Former church of San Barbaziano, church in Bologna (BO)
The former church of San Barbaziano is a large building in Bologna built in the style of Arte della Controriforma. The interior has a spacious main hall with eight side chapels and tall windows that allow plenty of light, while the walls remain simple with minimal historic markings.
The building was designed by architect Pietro Fiorini and served long as a place of worship for religious gatherings. During the Napoleonic era, it was repurposed as storage for military equipment, fundamentally changing its function.
The name refers to a saint in Bologna's religious tradition. Once filled with altars and artworks, the interior is now plain and open, telling the story of how the building's purpose has shifted over time.
The building sits in a quiet neighborhood filled with other historic structures where history remains visible in the streets. Its solid structure and plain design allow flexible access for visitors interested in viewing the interior spaces.
The building is currently undergoing restoration and will soon reopen as a center for circus arts and training, giving this historic religious structure an entirely new purpose. The plain interior design proves ideal for this artistic use while preserving the building's heritage.
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