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The Etruscan city: the other face of Bologna 康美恰恩堤 艺术酒店

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The Etruscan city: the other face of Bologna

三月 29 2023
BOLOGNA
Birth and evolution of the name
When we think of the city of Bologna, we imagine the iconic mediaeval porticoes, Renaissance statues and Roman ruins. On the other hand, the name ‘Bologna’ also derives from the Latin ‘Bononia’, attributed by the Romans.
However, there was a time, around the 6th century B.C., when
Our town was known by the Etruscan name 'Felzna', given to it by the Etruscan peoples that inhabited the area. This Etruscan name indicates one of the earliest evidence of a settlement in the area that is now Bologna.
The Etruscans were an ancient people who inhabited part of central Italy before the arrival of the Romans. It is believed that 'Felzna' was a city of great importance to the Etruscans, both politically and commercially. The arrival of the Romans in the 2nd century BC marked the end of Felsina's importance as an independent city, but the settlement remained an important commercial and strategic centre. With time, the city was Latinised and took the name Bononia.

Bologna, a culture still Etruscan
During the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, Felsina was one of the most important cities in northern Etruria. The ruins of the ancient city lie under the current city of Bologna and, even though they are not visible, numerous archaeological finds have been discovered that testify to the existence of this ancient civilisation.

However, the etruscan influence on the culture of Bologna has not disappeared entirly. Even today traces of this ancient civilisation can still be found in the gastronomy, architecture and culture of the city. For example, the use of tuff, a volcanic stone typical of Etruria, is common in Bolognese architecture: especially in palaces and churches. This material gives the building a special appearance, reminiscent of the Etruscan past of the city. In the gastronomic world, many of Bologna’s traditional dishes have Etruscan roots, such as lasagna, for example. Even the tradition of eating long, wide pasta, which would later be associated with Bolognese cuisine, has its origins in these centuries. Therefore, although the ruins of Felsinea are not visible today, it is important to bear in mind that Bologna has a much more ancient history.


A population of enigmatic origins
Although their origins are still shrouded in mystery, we know that the Etruscans were skilled farmers, architects and military strategists, who conquered fertile lands and then built imposing city-states. It was under the leadership of this high civilisation that Bologna experienced a period of splendour, becoming the main city, a sort of capital, of the sort of capital, of Etruria Padana, which coincides with today's Emilia-Romagna and parts of Lombardy and Veneto.
The new city was even equipped with a veritable acropolis and protected by wooden fortifications and three moats. If Bologna's most famous walls were those of the "selenite circle', built by the Romans and constantly extended over the centuries, it is important to remember that the beating heart of Bologna is still the one once bounded by the ancient Etruscan fortifications. These fortifications represented not only a protection for the city, but also a symbol of power and greatness. Furthermore, the defence system contributed to the organisation and administrative management of the city as it provided a point of reference for the organisation of the surrounding area.

Hotel Commercianti: an immersive experience in the past
It is precisely in this centre of city life, in the heart of ancient Etruria, that the Art Hotel Commercianti resides; a stone’s throw from the main attractions at the heart of Bolognese life such as Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio and Via d’Azeglio. In our hotel, as in the rest of the historical centre, various artefacts from Etruscan period were found during numerous excavations for renovation work. In addition to the Etruscan artefacts displayed in common areas of the hotel, Bologna also offers a wide range of options for those wishing to learn more about the sites and Etruscan exhibits. In fact, it is possible to visit the Bologna’s archeological Museum, just a 4-minute walk from our hotel, where you can admire a valuable collection of ceramic, jewellery and ritual objects of this population.
Another great location is the Museum of History of Bologna, situated in the Palazzo Pepoli. Here, you can take a journey through the centuries, from Etruscan Felsina to the present day. The events of our city are illustrated in an innovative way, thanks to an engaging route, with scenographic and interactive exhibition techniques that immerse the visitor into the different rooms, also just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel.
Just outside the city are the Giardini Margherita, the city’s green heart, protagonists in 21876 of the discovery of a bronze container of Etruscan origin, the container, known as the “Coppa di Bologna”, dates back to the 5th century B.C and is considered one of the most important Etruscan artefacts ever discovered in northern Italy. This place is easily accessible by public transport in Bologna . Strolling through the streets of the historic centre, one can still feel the atmosphere of that bygone era, admiring the historic buildings and architectural details that bear witness to the city's past past period, admiring historic buildings and architectural details that testify to the Etruscan influence. Staying in the rooms of this Boutique hotel in the centre of Bologna , is an unforgettable experience, where the charm of
Antiquity is combined with comfort and modernity.
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