Under Palazzo del Podestà is this area called Voltone del Podestà. It’s an open corridor that would have been lively with a daily market centuries ago. Much more sinister though is that along the walls here many poor people were said to have starved to death during the frequent bad crops. In fact, a priest [...]

Designed in 1732 by Carlo Francesco Dotti and probably also by Francesco Bibiena. It’s the only baroque structure outside of Bologna’s walls and made possible with donations by the Monti Bendini family. It served to let traffic to pass by unhindered below but also for large numbers of pilgrims to pass overhead on their way to San Luca.

Erected in 1928 by Giulio Ulisse Arata by commission of Leandro Arpinati for Bologna sports ground but for the Fascists it was symbolic of their power and authority. On top of it was a huge bronze, equestrian statue of Benito Mussolini that was taken down after the fall of fascism.

In 1930s Arpinati commissioned a building phase around Bologna to house the families of those fascists who were either “killed, maimed or injured during the revolution.” Architects were: Franco Albini, Renato Camus and Giancarlo Palanti. A total of 3,500 tenants were eventually housed. The buildings now though are badly neglected and run down.

Blaringly obvious considering the 2 giants standing guard outside this palace since 1658. The building was started in 1638 for the Bargellini family. It passed to the Davia”s – another wealthy family – in 1839. A grand baroque staircase is topped with stuccoes by Giuseppe Borelli.

Just of the main streets this quarter has a dark history. Even its street names reflect this such as Hell Street. Inhabitants, aware of their vulnerability in the 1500s built spy holes above their doors – some are still present. There’s a plaque in their honour.