Porta Galliera is part of the third wall of ancient Bologna and contains a very important story, arousing considerable charm among its visitors.
Porta Galliera in a nutshell
Porta Galliera is located a few steps from the Montagnola Park and is located near the central railway station of Bologna.
Its history begins during the thirteenth century, when Cardinal Bertrando del Poggetto had a nearby fortification built. It is no coincidence that the access is still referred to today with the nickname of Porta della Rocca hostile. Over the following decades, the gate was grappling with various destructions and reconstructions, with as many as five similar events until the beginning of the sixteenth century.
This gate occupies a valid strategic position and is absolutely not far from the nearby plain, heading towards the neighboring city of Ferrara. A short distance from the archaeological point, it is possible to admire the Museum of Modern Art of Bologna, also better known by the initials of MAMbo.
The adjacent Piazza VIII Agosto is also important, without leaving the Palazzo Gaudenti Già dal Monte in the background. Those who travel to these parts have the chance to rediscover a history full of charm and twists.
The history of the gate
The gate in question was erected in the fourteenth century and restored several times, it has experienced various phases alternating between splendor and abandonment.
In 1494, various boats passed through the gate from the port of Corticella, with a bucintoro also including Giovanni II Bentivoglio. The latter inaugurated the local channel to the delight of the people, who in the past had also opposed the construction of the gate, destroying it in various circumstances. Then, towards the end of the sixteenth century, a real transformation was due to the visit of Pope Clement VIII.
Other important restorations date back to the second half of the seventeenth century, due to damaged foundations. A total reconstruction was carried out by Bartolomeo Provaglia. Porta Galliera also experienced the insurrection of 8 August 1848, during which numerous Bolognese citizens fell in battle.
After the restorations of the thirties of the last century, on 28 August 1944 it was damaged during the Second World War due to the incursion of the allies. Other changes were made in 2007, 2009 and 2019.
Today Porta Galliera maintains its historical and cultural role intact and includes a pair of high reliefs made by Silverio Montaguti, dating back to the early twentieth century.
