Piazza Santo Stefano-ingl.

What this episode covers

PIAZZA SANTO STEFANO is also known as the Square of the Seven Churches and it takes its name from the religious complex of Santo Stefano, an extraordinary example of medieval architecture. The square is dominated by the basilica of the same name, built over an ancient pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, and is surrounded by elegant noble palaces featuring medieval and Renaissance porticoes. The oldest porticoes are marked by a low wall between the columns, originally serving as a barrier between the street and the walkway. According to legend, Bishop Petronius, patron saint of Bologna, wanted to create a symbolic replica of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem here, recreating key locations from Christ’s Passion. The complex originally consisted of seven churches, though today four remain well preserved: the Church of the Crucifix, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of Saints Vitale and Agricola, and the Church of the Trinity or Martyrium. Each has its own unique history and architectural style, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic. Over the centuries, the square has undergone several transformations, partly due to the sloped terrain descending toward the basilica, located at the lowest point. The most recent redesign was completed in 1991 by Luigi Caccia Dominioni, who shaped the square into a large continuous basin. In addition to the religious complex, the square is bordered by historic buildings of great value, such as Palazzo Bolognini and Palazzo Isolani, both contributing to the square’s evocative atmosphere. Throughout the year, the square hosts markets, concerts, and events, serving as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. To the left of the basilica stands the group of aristocratic residences purchased and joined together over time by the Isolani family. The 15th-century façade is divided into two levels by a string course: below, a portico with round arches supported by marble Corinthian columns — a rare example of Tuscan style in Bologna — and above, a row of decorated medieval windows, each with a circular medallion featuring human faces curiously styled with 19th-century hairstyles, likely the result of a later restoration. From this portico, one can reach Corte Isolani, a covered passage leading to Strada Maggiore. Facing the basilica on the right are the Beccadelli-Tacconi Houses, with a façade that reflects multiple construction phases. Next is Casa Bianchi-Pasquini, featuring a tall portico with fluted sandstone columns and cross-vaults. Following  is a row of 15th-century merchant houses, where a series of unique porticoes appear: a Renaissance triumphal-arch style portico with terracotta moldings, a 15th-century portico with spiraled terracotta columns (each one different), and finally a stunning portico with octagonal columns and water-leaf capitals. At the corner with the narrow Via de’ Pepoli, the last house in the Tacconi complex retains Romanesque elements and is thought to have housed one of Bologna’s earliest Jewish synagogues. At No. 2 of this street, the first Maserati workshop was founded in 1914. A commemorative plaque with the Maserati logo still marks the site. The square is closed by the grand and scenic Palazzo Bolognini Amorini Salina. In 1525, part of its façade was decorated by Alfonso Lombardi and Nicolò da Volterra with terracotta heads, later completed in the 1600s by Giulio Cesare Conventi. Twenty-six heads adorn the upper floors between the windows, and thirteen are set into the portico arches. Each face is different, including a turbaned Turk and a grinning devil — the latter particularly vivid and realistic.

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