Loggia di Braccio (1423)
 Detail
of a fresco (late 15th century) by Benedetto Bonfigli showing the
translation of the relics of St Herculanus to the Duomo. |
Braccio Fortebracci commissioned this loggia from the Bolognese architect Fioravante Fioravanti to link the Duomo and his (now-demolished) palace, the ex-Palazzo del Podestà. It probably replaced an earlier loggia at the foot of the old campanile.
The flat roof of the loggia, which could originally be reached from Braccio's palace and from the Duomo, was used for official ceremonies and public executions.
The structure has suffered a series of indignities:
The transept of the Duomo was built in 1481, cutting into the central part of the loggia.
The Palazzo del Podestà burned down in 1534, leaving it somewhat stranded.
The left-hand arch was partially filled in by the ex-Palazzo del Seminario (late 16th century).
The last arch on the right was demolished in 1570 to make way for the statue of Pope Julius III.
Return to Walk I.