Santi Naborre e Felice, 12th-century church and monastery in Bologna, Italy.
Santi Naborre e Felice is a church with 12th-century roots that underwent significant reconstruction over centuries. The interior displays medieval architecture, a 16th-century bell tower, and a crypt with white marble columns that holds the relics of Saint Zama.
The church was founded around 1150 and underwent major transformation in 1634 when nuns from the Order of Saint Clare renovated the upper section. This renovation by the Poor Clare sisters reshaped the building's appearance and religious function.
The monastery served as a hub for religious scholars who produced influential theological and legal works studied throughout medieval Europe. Visitors can sense the scholarly purpose in the quiet cloisters and reading spaces within the complex.
The church sits on Via dell'Abbadia in central Bologna and is easily accessible on foot. The interior is compact, reflecting the intimate scale typical of medieval monastery buildings.
The building adapted to changing urban conditions, with its entrance relocated multiple times across the centuries. This reflects how Bologna itself evolved and restructured around this landmark.
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