Palazzo d'Accursio, Medieval town hall in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Italy
Palazzo d'Accursio is a medieval town hall on Bologna's main square with a clock tower and two inner courtyards. The entrance portal displays a bronze statue of Pope Gregory XIII, and the complex still serves as the city's administrative center.
The building became the seat of the Anziani, Bologna's highest magistrates, in 1336. During the 1400s architect Fioravante Fioravanti led major renovations that gave the palazzo its present appearance.
Named after a medieval jurist who once lived here, the building later became home to the city government. Today visitors find art collections on the second floor in rooms that once served as papal apartments.
The complex houses the Biblioteca Salaborsa library with Roman ruins visible beneath a glass floor. Visitors can explore art collections on upper floors while administrative offices remain in daily use.
A grand staircase built in 1587 and designed by Donato Bramante allowed carriages to reach upper floors. Newly elected mayors still use this ceremonial route during their swearing-in.
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