Palazzo Poggi

The large palazzo, today the main campus of the University of Bologna, was built starting from the mid-16th century on top of pre-existing family dwellings not commensurate with the status of Cardinal Giovanni Poggi who then occupied it.
The design genius of this beautiful specimen of aristocratic residential architecture was a puzzle for the critics for a long time. Today they tend to ascribe the portico and façade to Bologna native Bartolomeo Triachini, while the inside courtyard would be the work of the polymorphous artist Pellegrino Tibaldi.
The portico features Doric columns with rosette-adorned capitals. Pillars decorated with geometric figures frame the main entrance and close the sequence of columns.
When the cardinal died, his heirs continued with the construction of the building, which however was not completed.
Its intended use changed in 1712, when the family sold the Palazzo and it became the premises of the Academy of Sciences. A majestic library built by Carlo Francesco Dotti added to its grandeur.
Today, the complex occupies an entire block and, in addition to the University Library, houses the Rectorate, several classrooms and many offices. The faithful reconstruction of Umberto Eco’s library will soon come to light.