Bolognina: a workmanlike neighbourhood

Bolognina is one of the youngest, most dynamic and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods in Bologna. Most of its streets are named after great artists, such as painters, sculptors, architects, both native and foreign, including such illustrious personalities as John Cage and Cesare Gnudi, testifying to the city's attention for contemporary art and history. 

Take a leisurely walk through the Bolognina district, north of the city, following in the footsteps of the illustrious figures who lend their names to the streets

Start from the steet named after Alessandro Tiarini, one of Bologna's most sensitive interpreters of 17th century painting, renowned for his ability to engage the faithful through his works. During his lifetime, he was called upon to carry out major decorative undertakings for churches in Bologna, including the Basilica of San Petronio with the  Chapel of Saint Barbara, home to a large altarpiece depicting the Glorification of Saint Barbara and the Punishment of the Homicidal Father.

Consider stopping off at the nearby Holocaust Memorial, a basalt stone square with two 10-metre high steel blocks facing each other, converging to form an oppressive gap, barely wide enough for a person to pass through, a clear example of how architecture is able to stir strong emotions and deep thoughts, as in this case about the tragedy of the Holocaust.

Bologna Shoah Memorial ©Visual Lab Bologna

Keep going towards via Niccolò Dall'Arca (close to the Railway Station and the Testoni Theatre) named after the artist, probably originally from Bari, who settled in Bologna around 1460 and author of prominent works of art such as the magnificent Lamentation over the Dead Christ in the Church of Santa Maria della Vita, or the rearrangement of the funeral ark in the basilica of San Domenico, a masterpiece that earned him the nickname "Dell'Arca". 

Next up is Via Cignani, named after Carlo Cignani, one of Bologna's greatest 18th-century painters to be have been strongly influenced by Annibale Carracci. At the Pinacoteca di Bologna you can admire his splendid work Samson and Delilah.

Nearby we find the Ustica Memorial Museum, an installation by French artist Christian Boltanski that brings attention back to a never-healed event in Italian history: the national air disaster of 27 June 1980.

Among the city's most notable artists and eponymous streets, we cannot fail to mention Alfonso Lombardi and via Lombardi. After moving to Bologna in his early twenties, despite his short life, he executed many works that can still be found in the city's most important churches, such as the Lamentation over the Dead Christ in St. Peter's Cathedral.

Stop at the nearby Circolo Hex mansion, a Bauhaus style, colourfully tiled building on Via Corticella designed by architect Lorenzo Cremonini during the 70s. Over the years, it has served as a library, a crèche, a coworking space for artists, producers, entrepreneurs and designers, until today, when it became a space wholly run by feminist and inclusive-minded women, who have combined their efforts by proposing social activities to restore the potential of Bologna's underground culture and subcultures to everyone.

©zero.eu

Last but not least, pop into Via Creti, named after Donato Creti, one of Europe's greatest 18th-century painters. His refinement and precision of outline can be appreciated especially in his paintings of mythological and pastoral subjects such as ‘Mercury and Paris’ at the Municipal Art Collections.

Take a final stroll to the Cubo Unipol, the Unipol Group's corporate museum created in 2013 to share experiences through the language of culture, set up inside the elevated square of the Porta Europa headquarters, a place to attend exclusive meetings, exhibitions and outdoor events.

Still not tired? Then why not treat yourself to an evening at the Cinema Galliera or at the Arena Puccini and enjoy their film schedule with friends and popcorns!

©Margherita Caprilli