A librarian accompanies visitors to discover the archaeological excavations under the Piazza Coperta: the remains of the Bononia civil basilica, the foundations of the medieval houses of the Palazzo d’Accursio area and the remains of the Botanical Garden of the naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi.
The ancient Felsina, of Etruscan origin, reached a real organic urban structure starting from the foundation of the Roman Bononia, in 189 a. C. Urban planning reflected that of the late-republican colonies, organized according to a geometric scheme of crossed roads at right angles, an easily repeatable form for future enlargements.
The plan of the city, similar to an irregular square, was divided by two lines, which ran from west to east along the via Emilia (via Rizzoli – via Ugo Bassi) and from north to south along the cardo maximus, identifiable with the current via Galliera – via Val d’Aposa.
The area between the cardo and the axis formed by Via Indipendenza – Via D’Azeglio had a public destination since its origins. From what emerges from the excavations, the city forum was located at the meeting point between cardo and decumano, then in the part of via Ugo Bassi between via Venezian and via Oleari.
The excavations of 1989-90, carried out in front of the Memorial of the Fallen in Piazza Nettuno, have brought to light the foundations of a monumental building, probably the civil basilica of the Roman city. Next to it have been identified traces of a pre-colonial settlement, dating back to the III and II century BC. C .: some wells for the collection of ground water, an interesting brick tunnel, which refers to a primitive sewage system, walls made with archaic technique.
NEW TIMES:
Saturday 8 September – 5.15 pm
Thursday 13 September – 5.15 pm
Saturday 22 September – 10:15 am
Thursday 27 September – 5.15 pm
Saturday 06 October – 5.15 pm
Thursday 11 October – 5.15 pm
Saturday October 20th – 10:15 am
Tuesday 23 October – 5.15 pm
Wednesday 24 October – 5.15 pm
Thursday 25 October – 5.15 pm
Friday 26 October – 5.15 pm
Saturday 3rd November – 5.15pm
Thursday 8 November – 5.15 pm
Saturday 17 November – 10:15 am
Thursday 22 November – 5.15 pm
Saturday 1st December – 5.15pm
Thursday 6 December – 5.15 pm
Saturday 15 December – 10:15 am
Thursday 20 December – 5.15 pm
The reservation is mandatory and can be done in person at the library or by calling 051 2194400 (Tue-Fri 10-20, Sat 10-19 and Mon 14.30-20).
The meeting is in front of the entrance to the excavations, in the basement; a free offer is requested for the support of expenses.
Those who wish to visit the excavations independently can do so during the opening hours.
