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Villa Aldrovandi Mazzacorati + Theatre
This impressive looking building was built under the direction of Count Giovan Francesco Aldrovandi Marescotti and designed by Francesco Tadolini between 1769-70. It’s one of the few noble houses constructed outside the city walls of Bologna. At one time it was also known as Villa Camaldoli because near-by was the head quarters of the Camaldolesi monks.
In an area of the gardens measuring 50m squared, is a plot of land dedicated to 110 species of Orchids.
The colonial style mansion certainly makes an impression and during its years of private ownership this house earned its social status by attracting a certain amount of controversy both good and bad.
This main hallway into the building is covered in plaster sculptures some illustrating quite clearly the figures of the devil and even communist symbolism. The doors are beautifully carved and coloured. Along the corridors are the wards for the sick and infirm although this is strictly not a hospital but a midway point between one and a doctor’s surgery.
The villa has other more diverse uses for other rooms: one functions as welfare offices and even a place for community events such as exhibitions and staging plays. It also offers assistance to local pensioners.
In 1780 Aldrovandi Marescotti died and left the house to his son Carlo Filippo. As a result of Carlo’s new found status he built up relationships with important artists and intellectuals of that time. He died in 1823 and for the next 12 years it’s unknown who occupied the house if at all.
In 1835 Giuseppe Mazzacorati became the new owner of the house and had his family coat of arms placed in the theatre and over the main portico but in an unfortunate twist in 1895 the family lost the house to Alessandro Sarti through gambling.
In 1935 the villa fell into the hands of Fascist soldiers and then 2 years later it passed to the Fascist Institute of Social Welfare. From 1970 and 1979 the villa was taken over by Regional head quarters where it was eventually made into council offices and a hospital for minor surgery and local doctor visits.
This theatre was inaugurated in 1763 with the play of Alzira by Voltaire. It’s one of the most fascinating theatres in Bologna unfortunately footage is limited. Its use would have been limited to those wealthier people in society and today is hardly ever used due to its fragile state.
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