Palazzo del Podesta (Podesta Palace), Bologna

Facing the Main Square ("Piazza Maggiore") stands the elegant Podestà Palace (accessible only during special exhibitions), erected in the 13th century as the epicenter of political power. Alas, it quickly became evident that the place was too small for the business of governance, prompting the birth of the neighboring King Enzo Palace ("Palazzo Re Enzo").

The Podesta Palace features a Renaissance porticoed facade (replacing the original Gothic one) facing the Main Square and is distinguished by its brick tower, the Torre dell'Arengo, originally erected to summon citizens in emergencies. Architecture enthusiasts should take note of the pillars of the portico, carved with a whopping 3,000 rosettes, each one as unique as a snowflake in a blizzard!

Beneath the vault, known as the Voltone del Podesta, terracotta statues of the town’s patron saints were once displayed. Today, visitors are drawn to the echo in the 'whispering gallery' – stand at one of the four corners of the arcade, whisper sweet nothings, and your voice will softly reverberate from the opposite corner. It's like having a secret conversation with yourself!