Bologna Oratorio dei Bastardini
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Oratorio dei Bastardini Photos
About Oratorio dei Bastardini
Opposite the vast complex of San Procolo is this equally large building known in the past as the Bastardini Hospital – apparently housing Bologna’s first orphanage.
These delicately sculptured capitals line the façade of this building although a little worn by time.
Under the arches is this ex-oratory of the Bastardini family. It’s a very small, round chapel presently occupied by a group of archaeologists.
There are four life-sized statues here depicting the patron saints of Bologna. This first one possibly San Petronio illustrates quite clearly at his foot the city of Bologna represented by the two towers and one of the fortified gates. The statues as well as the rich decorations are attributed to Gabriele Chelini who created them towards the end of the 17th century.
Of course the actual origins of this building are traced back to the beginning of the 1500s although it was never completed. The chapel was founded in the 17th century about the same time as Chelini created his work of art here.
Other valuable works of art use to decorate the walls here, one in particular was a famous painting of the Madonna which now hangs in the church of San Salvatore not far from here.
Behind this part has now been restored and resold as private apartments so it will not be long before the rest of the building catches up. For now though this remains a private business under the work of one of Bologna’s most recognized 18th century sculptors.