 years ago

"Excellent hotel. Friendly welcome, great location and comfortable room. There's also a kitchen area with coffee etc. and a communal terrace withrooftop views. Highly recommended 👍🏼..."

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Chiara Peveri

6 years ago

"Charming palace for conference"

FAQs for Visiting Palazzo Isolani

The courtyard and hotel areas are accessible; full interior access is limited to guests or event attendees.

It was designed in the 15th century by Pagno di Lapo Portigiani for the noble Isolani family.

Yes, the Isolani Meeting spaces are regularly used for conferences, workshops, and cultural gatherings.

Yes, it operates partly as a boutique hotel offering elegant accommodations.

Yes, it’s located just steps from Bologna’s iconic Two Towers and Strada Maggiore’s historic porticoes.

Nearby Attractions to Palazzo Isolani

The Two Towers - Bologna's most famous medieval landmarks, just a short walk away.
Basilica of Santo Stefano - A complex of seven interconnected churches steeped in history.
Palazzo della Mercanzia - A Gothic gem symbolizing Bologna's merchant past.
Strada Maggiore - A lively street lined with porticoes, cafés, and artisan boutiques.
Oratory of Santa Cecilia - A Renaissance chapel known for its stunning fresco cycle.

The Palazzo Isolani appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bologna!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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