Palazzo Comunale
Palazzo Comunale
4.5
Monday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tours & experiences
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Santo Stefano
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Restaurants
1,611 within 3 miles
Attractions
527 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
523 reviews
Excellent
234
Very good
229
Average
57
Poor
1
Terrible
2
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK179,496 contributions
May 2023
The Palazzo Comunale is the municipal building of the city hall of Bologna. The building also houses the civic collection of paintings belonging to Bologna city. The most splendid room is the Red Hall that was previously the senate offices of Bologna, not sure what it’s used for now. Much of the decorations in this room is red, while the ceiling is with many female personifications representing various types of education as you’d expect for a city with a prestigious university. Another room known as the Chapel of the Legate has beautiful frescoes painted by Carlos Barromeo, one of which depicts the ascension.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jivko V
Sofia, Bulgaria1,543 contributions
Jan 2020
Palazzo Comunale is at Piazza Maggiore. This palace was bought by the government in 1336 and is currently the Town hall of Bologna.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doyleygirl
Harpenden, UK317 contributions
Feb 2020
This is basically the must visit central Piazza Maggiore in Bologna. Here you can view all the architecture of the area and while away the time in this pedestrianised (at weekends) site.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thombly
Bologna, Italy1,474 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
Palazzo d'Accursio (this is its real name) is one of the symbols of Bologna.
The stairs, the big halls (look for Sala Farnese) and frescos and wooden ceilings, the inner courtyard, the view of the town from the first and second floor, the huge pic of Bologna from the air, and its museums (you need a ticket for them) and usual temporary exhibition are surely worth a visit.
The ideal place also to relax a bit.
Friendly staff, even not always specialized on touristical issues.
There also is a lift.
The stairs, the big halls (look for Sala Farnese) and frescos and wooden ceilings, the inner courtyard, the view of the town from the first and second floor, the huge pic of Bologna from the air, and its museums (you need a ticket for them) and usual temporary exhibition are surely worth a visit.
The ideal place also to relax a bit.
Friendly staff, even not always specialized on touristical issues.
There also is a lift.
Written January 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika
Caracas, Venezuela9,854 contributions
Aug 2020
Really big building in thge central square of Bologna. This area of the city feels a little more modern than the rest.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom9,341 contributions
May 2019
Piazza Maggiore is surrounded by several big, heavy, red brick palazzos. This is the most interesting of them. It’s the one with St Gregory above the door and the clock tower.
It is next door to the basilica, so you don't have to go out of your way to see it. If you have limited time, then you don’t have to go inside – it’s not a must-see. However if you have time to explore, then it is worth a look and entry is free.
The palazzo was the seat of government since 1336 and still functions as Town Hall.
From the piazza, head through the arches with the big heavy striped columns and into the central courtyard. The different shades of dark red and pink stone (so different from Venice or Florence) are striking.
Other points of interest are:
* The Great Horse Staircase – I loved that these stairs were built in 1857 for the sole reason of making sure that the city governor could step out of his carriage right outside his front door. His apartments were on the first floor so the only way the horses could get up there was with a special staircase. You can also imagine retinues of government officials on horseback riding up and down staircase.
* Exhibitions –we came across two free temporary photographic exhibitions in the Sala Farnese. I loved the contrast of the modern exhibitions against the old, patterned floors, frescoed walls and ornate ceilings
* Hercules Hall (Sala DErcole) elegant white and cream coloured room giant statue Hercules.
* This is the best tip – when you are in the Sala Farnese, make sure you go to the end of the room for a great view looking down across Piazza Maggiore from its windows.
* There is a museum/gallery inside (but we did not go in so cannot comment)
It is next door to the basilica, so you don't have to go out of your way to see it. If you have limited time, then you don’t have to go inside – it’s not a must-see. However if you have time to explore, then it is worth a look and entry is free.
The palazzo was the seat of government since 1336 and still functions as Town Hall.
From the piazza, head through the arches with the big heavy striped columns and into the central courtyard. The different shades of dark red and pink stone (so different from Venice or Florence) are striking.
Other points of interest are:
* The Great Horse Staircase – I loved that these stairs were built in 1857 for the sole reason of making sure that the city governor could step out of his carriage right outside his front door. His apartments were on the first floor so the only way the horses could get up there was with a special staircase. You can also imagine retinues of government officials on horseback riding up and down staircase.
* Exhibitions –we came across two free temporary photographic exhibitions in the Sala Farnese. I loved the contrast of the modern exhibitions against the old, patterned floors, frescoed walls and ornate ceilings
* Hercules Hall (Sala DErcole) elegant white and cream coloured room giant statue Hercules.
* This is the best tip – when you are in the Sala Farnese, make sure you go to the end of the room for a great view looking down across Piazza Maggiore from its windows.
* There is a museum/gallery inside (but we did not go in so cannot comment)
Written November 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bunyip Adventures
West Lothian, UK161 contributions
Oct 2019
While walking around on a Sunday morning we walked up the unusual stairs to find access to a very large art collection dating back hundreds of years. Not normally our thing but it was interesting and free which is a bonus for such a collection.
Written October 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
masinorfolk
norfolk38 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
Located at the main square is the town hall, which is free to enter. Very usual staircase which I am told is ideal for horses to use. We spent well over 1 hour walking around it to different rooms. Make sure you visit
Written February 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony130258
Herne Bay, UK44 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
The palazzo was lovely with streets full of great shops and little eateries leading off the main square. Sadly the art gallery is closed on a Monday so we did not see that bit. Also things might be closed in the afternoon so beware the opening and closing times. Sitting in a cafe overlooking the palazzo is a good way to pass the time. Lovely!
Written February 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brachitstersxxx
London, UK33 contributions
Oct 2019
Fanstastic square. You can enjoy ouside and inside. Defenetly one of the best attractions in Bolonia
Written October 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sapete dirmi se è accessibile con il cane ?
spedubec
Bologna, Italy4,584 contributions
Non ne ho idea.
Anja M
Dessau, Germany
Wie komme ich in die Biblioteca-Mediateca? Ich kann den Eingang nicht finden. :(
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Claim your listingPalazzo Comunale - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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Palazzo Comunale Information
Excellent Reviews | 234 |
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Very Good Reviews | 229 |
Palazzo Comunale Photos | 761 |