Constructed between 1933-1935 as a consequence of Fascist plans which were intended to highlight the beauty of other buildings here. Demolition of other buildings also resulted in the loss of small streets and piazzas. The end result was that this became a glorified car park rather than anything of a cultural aspect.

Piazza F.D. Roosevelt Photos

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About Piazza F.D. Roosevelt

This piazza may not win any architectural awards, however, its significance lies elsewhere. It was the first clearance scheme in Bologna based on Fascist plans between 1933-1935. Originally, it was called Piazza della Vittoria and changed in 1945 to Piazza Roosevelt after the US President Franklin Roosevelt.

Due to the demolition of buildings various toponyms were lost: Piazzola del Carbone, piazzetta Caprara and Via delle Banzòle. This last one was also quite significant since it took the name of an ancient church called San Antonino delle Abanzòle.

The project was meant to increase the visual effect of the government buildings along with restoration work of other buildings such as Palazzo Caprara where the Questura is presently along with the impressive walls of Palazzo Comunale. As a consequence though, in turning the area into a car park it was only to highlight ‘the cultural limits of Fascist urban planning.’

References

Giuseppe Sassatelli, Cristiana Morigi Govi, Jacopo Ortalli, Francesca Bocchi, Atlante Storico Delle Città Italiane Emilia Romagna Bologna, Bologna  II, Bologna 1996, p194.

Tiziano Costa – Marco Poli, Conoscere Bologna, Bologna 2005, p204.