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 Magna Ruffilli

Conference Hall (1st floor)

The main lecture room at Palazzo Hercolani is dedicated to the Italian scholar Roberto Ruffilli, a Faculty academic who lent himself to politics and was later barbarously murdered by the Red Brigades for his commitment to reforming the State.

Sala Boschereccia

Coffee & 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.