The Mask of Palazzo Malvasia
Situated at the beginning of Via Zamboni, today the site of a hotel, Palazzo Manzoli-Malvasia is a beautiful 13th-century building that has undergone various alterations over the centuries. The portico we see today is in fact the result of a 15th-century addition, while the façade dates back to the 16th century. Inside, in addition to various decorations, we can admire the staircase designed by a member of the Bibiena family, the Bolognese architects and stage designers who also built the Municipal Theatre.
Originally belonging to the Malvasia family, the palace is particularly known for the so-called mascherone. If we look to the left of the façade we notice a large arch with a mask in the centre. This archway was once the main entrance to the Jewish ghetto, which was closed at sunset and reopened the next morning.
The mascherone
Despite its dominant position over the entrance to the ancient ghetto, the mask of Palazzo Malvasia has nothing to do with Bologna's Jewish community. Creepy-looking, with its mouth and eyes wide open, the mascherone is in fact linked to
a popular legend that originated at the time of papal rule over Bologna.
It is said that when Bologna became part of the Papal States, the noble families living in the city began competing with each other to impress the representative of papal power, the papal legate. In this way they hoped to get into his good graces and obtain favours.
So the Malvasia family, in order to make a good impression, began to organise
sumptuous receptions inside their palace, especially in case of the election of one of the family members as gonfalonier. But they did not stop there. Legend has it that during the festivities they used the mascherone (and his open mouth) to
pour wine on the people by passing it through a small pipe connected to the residence. The mascherone was thus transformed into a fountain, a symbol of the family's wealth and prestige, and those passing by could freely enjoy such generosity.
