Casa Saraceni

Described as "one of the most beautiful residences that the Bolognese Renaissance produced" (Alfredo Baruffi, Guida di Bologna, 1911), Casa Saraceni was built at the end of the 1400s and was designed with obvious similarities to Palazzo Fibbia Pallavicini in Via Galliera. It underwent several transformations, including exterior changes, over the years. A major restoration was carried out in 1930 by the engineer Augusto Baulina Paleotti, which restored the façades to their original state. However, the 15th century partitions and decorations could not be restored, so the works substantially changed the interiors. In the meantime, the building was connected to a rear structure to increase space and was transferred to Cassa di Risparmio for use as representative premises. The rich pictorial decoration of the interiors is by the painter Roberto Franzoni, who did not betray his passion for Art Nouveau, but nevertheless interprets here the decorative era of the Bolognese Renaissance.
Casa Saraceni, which later became the headquarters of the Fondazione della Cassa di Risparmio, underwent a new programme of restorations on the exterior by the architects Roberto Terra and Guido Cavina (1995-98) and on the interior by the architect Roberto Scannavini (2001), which made it possible to create a large gallery for exhibitions and a conference room on the ground floor.