Palazzo Pepoli Vecchio

Palazzo Pepoli, located in via Castiglione in Bologna, is one of the most fascinating symbols of the city’s history and culture. Built in the 14th century, this medieval palace was initially commissioned by Taddeo Pepoli, son of Romeo Pepoli, a powerful Bolognese aristocrat who acquired the first buildings in 1276. The Pepoli family, notable for their role as Lords of Bologna, maintained ownership of the palace until 1910, when it was transferred to the Municipality of Bologna. The original structure of the palace reflects the typical Gothic style of the time, with battlements and arched windows giving the building a stern yet elegant appearance. The Gothic aspect is further highlighted by the corner tower overlooking the main facade, a symbol of power and prestige. The interior of the palace, however, is a true journey through the centuries, thanks to the numerous additions and modifications that have taken place over time. In the 18th century, Palazzo Pepoli was expanded and renovated to adapt to the Baroque tastes of the period. This transformation process culminated in the creation of richly decorated rooms with frescoes and stuccoes celebrating the greatness of the Pepoli family and their achievements. Among the artists who worked on the palace are names such as Ludovico Carracci and Giuseppe Maria Crespi, whose works adorn the main halls. An interesting aspect of the palace’s history is its function as a printing house during the 19th century, when its spaces were used for the printing of books and newspapers. This practical use of the building reflects the socio-economic transformations of Bologna during the industrial era. In 2004, the palace was acquired by the Carisbo Foundation, which undertook a vast restoration project to bring it back to its former glory. This restoration has transformed Palazzo Pepoli into a modern interactive museum dedicated to the history of Bologna. Inaugurated in 2012, the Museum of the History of Bologna offers an exhibition path covering over 2500 years of history, from the Etruscan foundation of the city to the present day. The museum is organized into different thematic sections distributed chronologically, each offering a unique perspective on the cultural, social, and urban transformations of Bologna. Among the main attractions of the museum are reconstructions of medieval streets, multimedia installations, and a series of archaeological finds that tell the rich history of the city. One of the most fascinating rooms in the museum is the “Bologna Room,” where visitors can explore a reconstruction of the medieval city with the help of modern technologies, such as 3D projections and interactive screens. This room is a perfect example of how the museum uses innovative technologies to make history accessible and engaging.