Palazzo Re Enzo - a large building with a clock on the top of it
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Palazzo Re Enzo

4.6
·2k reviews·Bologna, Italy

A 13th-century palace in Bologna's main square, once King Enzo's prison, now a venue for events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

CrowdLow
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Palazzo Re Enzo - a large building with a clock on the top of it

Palazzo Re Enzo

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 13th-century palace in Bologna's main square, once King Enzo's prison, now a venue for events.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A historic gem in Piazza Maggiore, offering a glimpse into medieval Bologna and a vibrant event space."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Opening Times First! :calendar:

Palazzo Re Enzo has variable hours and can be closed for events. Always verify before your visit!

Bologna Welcome Card :ticket:

This card can offer access, but confirm inclusion and booking requirements beforehand.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

King Enzo's Prison

King Enzo's Prison

Interior

Discover the story of King Enzo of Sardinia, imprisoned here for over 20 years. A truly poignant historical site.

Reddit
Restored Gothic Interior

Restored Gothic Interior

Main Halls

Admire the Gothic architecture and recent restorations, including art installations and historical spaces.

Reddit
Piazza Maggiore Views

Piazza Maggiore Views

Exterior

Experience the grandeur of Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno from the palace's doorstep.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Palazzo Re Enzo's opening hours can be limited and sometimes it's closed for private events. Always check the official schedule and consider booking tickets in advance, especially if you have the Bologna Welcome Card, to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Embrace the Piazza

While the palace itself is historic, its location in Piazza Maggiore is a major draw. Plan to spend time exploring the surrounding square, especially in the evening when the lighting creates a magical atmosphere. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Crowd
Low
When
Evening hours
Why
Magical piazza lighting
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Only got one day in Bologna, Italy 🇮🇹? I’ve got you covered. 👇 As someone living in Italy, I’ve spent a lot of time wandering Bologna’s medieval streets, tasting all the pasta, and soaking up its underrated charm. So if you're short on time, this is my go-to 1-day itinerary: ✨ Start in Piazza Maggiore 📸 Snap a photo of the massive, unfinished Basilica di San Petronio 🧜‍♂️ Quick detour to Neptune’...
@sam.sees.italy
8.1K likes • 239.2K views

Check Opening Times First! :calendar:

Palazzo Re Enzo has variable hours and can be closed for events. Always verify before your visit! Reddit

Bologna Welcome Card :ticket:

This card can offer access, but confirm inclusion and booking requirements beforehand. Reddit

reddit.com

Our first 3 days in Bologna… what should we do?

reddit.com

First time in Bologna

Explore Piazza Maggiore :camera:

The palace is part of a stunning square; enjoy the ambiance, especially at dusk. Reddit

Event Venue Alert :microphone:

It's a popular spot for events, which might affect public access. Reddit

reddit.com

Ciao! Spending 3 days in Bologna, what do do?

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Opening Times First! :calendar:

Palazzo Re Enzo has variable hours and can be closed for events. Always verify before your visit! Reddit

Bologna Welcome Card :ticket:

This card can offer access, but confirm inclusion and booking requirements beforehand. Reddit

Explore Piazza Maggiore :camera:

The palace is part of a stunning square; enjoy the ambiance, especially at dusk. Reddit

Event Venue Alert :microphone:

It's a popular spot for events, which might affect public access. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate Palazzo Re Enzo's historical significance, particularly its connection to King Enzo, and its prime location in the stunning Piazza Maggiore. The palace's architecture and recent restorations are also noted positively. However, inconsistent opening hours and occasional closures due to private events can lead to disappointment for some.

"This is one of the historic palaces at Piazza Maggiore. It was originally constructed between 1244-46 and is now named after King Enzo of Sardinia who was held prisoner here after the Battle of Fossalta until his death (1249-72).

The palace was last restored in 1905, leaving us with the Gothic style building that we can see today. There is an interesting courtyard (closed to public when we passed by) that you can peer into, a fairly typical Bologna style bell tower and brick facaded exterior. The building is also topped with decorative battlements.

You will find bars, a bookshop and a few other businesses fitted into the ground floor of Palazzo Re Enzo. Seems events are held within the palace from time to time as well."

Brad

"Bologna has a welcome card which costs €25. This cards provides you with access to museums, palaces etc as part of the price. The card gives you access to the palace. The palace is only open certain times of the year. You need to book a time slot to visit. It is opened from 10:00-17:50pm. The palace is not big."

Lynn Higgins

"Had the Bologna Welcome Card but the guy in charge of the door told us the palace is private. There were people inside when he told us that. I mentioned the Bologna Card but he still said it’s private and didn’t mention needing a reservation or anything like that, so we didn’t go there only to learn later that it was included to the card."

euglenii

What People Like

Historic King Enzo story
Prime Piazza Maggiore location
Gothic architecture

What People Dislike

Variable opening hours
Event closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Palazzo Re Enzo is centrally located in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna's main square. It's easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city center. If arriving by public transport, look for bus stops near Piazza Maggiore. TikTok

Yes, Palazzo Re Enzo is situated right in Piazza Maggiore, adjacent to other key sights like the Basilica di San Petronio and Piazza del Nettuno. It's a perfect starting point for exploring Bologna's historic heart. TikTok

Parking in Bologna's city center is challenging and often restricted. It's best to use public parking garages on the outskirts of the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) and walk or take a bus into the center. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Palazzo Re Enzo can be restricted and may require tickets or advance booking, especially as it hosts events. It's crucial to check the official website for current access policies and opening hours. Reddit

The Bologna Welcome Card may include access to Palazzo Re Enzo, but it's essential to verify this and understand any specific booking requirements or time slot limitations associated with the card. Reddit

Opening hours for Palazzo Re Enzo can vary significantly due to its use as an event venue. Always consult the official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit. Reddit

If a private event is scheduled, public access to Palazzo Re Enzo may be limited or entirely restricted. It's advisable to check the event calendar or contact the venue directly. Reddit

Ticket prices can vary depending on current exhibitions or events. If included in a city pass like the Bologna Welcome Card, there might be an additional fee or booking requirement. Check official sources for current pricing. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside Palazzo Re Enzo, you can explore its historical rooms, learn about King Enzo's imprisonment, and admire the Gothic architecture. Recent restorations have also added contemporary art installations. Reddit

While the historical context might be more engaging for older children, the grand architecture and stories of imprisonment can be interesting. However, its primary function as an event space might limit spontaneous exploration. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted, but flash photography or professional shoots might be restricted. Check for signage or ask staff. Instagram

Palazzo Re Enzo is historically significant as the prison of King Enzo of Sardinia from 1249 to 1272. It was built as an extension of the Palazzo del Podestà and later became a venue for public events. Reddit

Guided tours might be available, especially for groups or during specific exhibitions. It's best to check the official website or inquire upon arrival about tour options and schedules. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Palazzo Re Enzo is primarily a historical venue and event space, the ground floor often houses businesses like bars and bookshops. Full dining facilities are unlikely within the palace itself. Reddit

Palazzo Re Enzo is in Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by numerous trattorias, cafes, and restaurants offering traditional Bolognese cuisine. You'll find plenty of options within a short walk. TikTok

Typically, bringing outside food and drinks into historical buildings like Palazzo Re Enzo is discouraged or prohibited to preserve the interiors. It's best to consume them outside the venue. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior shots with Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno are iconic. Inside, look for architectural details and any art installations. The courtyard, if accessible, can also be picturesque. Instagram

Yes, Piazza Maggiore is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different, often more dramatic, perspective for photography. The palace's facade looks stunning under the evening lights. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for both interior and exterior shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the piazza, and a prime lens might be useful for low-light interior shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Palazzo Re Enzo offers a chance to tell a compelling story about a king who was a prisoner. Focus on the tales of King Enzo's captivity and the legends surrounding him. The palace's location in the grand Piazza Maggiore also provides ample space for children to run around and enjoy the open square. Reddit

While the historical details might be complex, framing it as a 'medieval castle story' can capture their imagination. Be sure to check opening times carefully, as event closures can be frequent. Consider bringing snacks and drinks to enjoy in the piazza before or after your visit, as dining options inside the palace are limited. Reddit

🏛️ History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by medieval history, Palazzo Re Enzo is a key site. Delve into the political context of the Guelphs and Ghibellines, the life of King Enzo, and the architectural evolution of the palace as an extension of the Palazzo del Podestà. Reddit

Pay attention to the details of the restorations and any contemporary art installations that might be present, as they offer a dialogue between the past and the present. The stories of Enzo's imprisonment, including the legends of his cage and his illegitimate children, add layers of intrigue to the visit. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Palazzo Re Enzo provides excellent photographic opportunities, both inside and out. The exterior, set against the backdrop of Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, is particularly striking, especially during the golden hour and at night when the square is beautifully illuminated. InstagramReddit

Inside, look for architectural details, the restored chapel, and any temporary exhibitions. The colonnaded courtyard, if accessible, can offer unique perspectives. A versatile lens setup will serve you well, allowing you to capture both the grand scale of the piazza and the finer historical elements within the palace. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tragic Tale of King Enzo

Palazzo Re Enzo is inextricably linked to the story of King Enzo of Sardinia, son of Emperor Frederick II. Captured by the Guelphs in 1249 after the Battle of Fossalta, Enzo was imprisoned in this palace for over two decades until his death in 1272. The palace, originally known as the 'New Palace' (Palatium Novum), was built to accommodate the growing needs of the Commune of Bologna. Reddit

Legends abound about Enzo's imprisonment. While he was reportedly allowed some freedom during the day, it's said he was confined to a cage at night. Despite his captivity, he fathered children, and one of his descendants, Bentivoglio, would go on to found a prominent Bolognese family. The palace's history is a blend of political intrigue, warfare, and enduring legacy. Reddit

Visiting Palazzo Re Enzo offers a tangible connection to this medieval drama. The interiors, though restored, still evoke a sense of history, allowing visitors to imagine the life of a king held prisoner in the heart of Bologna. It's a somber yet fascinating chapter in the city's past. Reddit

Palazzo Re Enzo as a Modern Venue

Beyond its historical significance, Palazzo Re Enzo is a vibrant hub for contemporary events. Its grand halls and unique setting make it a sought-after location for conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and private functions. The palace has been equipped with high-tech equipment to support these modern gatherings, blending its medieval architecture with cutting-edge facilities. TikTok

This dual role means that public access can be variable. While it's a must-see for history buffs, visitors should always check the schedule to see if it's open for public viewing or if it's hosting a private event. The integration of modern technology ensures that the palace remains a relevant and dynamic space, attracting a diverse range of visitors and participants. Reddit

When visiting, you might encounter the buzz of an ongoing event or find yourself exploring its historical rooms in relative quiet. This dynamic nature is part of what makes Palazzo Re Enzo a unique landmark in Bologna, offering both a glimpse into the past and a stage for the present. Reddit

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