Overview

The palazzo Merlato was originally known as the Palatium Novum. It was built in 1244 as the assembly building for the city council. They used to keep their weapons on the lower floors, including the famous carroccio, which played a major role in many of the city's field campaigns. The Bolognese captured King Enzo, son of Federico II, in 1242 at the important Battle of Fossalta. They imprisoned him here until his death in 1272. This famous prisoner left a legacy to the city in that from thenceforth the building was known as Palazzo Re Enzo.