La Bottega di Palazzo – A journey among Villas and Castles

La Bottega di Palazzo is in a historic location found at the center of Imola, within the 15th-century Palazzo della Volpe, formerly known as Albergo El Cappello.
 

The building was commissioned in 1484 by Girolamo Riario, Lord of Imola and husband of Caterina Sforza, to serve as a prestigious hotel and coaching inn designed to accommodate distinguished guests.
 

During a recent restoration project, precious Renaissance decorations were uncovered beneath several layers of lime: frescoed vaults and lunettes, symbolic motifs, inscriptions and a coat of arms attributable to the Riario-Sforza family. The rooms, now spread over two levels, offer a fascinating insight into the city’s Renaissance history.
 

The tour takes participants on a journey to discover the history of Palazzo della Volpe and its transformations over the centuries, with a particular focus on the Riario-Sforza family, the building’s original function, and the discovery and restoration of the frescoes.
 

By examining the decorations, coats of arms and inscriptions that have been preserved, visitors will gain an intimate insight into a private space, normally closed to the public, and rediscover a fascinating chapter in Imola’s history.
 

The tour takes place in an intimate setting and also includes an account of the restoration project that has breathed new life into these spaces, which are now used for meetings, cultural experiences and private events.

The guided tour forms part of the “A journey among Villas and Castles” series.

Full price: € 15

Reduced price (Card Cultura holders and FAI members): € 12

Reduced price (aged 6–12): € 6

Free: aged 0–5

A 50% discount is available for holders of a disability card and one accompanying person.

Bookings for tickets reserved for people with disabilities must be made by emailing extrabo@bolognawelcome.it or by visiting the eXtraBO information point in Piazza del Nettuno.

Services included:

• Guided visit

• access to private rooms inaccessible to the public

Meeting point:

Via Felice Orsini 5, 40026 Imola

Before booking, please bear in mind that:

• You can reach the destination by taking the Bologna Centrale–Imola regional train, followed by an 11-minute walk from Imola station
• Pets are not permitted
• There are steps at the entrance and stairs leading to the mezzanine area

Refund and changes:

Cancellation with a refund or changes to the booking are possible up to 48 hours before the start of the activity.

The sale of tourist services is managed by Bologna Welcome Travel Agency