Palazzo Grassi: A Glimpse into Bologna's Medieval Past

Palazzo Grassi, located on Via Marsala in Bologna, is a captivating example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 13th century. This historic palace, one of the few surviving examples of Medieval urban design in Bologna, provides a tangible link to the city's rich past. Originally owned by the Canonici family, the palace was acquired by the Grassi family in 1466 and remained in their possession until 1848. The Grassi family received the title of Conti Palatini del Sacro Romano Impero in 1478 by Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor. In 1865, the military acquired the palace. After undergoing several renovations, it became the home of the Circolo Ufficiali dell'Esercito (Officer's Club) in 1935. The palace features a wooden portico supported by beams, a pointed arch gateway, and terracotta decorations on its windows. Inside the courtyard, you can find intaglio works by Properzia de Rossi and a 16th-century terracotta depicting the Madonna with Child. The palace chapel showcases stucco decorations by Giuseppe Maria Mazza and frescoes by Ercole Graziani (1704). Today, the palace is only open during special events.