Piazza Roberto Raviola, Pedestrian square in central Bologna, Italy
Piazza Roberto Raviola, also known as Piazza Magnus, is a small pedestrian square in central Bologna, at the crossing of Via Zamboni and Via Belle Arti. It is an open, car-free space bordered by university buildings, small cafes, and the Accademia di Belle Arti.
The square was named after Roberto Raviola (1939-1996), one of Italy's most celebrated comic book artists, who studied at the nearby Accademia di Belle Arti. Over time, the space was reshaped through the riparAzioni public art project, which brought new installations to neglected urban areas across Bologna.
The square takes its name from Roberto Raviola, known by his pen name Magnus, a comic book artist born in Bologna. At the center stands the public artwork "Pulpito e altre figure" by Flavio Favelli, a structure made from repurposed factory objects and urban furniture painted with bold black and white geometric stripes inspired by naval camouflage.
The square is freely accessible at any time and sits within the pedestrian network around Via Zamboni, so arriving on foot is the most straightforward option. The area tends to be busiest during the day with students and visitors, while evenings are noticeably quieter.
Roberto Raviola chose the pen name Magnus from a student motto meaning a great painter, a nod to the academic world he came from. His final major work was a special Tex western album, showing how far his range stretched beyond the genres he first became known for.
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