Many of the most important temporary art exhibitions in Bologna are housed in the sumptuous baroque halls of Palazzo Albergati. Art aficionados can enjoy the works on display while architecture enthusiasts marvel at the Albergati family’s grand residence. Before visiting, check the schedule of events and purchase a skip-the-line ticket.
Set in the heart of historic Bologna, the palace is easy to visit on a tour of city highlights, including Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di San Petronio, the Two Towers, and the churches of Santo Stefano and San Domenico. Bologna also happens to be home to one of Italy’s most beloved traditional cuisines—so if you’re a gourmand, opt for a food tour that combines sightseeing with the chance to sample local specialties.
Palazzo Albergati is partially accessible to wheelchairs—request information at the entrance.
There are no cafés or restaurants inside the palace, but the surrounding area offers a number of dining options.
Palazzo Albergati is located in the restricted traffic area of Bologna’s historic center. To get there, walk from Piazza Maggiore to Via Saragozza, where the palace takes up a long stretch of the street.
The palace is open only for special art exhibitions and events, so be sure to check the schedule before you plan to visit.
Based on a design attributed to Baldassarre Peruzzi or Domenico da Varignana, work on the palace began in 1519, though its monumental facade was finished only in the early 1600s. Inside the palace, look for several important 17th- and 18th-century frescoes, including a frieze by Bartolomeo Cesi depicting the history of Hannibal and the Second Punic War.
