Palazzo del Podestà

The palace was built between 1244-1246 as an extension of the nearby Palazzo del Podestà. It takes its name from Enzio of Sardinia, Frederick II's son, who was prisoner here from 1249 until his death in 1272. The current Gothic appearance dates from the restoration of 1905 due to Alfonso Rubbiani.

A fountain built in 1563 by Tommaso Laureti of Palermo, later embellished by Jean de Boulogne (called Giambologna). It is considered to be one of Bologna’s symbols, and renovated in 2017.

Bologna's city hall, with a very rich collection of Renaissance paintings, sculptures and antique furniture, is a 14th-century palace. Don't miss its enormous main staircase, which was designed to be used by horse drawn carriages.

A compact basement-level field of ruins from Bologna's past, from 2nd-century BCE Roman roads and buildings, to a 16th-century CE cistern. Metal walkways take you on a 100-m course over and around the ruins. But this thoughtful display is all the more interesting for its location: under a 19th-century stock exchange hall ("salaborsa"), which has been converted to a 21st-century library. Enjoy this airy, pleasant room on your way down to the ruins. A colourful flyer gives context in English and Italian. An easy excursion right on Piazza Maggiore.

The old seat of the Notary's guild. It was built in 1381 and completely restored in 1908 by Alfonso Rubbiani. Inside there are some frescoes 15th century.

A painting collection of works from various historical periods. Features include works by Giuseppe Maria Crespi (Ritratto del cardinale Lambertini- Portrait of Cardinal Lambertini), Ludovico Carracci (S. Caterina in Carcere – St. Catherine in Prison), and Guido Cagnacci (Cleopatra e Lucrezia), Francesco Hayez (Ruth).