Via Manzoni 6 - A 13th century building illustrating a rare example of a privately owned house with a portico constructed from selenite rock and with ogival characteristics. There’s also clear evidence of one of Bologna’s first examples of its ancient defence walls. The house belonged to Alberto Conoscenti.

Casa Conoscenti Photos

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About Casa Conoscenti

This building referred to as Palazzo Rizzoli and backs on to the City Museum next door used to be the residence of Alberto Conoscenti at the beginning of the 14th century. Architecturally speaking this 13th century building illustrates a rare example of a privately owned house with a portico made with ogival characteristics – meaning two connecting arches topped by a balustrade.

Under the arch is a statue captured at a moment of work. It was made by P Rizzoli although there’s no date for it.

In the courtyard are visible signs of selenite rock testimony to the construction of the very first defensive walls of the ancient city of Bologna dating back 1,000 years.

In 1370 when it passed to the local council they gave it to Astorre Manfredi from Faenza then later rented it to the Ghisilardi family.

The offices upstairs now are where the noble rooms were once located. Although at one time the council also used part of the building for storing animal feed.