Pincian Steps, Monumental staircase in Bologna, Italy
The Scalinata del Pincio, also known as the Escalier du Pincio, is a monumental staircase in Bologna that connects Montagnola park to Via Indipendenza and Piazza XX Settembre. It is made up of wide stone steps, stone balustrades, a central terrace platform, and a long arcade running along the old city walls.
The staircase was built between 1893 and 1896, designed by architects Tito Azzolini and Attilio Muggia as a grand entrance to Montagnola park. Its name refers to the Pincian Hill in Rome, chosen as a gesture toward Rome's role as the new capital of unified Italy.
The two stone reliefs at the front of the staircase depict scenes tied to the city's identity: one is called Bologna docet, the other Bologna Libertas. Other reliefs along the steps show local events such as the expulsion of Austrian troops and the victory at Fossalta.
The staircase is freely accessible at any time and is used daily by locals moving between Via Indipendenza and the park above. A stop at the central terrace is worth it, as it offers a good open view over part of the city.
The fountain at the center of the staircase, designed by Diego Sarti and Pietro Veronesi, shows a nymph being attacked by a giant squid-like creature. The poet Giosuè Carducci, who lived and taught in Bologna, wrote a sonnet specifically about this sculpture.
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