Palazzo Re Enzo, Gothic palace in Bologna, Italy
Palazzo Re Enzo is a 13th-century Gothic structure in Bologna standing directly on Piazza Maggiore. Four stories with arched openings and crenellations define its appearance, while arcades on the ground floor open access to interior courtyards.
The building rose between 1244 and 1246 as an extension of the adjacent Palazzo del Podestà. After the Battle of Fossalta in 1249 it served as a prison for King Enzio, who remained here until his death in 1272.
The name recalls King Enzio of Sardinia, who spent two decades here in captivity. Today visitors explore the third floor hall where cultural events bring new life to the medieval structure.
Access is through the arcades of Piazza Maggiore, where entrances open depending on the event calendar. Information about current exhibitions is posted at the main entrance and helps with orientation inside.
A chapel for condemned prisoners stood at the right entrance of the building, where inmates prayed before execution. The interior once housed heavy war machines and the Carroccio, the city's ceremonial battle wagon from the communal period.
Location: Bologna
Inception: 13 century
Architects: Alfonso Rubbiani
Architectural style: Gothic architecture
Address: piazza del Nettuno, 1/C - 40125 Bologna (BO)
GPS coordinates: 44.49435,11.34329
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:31
Bologna offers many photography subjects, from medieval towers to Renaissance palaces. The covered arcades stretch for miles, connecting squares, churches, and historic buildings. The Neptune Fountain stands beside Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city. The Two Towers rise above the streets and have been landmarks for centuries. Santo Stefano Basilica consists of several connected churches, while the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca sits on a hill, reached by one of the longest porticoes in the world. The university district shows buildings from medieval and Renaissance periods, including the Archiginnasio with its anatomical theater. The botanical garden provides a quiet green space, and parks like Giardini Margherita and Montagnola Park offer places to rest. Smaller discoveries like the window on Via Piella give views of the Moline canal. Palaces, libraries, and museums complete the photographic range of this city that has kept its historic character.
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Portici di via Indipendenza
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Formelle del Portico del Podestà
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Cappella di Santa Maria dei Carcerati in Palazzo Re Enzo
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134 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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