The city`s main square, it dates back to the beginning of the XIII century.
History
Those were vibrant and exciting times with new political power to the city, which had successfully rebelled against papal domination.
It was a time to consolidate and to reunite the people after a troublesome time and this led to various activities in the city.
The first urban project was the Palazzo del Podesta' in which the first city Court sat. Some forty years later King Enzo`s Palace was constructed which housed the city authorities.
Stil later the City Authorities bought some nearby properties to use as public barns and for the storage of fodder to guard against possible famine, sieges and all the dire consequences that befall humans and animals arising from frequent wars. These projects injected new life into the city`s commercial life.
The cereal market became very important.
The main square therefore enjoyed an increasing importance throughout the centuries, and today is still the heart of the city life and is dotted with the most prestigious and famous monuments of Bologna.
Here, the visitors is spoiled for choice.
There is San Petronio Basilica which contains the controversial fresco by Giovanni da Modena showing Mohammed in Hell, Podesta`s Palace, Comunale Palace, King Enzo`s Palace and Palazzo dei Notai.
Piazza Maggiore is not only the centre of the city life, but is also the urban centre, the square being the meeting place of all the main street of the city centre.
The porticos, yet another distinctive feature of Bologna, shelter modern shops and traditional trattorias offering all the typical food of the area which is internationally renowned for it`s exquisite cuisine.
Curiosity
- By positioning ourselves in one of the corners of the Voltone located under the Palazzo del Podestà, facing the columns, you will be able to clearly hear everything that is whispered in the opposite corner. Seeing is believing!
Visiting Piazza Maggiore
ADDRESS: Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Italia
OPENING TIMES:
Piazza Maggiore
- Piazza Maggiore and all the external architecture of these buildings are always visible
Palazzo Re Enzo e Palazzo del Podestà
The interior of King Enzo`s Palace and the Podesta`s Palace can only be visited on special occasions and for special events.
Palazzo Comunale
From Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Saturdays from 8.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
The Art Collections housed inside the Palazzo Comunale are open: From Tuesday o Friday 9.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. December 24th and 31st closes early at 2.00 p.m. Closed on New Year`s Day, Christmas Day, May 1st and all Mondays.
Tickets €5.00, reduced €3.00
Map from B&B to Piazza Maggiore
