Palazzo Aldrovandi, Rococo palace in Bologna, Italy
Palazzo Aldrovandi is a Rococo palace in Bologna with a facade of red brick and white Istrian stone running along Via Galliera. The building displays the curved lines and ornamental details typical of 18th-century palaces, with decorative moldings around windows and doorways.
Construction of this palace began in 1725 under Francesco Maria Angelini and was completed in 1752 by Alfonso Torreggiani for Cardinal Pompeo Aldrovandi. The project was completed during a period when wealthy families were investing in grand residences to display their influence.
The interior rooms display frescoes showing scenes from the lives of the Aldrovandi family, who held positions of power in Bologna's government. These painted walls give a sense of how wealthy families expressed their status through art and decoration.
The palace is located at Via Galliera 8 near Bologna's city center and is easily accessible on foot. The building previously served functions related to the municipal library and cinema archive, so checking its current use before visiting is recommended.
Marble busts and reliefs that once decorated the palace interiors are now part of the British Museum's collection in London. This reflects how artworks from Italian palaces have moved into major European museums over time.
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