Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande

Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande, located in via Castiglione in Bologna, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture that reflects the wealth and influence of the aristocratic families of Bologna in the 17th century. Commissioned by the Pepoli family, the palace was built between 1653 and 1665 according to the design of Giovanni Battista Albertoni. The Pepoli family, one of the most powerful families in Bologna, wanted a building that reflected their prestige and social importance, and the result was one of the most imposing residences of the time. The facade of the palace, sober yet elegant, is characterized by a portico with Doric columns supporting a noble floor with windows framed by decorative elements in stone. This imposing facade creates a sense of monumentality and rigor, typical of Baroque architecture. The monumental portal leads to a large inner courtyard, surrounded by loggias on three sides, which represents one of the most suggestive spaces of the palace. The interior of the palace is decorated with magnificent frescoes and stuccoes created by some of the greatest artists of the time. The rooms of the noble floor are adorned with works by Ludovico Carracci, Donato Creti, Giuseppe Maria Crespi, and Vittorio Maria Bigari. The frescoes depict mythological and allegorical scenes, creating an atmosphere of great elegance and sophistication. The Venus Room, decorated by Donato Creti, is particularly renowned for the beauty of its paintings, depicting episodes of classical mythology with a masterful use of light and color. One of the most fascinating aspects of Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande is the Gallery of Apelles, a long corridor frescoed with scenes from the life of the famous Greek painter Apelles. These frescoes, created by Giuseppe Maria Crespi, are considered one of the masterpieces of Bolognese Baroque art. The gallery, with its elaborate decorations and vibrant colors, represents a true triumph of art and creativity. The Pepoli family, originally from Bologna, played a prominent role in the city’s history. The Pepoli were successful bankers and merchants, and their social and economic rise is reflected in the magnificence of the palace. Over the centuries, the palace has been the center of the city’s social and cultural life, hosting events, receptions, and parties that attracted the Bolognese and international elite. In the 18th century, the palace passed to the Campogrande family, who made further modifications and expansions, further enriching the building with valuable works of art and decorations. The merger of the two families is evidenced by the heraldic emblems that decorate the rooms of the palace, symbolizing unity and joint power. An interesting anecdote concerns one of the rooms of the palace, known as the Hercules Room. It is said that this room, decorated with frescoes depicting the labors of Hercules, was used for official receptions and diplomatic meetings. During one of these events, a famous French diplomat, impressed by the beauty of the frescoes, declared that the palace was worthy of hosting a king. In the 19th century, Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande became the center of important urban transformations that affected Bologna. The expanding and modernizing city saw numerous interventions in the restructuring and expansion of historic buildings, including the palace itself. These interventions, while respecting the original architecture, allowed the building to be adapted to new housing and functional needs.