Bologna Ippodromo Arcoveggio
Ippodromo Arcoveggio Photos
About Ippodromo Arcoveggio
Ippodromo Arcoveggio
Below this symbolic coat of arms inscribed with Liberty is one of the entrances into the Ippodromo: reputedly one of Italy’s most modern horse racing courses. The complex was authorised by Leandro Arpinati who entrusted its development to Umberto Constanzini and an engineer by the name of Armando Villa.
At one end of the grounds are the stables. One in fact has just been renovated and is called the Casa di Khaoula, meaning the House of Khaoula. Just before the entrance is this sculpture mounted into a recess in the wall. It seems to represent a shepherd like figure while in the back ground is a horse and pig at his feet. The artist may have also dedicated it to the memory of Leandro Arpinati since his name appears at the bottom of it although the overall reason for its design is not entirely obvious.
These eclectic designed buildings were former horse stables – notice the water fonts at ground level probably for the horses before they would be led into the stables to rest.
These ones in particular though have been taken over by the Commune of Naville to be used as a local library. The building has yet to be fitted out properly with books and equipment since the restoration itself has not long been finished.
Presently though, there’s a children’s room and limited facilities for adults.
The name Khaoula was conferred onto the library in honour of the dedication and resilience of a young Moroccan girl by the same name and her teacher. Around 10years ago they campaigned to have educational facilities established in this area for less well off families.
The Hippodrome was constructed between 1930-32. Before this horse racing actually took place beginning from 1846 around the Montagnola Park now the city center.
These stables are actually within the Hippodrome’s ground and therefore still in use. They are beautifully in synch with their traditional colours. Even the smells emanating from them illustrate that one single element missing here today which brings thousands here when competition day looms: thoroughbred race horses. It has been going strong for almost 80 years with the slight exception that during WWII not even the Hippodrome escaped undamaged.
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