Palazzo Boncompagni

Situated in the heart of Bologna’s historic district, just a few hundred metres from piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers, stands a noble residence built in the mid-16th century intended to host a Pope. Palazzo Boncompagni (now Benelli) is one of the finest examples of Bolognese Renaissance architecture and has recently gained recognition as a prominent venue for major exhibitions and cultural events.

The Palazzo has been owned by the Benelli family since the late 1800s. In 2008, Andrea Pizzighini Benelli began an extensive renovation project, which is now continued by his wife, Paola Pizzighini Benelli, and their children, who are restoring their prestigious home to its former glory, uncovering . new details and curiosities about Bologna and its history every day.

Pope Gregory XIII, formerly Cardinal Ugo Boncompagni, lived and was educated in the Palazzo, and resided here until his election to the papal throne on 13 May 1572, and his subsequent coronation on 25 May of the same year. The building was constructed at the initiative of Cristoforo Boncompagni, Ugo’s father, shortly after the city of Bologna had came under the control of the Bentivoglio family, becoming the second most important city in the Papal States after Rome. A commemorative plaque still present on the main ‘piano nobile’ floor marks the completion of the palazzo in 1548.

The history of Palazzo Boncompagni
The design of the original nucleus of Palazzo Boncompagni is attributed to the Sienese architect Baldassarre Tommaso Peruzzi (1481-1536). However, its final construction and decorative work, both interior and exterior, are credited by many scholars to Jacopo Barozzi, also known as Vignola (1507-1573). The Spiral Staircase, an unmistakable hallmark of this great Renaissance architect, is the focal point of the palazzo. The completion of the loggia with the entrance portal to the staircase is also attributed to Vignola, due to the evident strength and maturity in both its figurative and structural aspects. The ornamentation above the small window is similar to those designed by Vignola for the Palazzo dei Banchi in Piazza Maggiore in Bologna.

The grand decorated portal on Via del Monte, dated 1545, displays the papal insignia of Gregory XIII, Ugo Boncompagni, featuring a winged dragon without a tail, which sparked considerable controversy at the time and was met with numerous critiques from his staunchest adversaries.

The ground floor houses the magnificent ‘Sala delle Udienze Papali’ or Hall of Papal Audiences, designed to impress those who were admitted to the palazzo. At the far end of the hall, a monumental fireplace, possibly designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi, dominates the room, while the ceiling is adorned with frescoes depicting five episodes from the youth of David, in line with the biblical account from the book of the prophet Samuel. The identity of the artist who created the frescoes remains unknown, but it is likely that the work was carried out by artisans affiliated with Pellegrino Tibaldi’s workshop. The rooms on the main ‘piano nobile’ floor are currently undergoing restoration and are the subject of research projects.

In early 2022, the Palazzo Boncompagni Foundation was established to oversee the palazzo’s restoration and enhancement activities, and to promote the legacy of Pope Gregory XIII, who radically changed the course of modern history.

2022 was a special year, as it marked the 450th anniversary of Ugo Boncompagni’s ascension to the papal throne as Pope Gregory XIII. The Foundation celebrated this milestone with a series of activities and events involving the entire city, from local institutions to residents, recounting the history of this time-honoured residence and reassessing the significance of this Pope, who played such a fundamental role in shaping Christianity and beyond.

Already a member of the Association of Italian Historic Homes (ADSI), Palazzo Boncompagni received further important accolades in 2023 and 2024, including the Case e Studi delle Persone Illustri dell’Emilia-Romagna plaque (recognised as ‘Distinguished People’s Houses and Studios in Emilia-Romagna’) and the Corona d’Oro ‘Golden Crown’ certification from the “Registro Italiano delle Dimore Storiche di Eccellenza” or ‘Italian Register of Historical Residences of Excellence’. Additionally, the internal courtyard and external garden belong to the “Grandi Giardini Italiani” network of Great Italian Gardens.

Since 2021, Palazzo Boncompagni has hosted a number of contemporary art exhibitions featuring some of the most important international artists: Michelangelo Pistoletto, Marino Marini, Aldo Mondino and Mimmo Paladino.
The Palazzo is open for guided tours lasting 45 minutes according to a set schedule of dates and times.

Facilities and services: weddings and private events in Bologna
Palazzo Boncompagni provides an exclusive setting for events in a prestigious historical residence in the heart of Bologna. The ‘Sala del Papa‘ is available for special and exclusive events such as conferences, seminars, corporate dinners and private celebrations.
The venue includes access to the loggia with its precious ornate columns, leading to the entrance of the helical staircase attributed to Vignola.
The staff at Palazzo Boncompagni supervises every detail of event planning with care, dedication and professionalism, and upon request, offers perfect solutions for entertainment, from music to floral arrangements, to ensure a sophisticated and unforgettable experience for their guests.