Palazzo Ghisilardi Fava

Palazzo Ghisilardi Fava, located at via Manzoni 4 in Bologna, is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture, built between 1484 and 1491. Commissioned by Bartolomeo Ghisilardi, the building fully represents the architectural model of the Bentivoglio period, characterized by elegance and symmetry. The building stands on pre-existing medieval structures belonging to the Conoscenti family, which left a significant historical imprint with the Conoscenti Tower, incorporated into the palace courtyard. This tower, a typical Bolognese tower house with both residential and defensive functions, is a symbol of the city’s historical continuity and urban transformations. In the underground of the palace, Roman artifacts have been found, including a marble road, testifying to the antiquity and historical richness of the site. Palazzo Ghisilardi Fava was acquired by the Fava family in 1546, becoming part of an architectural complex that also included Palazzo Fava Ghisilieri and Palazzo Fava Conoscenti. In 1915, the building underwent a significant restoration by the Committee for Historical and Artistic Bologna, during which the tracery of the facade windows was restored, inspired by the original model. These interventions have helped preserve the authenticity and architectural integrity of the palace. During the fascist period, Palazzo Ghisilardi Fava became the headquarters of the Casa del Fascio in Bologna, inaugurated in 1923 in the presence of Benito Mussolini. This period saw the building transformed into a center for the political and social activities of the National Fascist Party, with the presence of a café, a restaurant, billiard rooms, and a library. One of the most famous anecdotes of this period concerns the founding of Scuderia Ferrari, decided during a gala dinner in 1929 by Enzo Ferrari and his partners. Since 1985, Palazzo Ghisilardi Fava has housed the Civic Medieval Museum of Bologna, offering visitors a vast collection of medieval art and artifacts. The museum rooms are richly decorated with frescoes and stuccoes that tell stories of saints and historical figures, offering a fascinating glimpse into medieval life and culture. The museum houses important works of art, including the Madonna and Child by Vitale da Bologna, which testify to the artistic evolution of the city. Other notable artifacts include armor, weapons, musical instruments, and ivory and precious metal artifacts, showcasing the craftsmanship and cultural richness of medieval Bologna. Another interesting aspect of the palace is the inner courtyard, with its double loggia decorated with elegant Doric and Ionic columns, creating an environment of great harmony and beauty. This space, once used for events and receptions, is now an integral part of the museum tour, offering visitors a moment of tranquility and reflection. Despite the damage suffered during an earthquake in 1505, the Conoscenti Tower has been integrated into the structure of the palace and represents one of the few surviving examples of medieval towers in Bologna. The tower, with its architectural features, is a symbol of the city’s strength and resilience through the centuries.