Torre Accursi, from the Via Massimo d'Azeglio in Bologna.

The Via Massimo d’Azeglio is an important street in the centre of Bologna. It connects the Piazza di Porta San Mamolo at the southern border of the historical centre to the main square Piazza Maggiore.

A brief history of the Via Massimo d’Azeglio in Bologna

The street obtained its current name in 1866. Before that, the part nearest Piazza Maggiore was called Via Dicta Platea Major, while the remainder was known as Via San Mamolo. Massimo d’Azeglio was a politician, patriot and writer. He was Senator of the Kingdom of Sardegna and, after the unification, also of the Kingdom of Italy.

What to see in the Via Massimo d’Azeglio

The Via Massimo d’Azeglio is first and foremost a shopping street, especially the part closer to the main square. The part between Piazza Maggiore and the crossing with the Via Farini and the Via de’ Carbonesi is entirely pedestrian.

Church of San Giovanni Battista dei Celestini

Starting from Piazza Maggiore, the first main point of interest is the 14th century church of San Giovanni Battista dei Celestini. Although the Celestine order was suppressed under Napoleon, the church kept functioning. The adjacent convent, however, became the headquarters of the Game of Lotto. It is currently the seat of the State Archives. The most striking part of the interior is its frescoed ceiling. Some of the art works were taken from the no longer existing church of San Michele Arcangelo.

Casa Gamberini (Via Massimo d’Azeglio, 15)

Cassa Gamberini and Lucio Dalla museum entrance

The Casa Gamberini dates back to the 15th century. The original owners were the Gessi family. In the 16th century, they sold the building to the Fontana. The Gamberini family, to whom it owes its current name, acquired it toward the end of the 18th century. The interior courtyard features a loggia. The coat of arms adorning the facade (as well as several ground floor portals) depicting a basin with a jet of water belonged to the Fontana family. The halls of the main floor were frescoed by the workshop of Antonio Basoli and Felice Giani.

Casa di Lucio Dalla

One of the first floor apartments in the Casa Gamberini used to be owned by the singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla (1943-2012). The apartment is now a museum (open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, closed in July and August). Booking is obligatory and includes a guided tour (only in Italian). Admission is a rather steep 18 Euros (15 Euros for children aged between 6 and 11).

Via Massimo d’Azeglio, Bologna

Sources