Via D'Azeglio

Via d’Azeglio, located in the heart of Bologna, is a street that intertwines history, art, and social life in a single path. It starts from Piazza Maggiore, the city’s nerve center, and ends at Porta San Mamolo, crossing the historic district of Santo Stefano. This street, one of the oldest in Bologna, has been a reference point for the city’s economic and social life since the Middle Ages. Originally known as Strada San Mamolo in the section towards Porta San Mamolo and as Platea Major in the section closer to Piazza Maggiore, Via d’Azeglio has always played a central role in city life. In 1866, the City Council decided to name it after Massimo d’Azeglio, an Italian politician, patriot, and painter, son-in-law of Alessandro Manzoni and commissioner for the Romagna region. This name change reflects the historical and political importance of d’Azeglio and his connection to Bologna. One of the most fascinating elements of Via d’Azeglio is the presence of numerous historic palaces lining the street. Among these, Palazzo Bevilacqua stands out, with its imposing Renaissance architecture, and Palazzo Marsigli, which housed illustrious noble families from Bologna. The street is also home to the Ex Ospedale degli Innocenti, a historic building that testifies to the city’s ancient charitable vocation, and the Ex Convent of San Procolo, another architectural gem that enriches the street’s cultural heritage. Another notable aspect of Via d’Azeglio is its transformation into a shopping center. The section closest to Piazza Maggiore has been pedestrianized, becoming a lively and dynamic area where Bolognese and tourists can stroll peacefully, shop, and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere. High fashion stores, boutiques, and historic cafes enliven this part of the street, making it one of the most popular and beloved places in Bologna. Via d’Azeglio is also indissolubly linked to the figure of Lucio Dalla, one of the greatest Italian singer-songwriters. Dalla lived for many years on this street, and here is located the Lucio Dalla Foundation, established to preserve and promote the singer’s artistic and cultural heritage. Dalla’s house, located in a historic building, has become a pilgrimage site for his fans, who can visit the space and discover more closely the life and work of the artist. From a historical perspective, Via d’Azeglio has always played a central role in the political and social life of Bologna. Its strategic location, adjacent to Piazza Maggiore, made it an ideal place for public demonstrations, markets, and political events. Over the centuries, the street has witnessed important historical events and has seen the passage of illustrious figures. The church of San Procolo, located in Via d’Azeglio, is another point of historical and artistic interest. The church, dedicated to San Procolo, one of the first Christian martyrs of Bologna, is an example of religious architecture that reflects the city’s spiritual and cultural richness. Inside the church are works of art of great value, attracting visitors and art history enthusiasts.