Bologna: the ancient city of silk

An unexpected story, told by the Civic Museums of Bologna

By Musei Civici di Bologna

Museo del Patrimonio Industriale - Aldini hydraulic lever (1800/1820)Musei Civici di Bologna

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.

Risorgimento Museum - Grand Master of Freemasonry apron, Early 19th century, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna

Risorgimento Museum - Silk satin waistcoat, 1848, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna

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Risorgimento Museum - Standard of the Guard of Honor (back) (1805)Musei Civici di Bologna

Bologna's silk touched many aspects of life. Beyond clothing, delicate gauze, filters, banners, drapes, and even rare books were made with this fabric.

Museo del Risorgimento - Standard of the Bolognese National Guard, 1805, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna

Museo del Risorgimento - Celebratory handkerchief dedicated to Pius IX, 1846, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna

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Museo della Musica - The Martyrdom of Saint Eustace, Pietro Ottoboni (Venice, 1667 – Rome 1740), 1690, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna

Museo Davia Bargellini - The miracle of San Benedetto, Made by Conservatorio di Santa Marta, c. 1750, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna

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Museo Civico Medievale - Collection of silk samples (1700-1725)Musei Civici di Bologna

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.

Certosa - Funerary monument to Domenico Bettini, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna

Collezioni Comunali d'Arte - Rusconi Room Tapestries, Made in Italy, 1936, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna

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Risorgimento Museum - Silk shawl with tricolor decorations (1848)Musei Civici di Bologna

Now that you've learned about Bologna's rich silk history, you'll see the city under a new light!

Credits: Story

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.

Credits: All media

The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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