This imposing structure is in fact a complex of different palaces that were gradually joined together. The clock tower was the residence of a professor Accursio da Bagnolo who lived there in the 13th century. Palazzo “de Primiceri” was constructed in 1290 and was later joined to another palace the “Biada” which dates to 1222. In 1336 The palace became the residence of the “Anziani”  the highest  magisterial authorities  of the governing Council. The building is still the home of the town council. In the past the palace was surrounded by a moat and a drawbridge just like a castle.

Madonna made of terracotta (Niccolò dall’Arca) © Next Asset

High up on the façade you can see a sculptured image of the Madonna and child on display to the whole square, attributed to Niccolò dall Arca it dates to 1478. Above the main entrance which was designed by Galeazzo Alessi, you will see the heraldic shield of the city of Bologna and a bronze statue of the Bolognese pope, Gregory XIII. In 1776 the statue had to be modified because Napoleon ordered the invading French troops to destroy any statues of popes. In an ingenious move the Pope was transformed into San Petronio. The papal tiara was substituted with a bishops mitre and a bishop’s staff placed in the right-hand.

Pope Gregory XIII © Next Asset

The original dedication above the statue was changed into Divus Petronius Protector et Pater (Divine Petronius Protector and Father).  In this way nobody dared touch the work of art.
However when the French left nobody bothered to return the statue to its original state and it was only in 1895 that the statute of Gregory lost its staff and regained its papal crown, however  the dedication to  St Petronius can still clearly be seen.

A detail of Palazzo del Comune – the Eagle by Michelangelo Buonarroti © Next Asset

The large ground floor window is the work of the architect, Sebastiano Serlio (1475-1554)  while one of the sculpted Eagles is attributed to Michelangelo. You can see two long marble slabs which provided official measurements for the cloth merchants during the market which were held in the main square.

The interior of the palace contains many interesting particulars such as Bramante’s  staircase with shallow steps that enabled horses to reach the higher floors. At the top of the staircase on the left you will find the Sala d’Ercole-  taking its name from the  imposing statue of Hercules by Alfonso Lombardi. 

On the next floor  you will find the Farnese rooms,  with murals showing episodes of the history of Bologna from the Middle Ages to the 17th century including the coronation of Charles V.  In one of the main courtyards there is a reproduction of a well designed by Francesco Terribilia,  the well-known Bolognese architect. It is said that throwing coins into this fountain will bring you good luck.  Recently the Central library was opened in the old stock exchange and archaeological remains of Roman Bologna can be seen below the glass floor.

Palazzo del Comune

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