AphroChic Magazine: Issue No. 11

City Stories
statue of the Greek sea god, created by Giovanni
da Bologna, considered the last great sculptor
of the Italian Renaissance, which was added in
1566. Similarly, the Palazzo d’Accursio, once the
home of 12th century Roman jurist Accursius,
and later a building for government and city administrators,
boasts spectacular features, while
inside, the Civic Art Collection includes works
which, like the building, date back to the Middle
Ages.
An attraction for historians, art lovers,
and the faithful alike, Old City is home to a
number of medieval churches, many with historical
or political significance. Basilica di San
Petronio, one of the world’s largest cathedrals,
dedicated to the city’s patron saint and site of
the crowning of a Holy Roman Emperor, looms
over Piazza Maggiore. Meanwhile the Basilica
di San Francesco (St. Francis of Assisi) is built
on land gifted to the Franciscan order in 1236
by Pope Gregory IX. This section of the city also
houses the Basilica di San Domenico, built on
the site of the church of San Nicolò, where Saint
Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order,
preached from 1219 to 1221 and which hold his
remains today.
For those of us looking for Black history
on our vacations, know that Italy’s history
includes several brushes with the Diaspora,
from Hannibal at the gates of Rome to Septimius
Severus on its throne, the Renaissance-era ruler
Alessandro de’ Medici and Domenico Mondelli,
the world’s first Black pilot, along with many
others. And while Bologna is a long way from
Rome, in 2020 the city celebrated its first Black
History Month, becoming only the second Italian
city to do so. Meanwhile, a number of creatives
are forging Black futures in the country, such as
fashion designers Michelle Ngonmo and Stella
Jean, and graffiti artist Rediet Longo.
The art, history, architecture, and cuisine
of Bologna, particularly its Old City, are an experience
worth having. Whether in a day, a
week, or more, the area offers plenty to enjoy
whether your idea of fun is following in the
steps of ancient history, enjoying the food or
shopping or just sitting back with a coffee, a
charcuterie board and some balsamic vinaigrette
and watching it all pass by. AC
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