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Piazza Maggiore
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Piazza Maggiore (Piâza Mażåur in the Bolognese language) is a central square in Bologna, region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, largely preserving its 15th century layout. The Northwest corner opens into Piazza del Nettuno with its Fontana del Nettuno, while the Northeast corner opens into the narrower Piazza Re Enzo, running along the flanks of the Palazzo Re Enzo that merges with the Palazzo del Podestà. Flanking the Piazza del Nettuno is the Biblioteca Salaborsa.
Key Information
Layout
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The square is surrounded by major administrative and religious buildings in the history of Bologna, including:
- Palazzo d'Accursio (W) – city hall and museum
- Palazzo dei Notai (SW) – former notaries' guild
- Basilica of San Petronio (SE) – Duomo of Bologna
- Palazzo dei Banchi (E) – former banking center
- Palazzo del Podestà, Bologna (N) – former police and justice offices
44°29′37.77″N 11°20′33.83″E / 44.4938250°N 11.3427306°E
Piazza Maggiore
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Piazza Maggiore is the central square of Bologna, Italy, and the historic heart of the city, measuring 115 meters in length and 60 meters in width.[1] It originated in the 13th century as a medieval urban project initiated by the Municipality to consolidate commercial activities and symbolize civic power, evolving into its current form by the 15th century with further developments in the 16th century.[2][3] Originally known as platea communis for markets and community gatherings, it was briefly renamed Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II in 1860 and Piazza della Repubblica during 1943–1945, before reverting to Piazza Maggiore.[3] A raised pedestrian platform called the crescentone, added in 1934, covers the square and bears scars from tank damage during World War II liberation on April 21, 1945, preserved as a memorial.[3][1]
The square is enclosed by iconic medieval and Renaissance structures that reflect Bologna's architectural heritage and historical significance.[2] Dominating the southern side is the unfinished Basilica of San Petronio, begun in 1390, measuring 132 meters in length and 60 meters in width, though originally planned to be larger (around 200 meters in length), intended as a symbol of civic devotion but halted due to competing projects.[4] To the north stands Palazzo d'Accursio, the city's town hall since 1336, featuring a 15th-century astronomical clock tower and serving as a municipal art museum.[2] Other key buildings include the 13th-century Palazzo del Podestà with its Gothic-Renaissance facade and Arengo Tower; Palazzo Re Enzo, a 13th-century prison-turned-event space; Palazzo della Mercanzia, constructed between 1384 and 1391 as a merchants' guild headquarters; and the 16th-century Palazzo dei Banchi with its 15 arches.[3][1] Adjacent to the northwest is Piazza del Nettuno, added in the 16th century, featuring Giambologna's bronze Fountain of Neptune, a symbol of the city.[2]
As Bologna's primary public space, Piazza Maggiore continues to function as a vibrant hub for social, cultural, and political life, hosting festivals, markets, and gatherings while connecting to major streets like Via dell'Indipendenza and the University of Bologna's historic district.[3] Its preservation underscores Bologna's medieval legacy as a prosperous commune and center of learning, drawing visitors to its arcades lined with cafés and shops.[1] The square's layout, largely intact since the 15th century, exemplifies Italian urban planning and remains a focal point for the city's identity.[2]

