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Palazzo Fava: A Renaissance Art Haven

Explore Renaissance art and history at Palazzo Fava, Bologna's premier exhibition center, showcasing masterpieces from the Carracci brothers and beyond.

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Palazzo Fava, a stunning Renaissance palace in Bologna, is now a premier exhibition center showcasing art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. It's famed for its 16th-century frescoes by the Carracci brothers and its ever-changing national and international exhibitions.

A brief summary to Palazzo Fava

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more intimate viewing experience.
  • Check the official website for current exhibitions and ticket prices before your visit.
  • Take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the palace's history and the artwork on display.
  • Enjoy a coffee break at the museum's café, managed by a master pastry chef.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Palazzo Fava is easily accessible on foot from Bologna's city center. From Piazza Maggiore, walk south on Via dell'Indipendenza for about 500 meters, then turn left onto Via Manzoni. The palace is located at number 2 on the right.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near Palazzo Fava. Take bus lines 11 A-B-C, 27 A-B-C, or 28 to the Indipendenza 11 stop. From there, it's a short walk to Via Manzoni, 2. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Bologna. You can hail a taxi from Piazza Maggiore or book one through CoTaBo (+39 051 372 727) or CAT (+39 051 4590). A short taxi ride from the Bologna Centrale train station to Palazzo Fava will cost approximately €10-€15.

  • Driving

    If driving, head towards Bologna city center and follow signs for Centro Storico. Parking is available at nearby garages such as Piazza VIII Agosto and Parcheggio Centrale. Be aware of the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). Parking rates range from €2.20 to €2.60 per hour.

Unlock the Best of Palazzo Fava

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Discover more about Palazzo Fava

Palazzo Fava, located on Via Manzoni in Bologna, is a captivating journey through art and history. Originally a medieval structure, the palace was transformed during the Renaissance after being acquired by the Fava family in 1546. In 1584, Filippo Fava commissioned Ludovico, Annibale, and Agostino Carracci to decorate the palace, marking their first major commission. The palace is celebrated for the Carracci brothers' frescoes, which adorn the main hall and rooms. These frescoes, depicting scenes from the lives of Jason, Medea, Europa, and Aeneas, showcase the Carraccis' revolutionary approach to art, emphasizing naturalism and storytelling over mere decoration. Art historian Andrea Emiliani called one scene, Medea's Night Enchantments, the first modern nude in art history. In 2005, the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna purchased the palace and restored it, opening it to the public in 2011 as an exhibition center. Today, Palazzo Fava hosts a variety of exhibitions, from classical masters to contemporary artists. The museum also has a café managed by Master Pastry Chef Sebastiano Caridi.

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