Boncompagni Palace

During the visit you will discover the history of Palazzo Boncompagni and its illustrious inhabitant, Pope Gregory XIII. You will also explore the hidden gems within, such as the helical staircase by Vignola, the loggia with its inlaid colonnade, the courtyard with its precious Magnolia tree, and, of course, the 'Sala delle Udienze Papali', also know as the hall of Pope Gregory XIII, with its breathtaking frescoes. Pope Gregory XIII, who was previously known as Cardinal Ugo Boncompagni, lived and was educated inside the Palazzo. He resided here until he was elected to the Papal Throne, which took place on May 13th 1572, and the subsequent coronation, which took place on May 25th of the same year. During these visits, visitors will be offered an aperitivo while standing without any additional charge, which consists of a welcome glass, wholemeal bread with olive patè, cereal bread, toasted almonds and breadsticks.

During the visit you will discover the history of Palazzo Boncompagni and its illustrious inhabitant, Pope Gregory XIII. You will also explore the hidden gems within, such as the helical staircase by Vignola, the loggia with its inlaid colonnade, the courtyard with its precious Magnolia tree, and, of course, the 'Sala delle Udienze Papali', also know as the hall of Pope Gregory XIII, with its breathtaking frescoes. Pope Gregory XIII, who was previously known as Cardinal Ugo Boncompagni, lived and was educated inside the Palazzo. He resided here until he was elected to the Papal Throne, which took place on May 13th 1572, and the subsequent coronation, which took place on May 25th of the same year. During the visits, you will discover the concept of Hortus Conclusus on which the internal courtyard was modeled and you will also visit the external garden, dominated by a second centuries-old magnolia and other splendid specimens that recreate “a small green lung”, located in the heart of the city of Bologna.