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Palace · Bolonha, Emília-Romanha
Palazzo d'Accursio
The seat of Bologna's town hall since the Middle Ages, on the Piazza Maggiore. It houses the Collezioni Comunali d'Arte and the Torre dell'Orologio, which can be climbed by reservation.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Palazzo d'Accursio
Also called the Palazzo Comunale, the Palazzo d'Accursio occupies the entire west side of the Piazza Maggiore. It was built in phases between the 13th and 16th centuries from the house of the jurist Accursio, a university professor, and it remains the seat of the town hall and municipal council.
The façade mixes periods: there are Gothic windows, the bronze statue of Pope Gregory XIII, born in Bologna, and the monumental portal designed by Galeazzo Alessi in the 16th century. A wide ramp leads to the upper floors; it was made so one could ride up on horseback.
On the piano nobile are the Collezioni Comunali d'Arte, with paintings, furniture and objects from the 13th to the 19th centuries in the former apartments of the papal legates. The Sala d'Ercole and the Sala Farnese, with frescoes, can be seen when there are no town-hall events.
The Torre dell'Orologio, with the clock that gives it its name, offers views over the Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio and the roofs of the centre. The ascent is done in small groups, by appointment. In the rear courtyard there used to be Ulisse Aldrovandi's botanical garden; today the Biblioteca Salaborsa is located there.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the Collezioni Comunali. The climb of the Torre dell'Orologio takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
The tower has few places per time slot: book in advance, especially at weekends. The Collezioni Comunali usually close on Mondays; check before you go.
How to get there
It is on the Piazza Maggiore, with entrance through the courtyard. Bologna Centrale station is about a 20-minute walk away.
Tip
Even without entering the museum, it's worth passing through the courtyard and the horse ramp. The tower has no elevator and is not recommended for those with vertigo.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palazzo d'Accursio
Can you climb the clock tower?
Yes. The Torre dell'Orologio is visited in small, timed groups. Book in advance, as places usually sell out at weekends.
Is there an entrance fee for the palace?
The courtyard and ramp can be viewed freely during municipal opening hours. The Collezioni Comunali d'Arte and the tower require an admission fee.
Who was Accursio?
A 13th-century jurist who taught law at the University of Bologna. The palace developed from his house, which the city later purchased.