Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is Bologna's central civic square, shaped by centuries of public building around an open paved space. San Petronio and the surrounding palaces bring religious, communal and commercial histories into a single architectural ensemble.

Why it matters

From the thirteenth century, the Comune acquired properties to create a square representing municipal authority and concentrating public life. The resulting space developed through successive projects rather than one complete design, changing from a medieval market setting into a Renaissance political forum.

What to notice

San Petronio dominates the southern side with its unfinished facade. Palazzo del Podestà defines the north, Palazzo d'Accursio the west and Palazzo dei Banchi the east; Palazzo dei Notai adds the notarial guild's presence beside the basilica. The neighbouring Piazza del Nettuno, with Giambologna's fountain, extends the group of connected public spaces. Porticoes give parts of the ensemble a continuous architectural rhythm.

Context and history

The square's formation began with medieval land purchases and continued as civic buildings were altered and enlarged. The name Piazza Maggiore became established in the sixteenth century. It was later named for Vittorio Emanuele II before officially returning to Piazza Maggiore in 1945. Its history reflects successive forms of municipal identity as well as the individual monuments around it.