Palace of Notaries

The Notaries’ Palace, located on the southern side of Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, represents a fundamental piece of the city’s historical and architectural fabric. Built starting from 1381 to house the headquarters of the Notaries’ Society, the palace has been expanded and renovated several times over the centuries, reflecting the political, social, and artistic transformations of Bologna. The original building was designed by Berto Cavalletto and Lorenzo da Bagnomarino, while the expansion of 1437, facing the Palazzo d’Accursio, was carried out under the direction of Bartolomeo Fioravanti. This renovation gave the palace its characteristic medieval appearance, with mullioned windows and Ghibelline merlons decorating the top of the walls. A distinctive feature of the Notaries’ Palace is the corporation’s coat of arms, visible on the facade, depicting three inkwells with goose feathers on a red background, surrounded by lilies. This symbol represents the authority and importance of notaries in the city administration, as they are responsible for drafting legal documents and contracts. In 1792, the grand hall of the palace was modified by the architect Giuseppe Tubertini, who raised the vault, partially altering the original appearance of the building. However, the most significant restoration took place in 1908, when Alfonso Rubbiani was commissioned to restore the medieval appearance of the palace. Rubbiani, known for his philological approach to restoration, removed many of the later additions, returning the facade to its authentic character. The interior of the Notaries’ Palace is equally fascinating. The main hall, known as the Notaries’ Hall, is adorned with 15th-century frescoes depicting religious scenes, such as the incredulity of Saint Thomas. These frescoes, along with the coats of arms of noble Bolognese families decorating the walls, offer a detailed insight into the life and traditions of medieval Bologna. An interesting anecdote concerns the 1908 restoration. Alfonso Rubbiani, a fervent supporter of medieval Gothic, faced the challenge of balancing historical preservation with modern needs. His decision to demolish Tubertini’s grand hall was controversial, but ultimately contributed to preserving the historical integrity of the building, restoring it to its former splendor.