Villa Aldini, Neoclassical villa on Osservanza hill, Bologna, Italy
Villa Aldini is a neoclassical building standing on the Osservanza hill with a facade featuring Ionic columns and a decorated pediment. The structure incorporates remains of a 12th-century church that functions as a circular reception hall inside.
Minister Antonio Aldini commissioned the building between 1811 and 1816 following Napoleon Bonaparte's admiration for the site during a 1805 visit. After Napoleon's fall, the villa remained incomplete and was sold in 1820.
The interior walls display frescoes created by Felice Giani, a prominent artist of that era. The sculptural decorations outside were crafted by Giacomo De Maria and Adamo Tadolini, who skillfully incorporated classical elements throughout the building.
The hillside location offers wide views across Bologna and the surrounding area, so visiting on a clear day is worthwhile. The ground can be steep in places, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The building was never fully completed because Napoleon's fall in 1814 interrupted its funding. This incompleteness remains visible today and tells the story of major political shifts that halted the project.
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