The Palazzo del Podestà stands on the Piazza Maggiore, the main square of Bologna in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is a medieval palace, and the address is Piazza Maggiore 1, 40124 Bologna BO. The building was constructed around 1200 as the seat of the Podestà, the official who governed the city.
What to see
The palace is best known for its Voltone del Podestà, a vaulted passage whose acoustics are unusual. A whisper spoken at one point can be heard clearly at a distant corner, so visitors often try it with a companion standing at the far side. It is a simple, playful feature that many people remember after they leave.
Planning a visit
- Location: on Piazza Maggiore, in the historic centre, within easy walking distance of other sights in the city.
- Contact: +39 051 2193111.
- Nearby: the square itself is a good place to pause, with its surrounding medieval and Renaissance buildings.
A visit suits a short stop between other attractions in Bologna, or a quiet look at the architecture of the old city. Because the palace is on the central square, it is easy to combine with a stroll through the surrounding streets.
