Palazzo Hercolani

Palazzo Hercolani is a grand historic palace on Strada Maggiore in Bologna, built at the end of the 18th century by nobleman Filippo Hercolani. The architect was Angelo Venturoli.
While the exterior façade shows restraint and neoclassical influence, the interiors are richly decorated in late-Baroque / Rococo style — with ornate stuccos, frescoes and grand architectural features. The monumental staircase, adorned with statues by Giacomo De Maria, is among the most striking elements. Over the years the palace housed lavishly decorated reception rooms, including rooms with chinoiserie decorations and mythological-themed frescoes by artists such as Filippo Pedrini.
Today, since 1973, Palazzo Hercolani belongs to University of Bologna — after restorations (1989–1997) it serves as seat for departments including Political Science.

Aula Poeti

Conference Hall (1st floor)

The Aula Poeti in Palazzo Hercolani is an elegant space dedicated to the classical masters of literature and thought. Originally an aristocratic reception room, its name derives from the late-18th-century ceiling frescoes by Filippo Pedrini, which beautifully depict the allegory of Fame and Human Genius alongside portraits of timeless figures like Homer, Pindar, Hesiod, and Democritus.

Sala Boschereccia

Coffees & Lunch Break (ground floor)

A room frescoed in 1810 by Rodolfo Fantuzzi, decorated with illusionistic woodland scenes that create the effect of being immersed in a painted forest.