Palazzo dei Notai

The home of an ancient and noble guild

Standing in the heart of the city, it is one of the historic buildings that help give Piazza Maggiore the appearance that attracts visitors from all over Italy and the world. Dating back to the 13th century, the Palazzo dei Notai now shows itself in all its splendour thanks to restoration work in the early 20th century that restored its original appearance.

As can be deduced from its name, the Palazzo was the former home of the Bolognese Society of Notaries. You can still admire the guild's coat of arms on the façade, three inkwells with as many quills.

The coat of arms is also visible inside the building, which houses 15th-century frescoes and now houses some municipal offices. On the piano nobile, the second floor, the Municipality of Bologna organises various initiatives in the large Sala dei Notai. In the 18th century, however, the ground floor was home to the so-called “salara”, or salt store.