Palazzo Bevilacqua (Bevilacqua Palace), Bologna

During the late afternoon and early evening, the pedestrian-friendly Via d’Azeglio, located west of San Domenico, transforms into "il salotto," or the drawing room, where locals gather for leisurely conversations over cocktails and upscale shopping. This vibrant street offers a relaxed ambiance, attracting both contented families and the chic elite of Bologna. While renowned boutiques dot the area, the most coveted shops can be found in the neighboring Galleria Cavour and Via Farini.

Amidst this fashionable scene stands the impressive Bevilacqua Palace, a 15th-century structure with Tuscan architectural influences. Designed with a rustic sandstone facade, wrought iron balconies, and a charming courtyard enveloped by a loggia, it exudes timeless elegance. Notably, the palace hosted two sessions of the Council of Trent in 1547, serving as a refuge from an epidemic in Trent.

Architectural enhancements were made to the original 13th-century Bevilacqua family residence, enriching its grandeur. The façade was refined, while the main floor and gallery were expanded to accommodate the family's prestigious collection of antiquities and paintings. Today, the palace serves as a secondary school, providing students with the unique opportunity to study amidst such historical splendor.