Palazzo comunale

Palazzo comunale is the municipal seat in Modena with a long facade featuring marble columns and a covered portico. The right wing received three additional arches in 1825 to complement the existing five arches of the original portico structure.

The building has functioned as the seat of Modena's municipal government since the 12th century. Through the medieval period, the structure evolved and adapted as the city's administrative needs changed over time.

The palace communicates its identity through frescoes depicting Roman history scenes that line its interior walls. These artworks reveal how the city connected itself to classical heritage and understood its own importance within the region.

The building is open to visitors on weekdays and limited weekend hours, though group access requires advance booking. It is best to check opening times before your visit, as these may change seasonally or for special events.

Inside the palazzo visitors can see a wooden bucket that was famously taken from Bologna in 1325 during a military conflict. This bucket, the Secchia Rapita, remains on display and symbolizes a surprising victory in the region's medieval history.