Palazzo della Mercanzia

The basics

While you can’t waltz into this government building for an independent visit, you can admire its Gothic exterior. Smack in the middle of Bologna’s historic center, the piazza in front of Palazzo della Mercanzia is the perfect place to pause and take in the surrounding 13th-century architecture.

For the best chance of seeing the interior, which has Renaissance frescoes and the Council Hall covered in hundreds of coats of arms, take a guided tour. Several Bologna walking tours stop by Palazzo della Mercanzia, as do food tours that weave in tales about history and architecture with tastings of local specialties.

Things to know before you go

• Palazzo della Mercanzia is not accessible to the public, but visitors are welcome to stand under the loggia.
• The closest public restrooms are in Palazzo d’Accursio, just south of the Fountain of Neptune.
• Palazzo della Mercanzia is near Bologna’s Quadrilatero neighborhood, where food options abound in covered markets and local trattorias.
• While there are a couple of stairs leading to the entrance of Palazzo della Mercanzia, the piazza in front of the building is accessible.

How to get there

If you’re coming from the Bologna Centrale train station, Palazzo della Mercanzia is a pleasant 25-minute walk through the historic center—or 15 minutes away if you take the bus and get off on Via Rizzoli near the palazzo. If you’re driving, park on the east side of the city near Porta Maggiore, where you’ll find a few garages outside of the old city walls.

When to get there

Palazzo della Mercanzia is a perfect stop during a day of sightseeing in Bologna’s historic center, which is at its most pleasant from April to May and September to October, when temperatures are mild and tourist crowds are minimal. If you only have one day to visit Bologna, avoid coming on a Sunday or Monday, when many shops and restaurants are closed.

The recipes safeguarded at Palazzo della Mercanzia

Palazzo della Mercanzia doesn’t just house crucial trade information—it also preserves the authentic recipes of typical Bolognese dishes. The official documents dating back to the ’70s and ’80s dictate just how thin a strand of tagliatelle pasta should be cut, what ingredients should go in the filling for tortellini, and how a proper Bolognese ragu should be prepared.