Hercolani Palace

Palazzo Hercolani, located on Strada Maggiore in Bologna, is an imposing neoclassical building designed by architect Angelo Venturoli and completed in 1793 at the behest of Marquis Filippo Hercolani, a member of one of the most powerful senatorial families in Bologna. This building, now home to the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Bologna, represents a significant example of how neoclassicism can be harmoniously integrated with Baroque elements. The facade of the palace is sober and imposing, with a portico of Doric columns that gives a sense of monumentality and rigor. The interior, on the other hand, reveals extraordinary decorative richness. One of the most impressive elements is the monumental staircase, the last in a series of grand staircases commissioned by Bolognese noble families. Decorated with stucco statues depicting mythological subjects created by neoclassical sculptor Giacomo De Maria, the staircase culminates in the frescoed vault with the “Glory of Hercules” (or “Apotheosis of Hercules”), painted by Filippo Pedrini and Davide Zanotti around 1799. Another notable feature of the palace is the large inner garden, created in the early 19th century by Astorre Hercolani. Inspired by the great European parks of the late 18th century, the garden is an oasis of greenery and tranquility in the heart of the city. The garden is visible from the famous “Sala Boschereccia,” one of the most famous “country rooms” in Emilia, painted by Rodolfo Fantuzzi in 1810. This room, which overlooks the garden directly, is decorated with frescoes depicting natural and mythological scenes, creating a suggestive dialogue between interior and exterior. The “Sala Boschereccia” also contains a sculpture of Cupid and Psyche created by Adamo Tadolini, inspired by the famous sculptural group by Antonio Canova. This sculpture, placed in the center of the room, adds a touch of elegance and romanticism to the environment, reinforcing the connection between art and nature that characterizes the entire palace. On the main floor, there are other rooms of great artistic and historical interest. The “Zodiac Room” and the Hall of Honor, dedicated to Roberto Ruffilli, are both decorated with frescoes by Filippo Pedrini and Flaminio Minozzi. The Hall of Honor, in particular, features the allegory of Apollo and the Hours, a work from 1798 that represents the pinnacle of the neoclassical decoration of the palace. Two “Chinese-style” rooms, decorated by Vincenzo Armani and Davide Zanotti between 1803 and 1804, offer a fascinating example of how oriental influences were integrated into the decoration of aristocratic interiors at the time. These rooms, with their exotic motifs and vibrant colors, contrast with the neoclassical sobriety of the other rooms, creating an effect of surprise and wonder. Throughout its history, Palazzo Hercolani has hosted numerous illustrious personalities and played an important role in the political and cultural life of Bologna. During the Napoleonic period, the palace became a center of political and social activities, hosting events and receptions that attracted the Bolognese elite. In 1973, the University of Bologna acquired the palace and, between 1989 and 1992, underwent a thorough restoration. During these works, the monumental staircase, the Hall of Honor, and one of the “Chinese-style” rooms were restored, preserving the decorative richness and historical integrity of the building. Since 1997, the palace has been home to the Faculty of Political Science, continuing to be a place of great cultural and academic importance. One of the most interesting anecdotes related to Palazzo Hercolani concerns the eclectic taste of Astorre Hercolani, who decided to create the “Sala Boschereccia” and the garden inspired by European parks of the 18th century. This project was so appreciated that Astorre decided to place the sculpture of Cupid and Psyche in the center of the room, as a symbol of harmony between nature and art.