Palazzo del Podestà

Palazzo del Podestà is a Renaissance structure on Piazza Maggiore featuring a long facade pierced by a double open arcade at ground level. The interior contains a grand hall on the upper floor that runs the full length of the building.

The palazzo originated around 1200 as the seat of local government, shaping Bologna's political structure from the medieval period onward. A major transformation occurred in 1453 when architect Aristotile Fioravanti replaced the Gothic facade with Renaissance design elements.

The Voltone passage displays terracotta figures of Bologna's patron saints created in the early 1500s, representing the spiritual identity the city has held for centuries. These sculptures shape how locals and visitors experience the covered space as they move through the center.

The palace stands at the intersection of two main streets in Bologna's center, making it easily accessible on foot. The Voltone passage provides a cool, shaded route for crossing the square, especially welcome during warmer months.

The Voltone vault possesses unusual acoustic properties where whispers in one corner travel clearly to the opposite corner. Visitors often discover this surprising effect by accident, making it one of the most talked-about details of their visit.