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Ex-chiesa di S. Maria di Pontemaggiore
Quite literally this ancient building stands on the main Emilia Levante busy road. Part of the premises is the pharmacy Ellemme that has been here since 1987 when they actually paid for the restoration of the building including the tiny chapel next door.
It’s believed that this chapel called Santa Maria di Pontemaggiore was constructed in 1290 on the initiative of Canon Azzone dei Lambertazzi. The Augustinian Order were housed here too but in a convent nearby at the time. Unknown to most locals here is that the convent may have been connected to this building via an underground tunnel behind it but which was subsequently closed up during the renovations.
The chapel is still open daily and as can clearly be seen is actively visited. There’s no clear information about the painting of the Madonna and Child although it too is assumed to at least be a few hundred years old.
It’s thought that the business next door may have been some sort of oratory. According to local sources this was also a rest point centuries ago for those travelling to Rome on pilgrimage. Whatever the truth, this chapel has certainly a very long history to it even for instance, claiming to be one of the few to remain open during Napoleon’s rule here.
References
Booklet, Strenna Storica Bolognese – A cura de Comitato per Bologna Storica E Artistica, Bologna 2006, pp298-300.
Marcello Fini, Bologna sacra. Tutte le chiesa in due millenni di storia, Bologna 2007, pp21.
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