Bologna Palazzo Malvezzi-Campeggi
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Palazzo Malvezzi-Campeggi Photos
About Palazzo Malvezzi-Campeggi
This palace was built over the Casa Nuova of the influential Bentigvolio family. The present building now the Law Faculty of Bologna University was probably erected around 1550 by Andrea and Giacomo Marchesi da Formigine. Their telltale design is illustrated in the fine sculptural details of the façade and the simple fact that the main body of the building only rises one floor above ground level.
At the back of the courtyard is this beautiful but weathered sculpture of Ercole, meaning Hercules in English. It’s attributed to Giuseppe Mazza.
From above the true magnificence of the courtyard is better viewed. Doric columns of sandstone, in need of repair, form a double loggia running along the perimeter of the yard. Pilaster strips enclose small pedimented windows which also bear portraits of military commanders and Roman Emperors.
These following rooms which are still very much in use display precious paintings by local artists such as Antonio Rossi and Carlo Lodi.
A local bank called Cassa di Risparmio bought the building and during the 1970s had it restored. The University of Bologna then took control of the palazzo and thus it became the seat for the law department.
Together, Rossi and Lodi’s work consisted of grand, heroic figures and idyllic countryside scenes, which were actually representative of the local baroque genre of their time. For this reason, both these artists were very much in demand throughout Europe.
In 1730 the palazzo underwent restructuring by Giuseppe Ambrosi to make way for this room called the ‘Sala Armi’. This monumental room was then decorated with tempera paintings illustrating military victories with particular emphasis on the Malvezzi family.
For example, the liberation of Padova in 1509 when it was under siege by the emperor Massimiliano is celebrated here. Other paintings illustrate the nomination of Emilio Malvezzi in the Papal Court as the ambassador to the King of Switzerland and to the Queen of Hungary.
Finally, a minor tempera painting alludes to the feud in the forest on behalf of Carlo, who was the official standard-bearer for Bologna in 1442.
Today though this room is presently used to host graduation ceremonies.