While Bologna is often associated with its agricultural heritage, the city's history isn't just about farmland.
Museo del Patrimonio Industriale - The theater of water and mills (1990/2000)Musei Civici di Bologna
Collezioni Comunali d'Arte - Portrait of a lady in pink (1635-1640) by Carlo Ceresa (attr.)Musei Civici di Bologna
From the 15th to the 18th centuries, Bologna's silk production was renowned. A vast network of canals and an innovative spinning technology made the city a leading center for this luxurious fabric.
Museo del Risorgimento - Civil dress by Giovanni Vicini (1795)Musei Civici di Bologna
In the 17th century, Bologna thrived as a major textile center. This reputation continued in later centuries as the city became a leader in automated garment manufacturing.
Museo Davia Bargellini - Judith with the head of Holofernes (1600) by Lavinia FontanaMusei Civici di Bologna
The finest European courts relied on Bologna for their silk. Whether it was for luxurious gowns, delicate handkerchiefs, or intricate aprons, Bolognese silk was the favourite fabric to impress people.
Bologna's silk touched many aspects of life. Beyond clothing, delicate gauze, filters, banners, drapes, and even rare books were made with this fabric.
Skilled artisans in Bologna could create incredibly detailed embroideries using colorful silk threads, mimicking the effect of painting.
Museo Davia Bargellini - Madonna of the Teeth (1345) by Vitale da BolognaMusei Civici di Bologna
Sacred paintings and portraits of the nobility featured this exquisite material, increasing its global popularity. Traveling merchants ensured its presence in far-flung corners of the world.
Now that you've learned about Bologna's rich silk history, you'll see the city under a new light!
Musei Civici di Bologna (Civic Museums of Bologna): Museo Civico Archeologico, Museo Civico Medievale, Collezioni Comunali d'Arte, Museo Civico d'Arte Industriale e Galleria Davia Bargellini, Museo del Tessuto e della Tappezzeria "Vittorio Zironi", MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna and exhibition venue of Villa delle Rose, Museo Morandi and Casa Morandi, Museo per la Memoria di Ustica, Museo internazionale e biblioteca della musica di Bologna, Museo civico del Risorgimento (and cultural enhancement of Certosa Monumental Cemetery), Museo del Patrimonio Industriale.
