Erected in late 1400s as a horse stables for the Bentivoglio family. Other owners included the Paleotti family in 1621, Monte di pieta di Bologna and the Azzolini Hospital. In 1933 the University of Bologna turned it into a canteen. It’s now a cafe-bar and disco. Main portal has a fresco by Giovanni Francesco Spini in 1692.

Scuderie dei Bentivolgio Photos

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About Scuderie dei Bentivolgio

This was the ex-scuderie or horse stables to the Bentivoglio family erected in the second half of the 15th century.

This fresco above the main portal illustrates Mary and Jesus with the disposition of St Antonio Abate. It was attributed to Giovanni Francesco Spini in 1692. The stables served the Bentivoglio palazzo across the street which was destroyed in 1507.
The building was bought by the Paleotti family in 1621 and was incorporated into the building next door. After the death of Senator Giuseppe in 1690 it passed to Monte di pieta di Bologna – probably considered the first banking institution here.
Space is often dedicated to art work or exhibits as currently shown along the walls.
From 1781-1796 the papal legation office was housed here, then it was used as a timber warehouse and next transferred ownership to the Azzolini Hospital. Finally, the University of Bologna carried out restoration work in 1933 which turned it into a reading room and canteen. Presently, the university uses it as a cafe-bar and at weekends young crowds flock here for the modern-style disco or live bands.

Reference: Giuseppe Sassatelli, Cristiana Morigi Govi, Jacopo Ortalli, Francesca Bocchi, Atlante Storico Delle Città Italiane Emilia Romagna Bologna I, Bologna 1996
Reference: Tiziano Costa – Marco Poli, Conoscere Bologna, Bologna 2005