Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo Re Enzo

The Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo Re Enzo, in Bologna

The Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo Re Enzo are two emblematic medieval buildings bordering Piazza Maggiore. The Bologna audio-guided tour stops here to evoke these palaces of power, witnesses of the eventful history of the town.

The medieval palaces and the imprisoned king

The Palazzo del Podestà is one of the oldest public buildings of Bologna, erected in the thirteenth century to receive the podestà, the magistrate who governed the town. Under its great vaulted passage, called the Voltone del Podestà, is a famous acoustic curiosity: by placing themselves in opposite corners of the crossing, two people can speak to each other in a low voice and hear each other perfectly, despite the distance. Just behind stands the Palazzo Re Enzo, which owes its name to a significant episode: King Enzo of Sardinia, son of the emperor Frederick II, was held prisoner there for more than twenty years, after his capture by the Bolognese, until his death. These two brick palaces, with fine medieval façades, testify to the power of Bologna in the Middle Ages and to its eventful history.

What to see

You admire the two medieval brick palaces bordering Piazza Maggiore, the Palazzo del Podestà with the acoustic curiosity of its vaulted passage, the Voltone, where you hear each other whisper from one corner to the other, and the Palazzo Re Enzo, where King Enzo of Sardinia was held more than twenty years. These palaces testify to the history of Bologna. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo Re Enzo lie on Piazza Maggiore, in the heart of Bologna, reachable on foot. You admire their exterior and the vaulted passage freely; the interior spaces host exhibitions and events according to their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

Who was the king imprisoned in the Palazzo Re Enzo in Bologna?

King Enzo of Sardinia, son of the emperor Frederick II, who was held prisoner in this palace for more than twenty years after his capture by the Bolognese, until his death; the palace today bears his name.

Where are the Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo Re Enzo?

On Piazza Maggiore, in the heart of Bologna, in Italy.