Schmap Bologna Historical Background

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Bologna - Historical Background
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The origins of Bologna can be traced right back to the Bronze Age. Around three thousand years ago, a population of unkown origin settled in the Appenine region, on the banks of the Apose and Ravone rivers. During the Iron Age, this population developed its own authentic culture and came to be known as the Villanovian Civilisation.

These Villanovian villages were inhabited by skillful potters and smiths who developed working relationships with other civilisations such as the Etruscans, the Greeks and the Phonaeceans. This meant the Villanovians were able to play a central role in the trade route network covering northern and central Italy.

The Etruscans

In around the sixth century B.C., the settlement of villages was eventually surrounded by the Etruscans (who brought with them their culture) and the area was transformed into the wealthy and prosperous Felsina. The Etruscans in Felsina (mentioned by Pliny in one of his works) added to the trade links already established by the Villanovians and it soon became the commercial centre of Etruria. The population here was a peace-loving one, which an interest in both crafts and commerce.

Galli Boi

In around 350 B.C., Felsina found itself incapable of repelling a rash attack by the Galli Boi who had reached the surrounding plains. The coarse, dirty and ugly Galli Boi did not leave any important heritage behind - except perhaps the name of the city: it is said that the name Bologna is derived from the word Boi or bona which means city in the Celt language.

The Romans

It was only after two hundred years of Celt domination that they were finally defeated in battle by Publio Cornelio Scipione Nasica and sent into flight. Bononia (as it was then called) became a Roman colony. In 187 B.C., the Roman Consul Marco Emilio Lepido had the Via Emilia constructed, thus giving the city an important position in the centre of Peninsula Italy's road network.

During the Roman period, Bononia re-acquired some of its lost splendour. Many important architectural works were built including the Roman castrum, the road network (part of the paving of which is still visible in Via Manzoni, as well as the Palazzo Fava Ghisilardi, and Fava Ghisilieri, the Roman theatre in Via Carbonesi.

The fall of the Roman Empire also brought about the decline of Bononia. Realising that they were lacking in defences and therefore vulnerable to raids by Barbarians, the citizens rushed to repair the city's defences and fortify the city with a high defensive wall made from selenite. In an effort to bring new hope to the weary population and re-build the fragmented society, the Bishops of Rome (who had been granted freedom of religion by an edict from the Emperor Constantine in 313 A.D.) were able to have churches constructed.

Bishop Petronio

In 431 A.D., the city regained a semblance of its former vitality, mainly due to the deeds of Bishop Petronio who reinforced the fortifications, restored the public buildings and initiated the construction of the Basilica di Santo Stefano. His actions left such an imprint on Bologna's history that nine hundred years later, the splendid Basilica di San Petronio was built in his honour on the Piazza Maggiore. This piazza soon became the religious and political heart of the city.

War and Peace

This period of relative peace was however rudely interrupted and between 535 and 553 Bologna became involved in the bloody Byzantine-Gothic war. It was then the turn of the Longobards who in 569 invaded the plains, attempting to win the region from the Byzantines.

It was only in 727 that the Longobard king Liutprando succeeded in defeating the Byzantines. Bologna was then ruled peacefully for the next fifty years. Very little evidence remains of the Longobard period, with the exception of the Catino di Pilato (Pilate's Basin) which stands in the courtyard of the Santo Stefano Basilica.

In 774, the Longobards gave way to Carlo Magno who, after being summoned by Pope Adriano I, ceded both Bologna and l'Esarcato to the papacy. Throughout the ninth century, Bologna was therefore ruled by Dukes who had been appointed by the Pontificate.

A Mixture of Good and Bad Events

The end of the first millenium brought about a mixture of good and bad events. The Metropolitana di San Pietro was built, the city walls were widened and reconstruction work on the Santo Stefano Basilica was commenced.

The danger of Byzantine domination was definitively staved off during the struggle for investiture between the Pope and the Emperor, and this was reconfirmed when the Church of Rome took over patronage of the city. The close ties between the Church and the city were maintained for a long time, but they were not always amicable ones.

In the meantime, the city began to rebuild itself and the first municipal institutions began to appear. These were built with the approval of the Emperor Enrico V. In 1088, the most important university in Europe was built by the Master of Laws - Irnerio.

This was a period of frenzied activity for the city. The more that was happening here, the more it became a potential target for the major powers. Regimes with colonial expansionist urges began to set it in their sights. Federico Barbarossa attempted to remove its autonomy by imposing his own magistrates on the city's government, but Bologna refused to submit to this. In 1167, it joined the League of Lombardy and entered into armed struggle to defend its autonomy.

A Hotly Contested City

Bologna was a hotly contested city. It was sought after by the Church, by the Imperial powers, and by rich and powerful members of the nobility. There were many reasons for this, not least its strategic geographical location, the economic and cultural benefits brought about by the presence of the university and its flourishing markets which had been revitalised as a result of fervent activity on the part of the Corporazioni delle Arti (Coporation of the Arts). There were a large number of craftsmen's workshops in the city, and these even gave their name to some of the streets, which are still visible today in the mercato di mezzo district.

Many illustrious personages were buried here and great funereal monuments - such as the Glossatori Arches which can be seen near the Piazza San Domenico and the Piazza Malpighi - were built for them.

13th and 14th Centuries

In the thirteenth century, waves of discontent continued to wash over the citizens of Bologna, due to the alternate domination of the city by both the Guelfs and and the Ghibellines.

The Emperor Frederico Barbarossa never actually managed to subjugate Bologna, and his nephew, King Enzo of Sardinia was even taken captive during the battle of the Fossalta. He was incarcerated until his death in a palace which bears his name to this day: Palazzo Re Enzo.

The Church met with a different fate, but it was no less effective. Often, when the citizens of Bologna felt they'd had enough of the abuse of power of the Papal Legate, they would rail against the Rocca di Galliera. This building - constructed by Cardinal Bertrando del Progetto - as the official residence of the Papal Legate - was the stronghold of the Catholic Church in Bologna.

Bologna courageously resisted all attempts at subjugation, even during the bloody civil wars which were to follow. The powerful Geremei, Lambertazzi and Pepoli families fought for domination of the city for years, siding from time to time with the Papacy or the Emperor for support.

It was only the fury of the Papal Delegate which managed to temporarily curb the heated disputes which were taking place between the opposing factions to the point where even he only narrowly managed to avoid being thrown out of the city.

Bologna did however, have its moments of glory. The Santa Maria dei Servi church was built and the San Domenico basilica was finished. Contruction work on San Petronio was commenced in 1390.

15th Century

In the fifteenth century, the Bentivolgio family came to power. There was also a power struggle between the Viscounts of Milan and the Pope for domination of the city, from which the church emerged victorious. The Rocca di Galliera was consequently rebuilt. Pope Alessandro V felt that the city was finally at peace and attempted to stabilise the political sitution. He died in 1410 and his body was preserved in the sepulchre at the San Francesco basilica.

However, the tensions in the city were still simmering away and relations with the church continued to be problematic until the nineteenth century. Every time the church attempted to calm the population, it would alllow itself to be calmed. However, as soon as the papal legate became in any way controversial, the citizens of Bologna would once more be up in arms.

16th Century

Bologna's other enemies, the Viscounts, took full advantage of the situation and continually threatened the city, in an attempt to realise their ambition of territorial expansion into Emilia. The Bentivoglio family repeatedly attempted to reinstate the rule of the Signoria (or nobility), as did both King Francia Luigi XII and Cesare Borgio, grandson of Pope Alessandro VI. In 1506, the church once more intervened and it was Pope Giulio II that finally liberated the city from domination by the Bentivoglio family and reinstated papal rule, definitively making Bologna part of the Papal State.

In the years which followed, various major events took place: in 1530, Carlo V was crowned Emperor in the San Petronio Basilica, and in 1542, Bologna hosted several sessions of the Trento Council. Various important institutions were transformed as a result of the papal domination e.g. the University came to be housed inside the Archiginnasio, in order for its autonomy not to be limited.

During this period, many great architectural works were built including the Palazzo dei Banchi in 1565, Piazza Galvani in 1563 and the Ospedale della Morte (today housing the Civic Archaeological Museum) which was also built in 1565.

In this way, Bologna reacquired some of its faded glory and prestige. While the corruption-riddled nobility were involved in the worldy, secular life of the city, the papacy struggled to maintain law and order.

17th and 18th Centuries

At the beginning of the seventeenth century, the city's population was decimated by the Plague, but it was still constantly under development. Magnificent palaces were built and there was an increasing amount of activity in the world of the arts.

In the eighteenth century, Bologna began to enjoy a better standard of living as a result of successes in both the agricultural and textile industries. The University regained some of its antique splendour with the addition of the Institute of Sciences which was housed in the Palazzo Poggi, donated by Luigi Ferdinando Marsili.

19th Century

Bologna was the papal state's second city (after Rome), and in the nineteenth century, it became involved in a series of historical events which changed the face of Europe. In the Napoleonic period, it was at first the capital of the Cispadana Republic and then, it left the papal state to became part of the Cisalpina Republic. During the Restoration, Bologna was restored to the papacy. However, Bologna soon became actively involved in the Risorgimento movement which culminated in the driving out of the Austrians and the definitive severing of Bologna's centuries-old ties with the papacy. In 1859, Piedmont was annexed and became part of a unified Italy.

Today

Today, Bologna is often seen as Europe's cultural capital. It take pride of place in Italy's road network and its prestigious University is world-famous. It is an ancient city with a widely-respected artistic heritage (the Caracca and Reni Schools originated here) which has promoted various cultural initiatives on an international scale. It is a city which is known for its strong identity, its inter-cultural exchange programmes, its towers, its gateways, its magnificent palaces and for the joie de vivre of its population.

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"Mercato di Mezzo" o Quadrilatero

Go shopping in the old market

Via Clavature
Bologna 40124
Italy

If you go past the Palazzo dei Banchi from Piazza Maggiore you will enter into this network of ancient streets which used to be the home of the city's craftsmen. The streets still have many of their original names such as Via Clavature to remember the blacksmiths, Via Caprarie for the sheep butchers, and Via Drapperie for the upholsterers. When you visit these streets which were of Roman origin, and now contain a market, it is almost like reliving an ancient time which is evoked by the noise of the shoppers who crowd around the fish, fruit, and meat stalls, just as they would have done so long ago in Bologna's city center.

Review © 2007, Wcities

'Mercato di Mezzo' o Quadrilatero photo by Simona Tonna

Photo: Simona Tonna

'Mercato di Mezzo' o Quadrilatero photo by Alessandro Candeli

Photo: Alessandro Candeli

'Mercato di Mezzo' o Quadrilatero photo by Serena Focardi

Photo: Serena Focardi

Doctor's Theatre

Famous attraction Piazza Galvani 2
Bologna, Bologna 40124
Italy
+39 (0)51 27 6811 This theatre was built in 1638 by the architect A. Levanti in the Archginnasio, the former University site. It is said that it was reduced to rubble by bombing in 1944, and was minutely rebuilt so as to resume its original beauty. It is infact very beautiful, and upon entering it seems as if time is standing still...built entirely out of wood, the Doctor's cathedral still retains the two "Scorticati" designed by Ercole Leilli, but scuplted by S. Giannaotti, who also made the other statues.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Doctor's Theatre photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Fava Ghisilardi Palace

Palazzo housing the city's Medieval museum. Via Manzoni 4
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121
Italy
+39 51 20 3930 This example of 15th-century architecture was built between 1483-1491 by Edigio Montanari. In 1915 the original structure was brought to light by substantial restoration work. They also restored the Torre dei Conoscenti which dates back to the 13th Century. The entrance courtyard is really beautiful. It's surrounded by porticoes with a loggia. At present, the Palazzo Fava Ghisilardi belongs to the city council. It contains the city's Medieval museum. The rooms contain collections of musical instruments and western ceramics. The rooms are decorated with some fabulous frescoes by Carracci which show scenes from mythology. Admission: Free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Fava Ghisilardi Palace photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Galliera Castle

The symbol of Bologna's papal history. Via Indipendenza
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121
Italy
The remains of the Rocca di Porta di Galliera can be seen at the end of Via dell'Indipendenza at the foot of the Parco della Montagnola. This once magnificent castle was the symbol of the Pope's control of Bologna. It was built at the beginning of the 14th Century on the orders of Cardinal Bertrando del Proggetto. There was a particularly close relationship between Bologna and the church for about four centuries. The relationship varied between difficult and hostile periods to times of peaceful cooperation. The castle was always the first symbol of oppression to be attacked by the people and over the years it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The castle was eventually completely destroyed and the ruins were used by the architect, Martinetti, to build a city park (della Montagnola) in the 19th Century.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Galliera Castle photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Metropolitana di San Pietro

Imposing cathedral built over the site of a Romanesque cathedral Via Indipendenza 7
Bologna 40121
Italy
+39 51 22 2112 This was built over the site of a Romanesque cathedral, destroyed by fire in 1141. The architect Domenico Tibaldi designed the presbytery in 1575 and restored the Romanesque crypt, which can still be visited today. It was redesigned at the beginning of the 17th Century by Ambrosini and Donati, and the 60 m wide vault was also built during this period. This building's special features are contained in the two concentric belltowers - in the 13th Century the oldest Romanesque style belltower was enclosed by a taller belltower. The interior is extraordinarily large and is made up of a nave with adjoining side chapels. There are two red marble holy water containers, decorated with lions, which belonged to the original Romanesque-Gothic basilica. The building includes paintings by Creti, Fontana, Carracci, and Tiarini. In the first chapel on the right there is a Pietà made up of eight terracotta statues by Alfonso Lombardi. The crypt was renovated in 1965 and is decorated with two cedar wood statues dating back to the 13th Century.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: garbaland

Poggi Palace

The University musuem Via Zamboni 33
Bologna 40126
Italy
+39 51 209 9398 This palazzo was built in 1549 and is thought to have been designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi. The Torre della Specola is built on top of the palazzo and dates back to 1725. It was built by Carlo Francesco Dotti. The university of Bologna has used the building since 1802 as an Institute for Science and as a museum for the university. They has visiting times every day. It's possible to visit the historic room where Giosué Carducci taught and see the beautiful courtyard which contains a sandstone statue of Hercules by Angelo Grabiello Piò. Admission: Free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Mari Bland

Prison of King Enzo

Palatium Novum, prison of King Enzo. Piazza Maggiore
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121
Italy
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 Frederic 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.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Pietro Izzo
Photo: Michele Mazzoli
Photo: Federico Foschi
Photo: foxpenguin
Photo: StefyCerbino

San Francesco Basilica

The Franciscans in Bologna Piazza Malpighi 9
Bologna 40122
Italy
In 1236, the Franciscans began building this beautiful Basilica. The façade overlooking Piazza San Francesco has retained its Romanesque-Gothic features with a single spire. The portal is adorned with 18th century features. Inside, the visitor will find the best of Italian-Gothic albeit with a modicum of French influence - it was the first to be built with three naves jutting out from six sections at the top of high octagonal pillars. Among the works of art kept in this holy building, there is an extraordinary altar piece from the late 14th Century by Jacobello and Pier Paolo delle Masegne.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Alice Giuliani
Photo: Fabio Ceccarelli
Photo: Andrea Pizzeghello
Photo: caoticgood
Photo: Nele und Familie

Santa Maria dei Servi Church

Church dating back to 1346 Strada Maggiore 43
Bologna 40125
Italy
+39 51 22 6807 Building work on Santa Maria dei Servi was begun in 1346 by the Servi di Maria (Servants of Mary). The church was enlarged in 1381 following the design of A. da Faenza and building only finished in 1545. The last restoration work took place in 1910. The exterior of the church is in a late Gothic style and is adorned by a beautiful four-sided portico which extends from the façade to beyond the left hand side of the church. The interior has three naves and is also late Gothic in style. The chapels are enriched with lots of Baroque elements. Some of the works of art include a Maestà by Cimabue, and works by Lippo di Dalmasio, Alessandro Tiarini, Ubaldo Gandolfi, A Piò and others.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: moosehockey23
Photo: Valentina Messina
Photo: Alexander Tourov
Photo: Stefania Besca
Photo: Gian Franco Frabetti

Santo Stefano Basilica and Sanctuary

5th largest church in the world Piazza Santo Stefano
Bologna 40125
Italy
The most well-known and legendary place of worship in the city comprises several holy buildings, built and renovated at various times. The complex consists of: The Chiesa del Crocifisso, the Chiesa del San Sepolcro, the Chiesa dei Santi Vitale and Agricola, the Chiesa della Trinita, the Benedictine Cloisters, the Chiesetta della Madonna del Loreto (protector of avaiators), the Chapel of Santa Giuliana and the Chapel of the Cross. The Romanesque cloister, with its loggia columns topped with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic capitals, is the ideal place to reflect on the beautiful mystique of this legendary place. Admission: Free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: buldra
Photo: aaroscape
Photo: Trudy Graham
Photo: Mauro

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