Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande: A Baroque Masterpiece

Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande, or Palazzo Pepoli Nuovo, stands as a testament to the grandeur and ambition of the Pepoli family, one of Bologna's most prominent dynasties. Built in the late 17th century, this Baroque palace was designed by Francesco Albertoni and Giuseppe Antonio Torri. The palace is located on Via Castiglione, directly across from the family's older, medieval Palazzo Pepoli Vecchio, which now houses the Museum of the History of Bologna. Commissioned by Count Odoardo Pepoli, the Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande was intended to be a modern and lavish residence, reflecting the family's elevated social standing as textile merchants, money-changers, and bankers. The palace's design showcases the elaborate ceremonial of Baroque aristocratic society, beginning with a monumental staircase that connects the entrance to the main floor. The ceiling of the staircase features two oval frescoes (1665) by Domenico Maria Canuti, depicting significant moments in the Pepoli family's history. The main floor, donated to the Bologna Municipality by Edvige Campogrande, houses a series of rooms adorned with frescoes by prominent Bolognese artists. Highlights include the Salone d'onore (Hall of Honor), featuring Canuti's 'Apotheosis of Hercules on the Olympus', the Sala di Felsina with an 'Allegory of Felsina (Bologna)' by Giuseppe and Antonio Rolli, the Sala delle Stagione (Hall of the Seasons) with 'The Four Seasons' and 'Transit of Hercules' by Giuseppe Maria Crespi, and the Sala di Alessandro, frescoed with 'Alexander severing the Gordian knot' by Donato Creti. The walls display a collection of paintings, primarily from the Zambeccari family collection, including works by Crespi, Ludovico Carracci, Guercino and others. Currently, Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande is closed for renovation and function-related upgrades, with a scheduled reopening in Spring 2026.