Grassi Palace

Palazzo Grassi, located at Via Marsala 12 in Bologna, is one of the most important historical buildings in the city, a symbol of 13th-century Gothic architecture. This magnificent palace, characterized by its elegant structure and long history, represents a significant testimony of medieval and Renaissance Bologna. Originally owned by the Canonici family, the palace was acquired by the Grassi family in 1466. The Grassi family, one of the most illustrious families in Bologna, played a prominent role in the city’s political and social life. In 1478, they were granted the title of Palatine Counts of the Holy Roman Empire by Emperor Frederick III, a title also recognized by Pope Sixtus IV. This recognition added further prestige to the family, consolidating their prominent position in Bolognese society. The facade of the palace is characterized by a portico supported by wooden columns in the shape of a crutch, one of the oldest examples of this type of structure in Bologna. This portico, which extends along Via Marsala, creates a visual and functional connection between the interior of the palace and the surrounding city, testifying to the importance of dialogue between private and public space in the medieval urban fabric. Inside the palace, one of the most fascinating elements is the 15th-century courtyard, decorated with carvings by the sculptor Properzia de Rossi, one of the few female sculptors of the time. Among her works in the palace stands out a 16th-century terracotta depicting a Madonna with Child, adding a touch of sacredness and artistic beauty to the environment. The chapel of the palace, decorated with stuccoes by Giuseppe Mazza and frescoes by Ercole Graziani dating back to 1704, represents another artistic gem of the complex. In 1865, the palace was acquired by the Military Administration and became the headquarters of the Officers’ Club of the Bologna Army in 1935, after a series of restorations that began in 1922. These renovation works, completed in 1934, were essential to preserve the structural integrity and historical aesthetics of the building, making it one of the most elegant city clubs of the time. Today, the Officers’ Club continues to use the palace for social and cultural activities, keeping alive the tradition of hospitality and prestige of the place. An interesting aspect of the history of Palazzo Grassi concerns the restoration works of the early 20th century, which brought to light many original architectural details and allowed for the preservation of the medieval structure of the palace. These interventions, while respecting the historical integrity of the building, also adapted some spaces to modern needs, demonstrating how heritage conservation can coexist with contemporary use.