Palazzo D' Accursio, Municipal palace and art museum on Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Italy
Palazzo d'Accursio is Bologna's city hall and stands on Piazza Maggiore with an imposing facade and several connected wings. The building contains ornate rooms like the Sala Rossa and Sala Farnese as well as two inner courtyards that run through its structure.
The building grew from the residence of jurist Accursius and was converted into the seat of Bologna's highest magistrates in 1336. Over the centuries it was expanded and modified to meet the growing needs of city administration.
The building houses important art collections that reflect Bologna's rich artistic tradition. The Museo Morandi with works by the local master and the halls with historical frescoes convey a sense of the cultural importance of this place for the city.
The building is open during weekdays and visitors can explore multiple rooms and view art historical exhibitions. To gain deeper insights, one should take advantage of available guided tours or spend time in the art museum on the upper floor.
A remarkable staircase called the Great Horses Staircase was built in 1587 to allow horse-drawn carriages to travel up to the noble floor. This practical design shows how Renaissance architecture in Bologna shaped daily administration.
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