The history of the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo dates back to 1280. Built during the decline of Countess Matilde di Canossa's reign and at the birth of the Age of Communes to house the "Capitano del Popolo", the new ruler elected to govern the city.
In 1400, it was home to Sigismondo d’Este and, lastly, it became a hotel in 1515, charmingly named the "Locanda del Cappello Rosso’.
The last significant renovations were completed last century when the hotel took on its still current aspect: it is certainly one of the oldest hotels in Italy: in fact, it will soon be celebrating its 500th birthday!