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Bologna, dotta and glossa!, Art Hotel Commercianti

Commercianti Hotel rediseño - Bologna -

Bologna, dotta and glossa!

November 01 2023
BOLOGNA
The Alma Mater Studiorum, the University of Bologna, it boasts very ancient origins, with numerous sources indicating it as the first university in the Western world. Its history, which began in 1088, is intertwined with great figures who operated in the field of science and literature and it is an indispensable reference in the panorama of European culture. Its main headquarters is in Via Zamboni, by excellence the university area in the historic center of the city, just a few minutes' walk from the Art Hotel dei Commercianti.

The University of Bologna: a history of law and enterprise
A distinctive characteristic of the University of Bologna is that it spontaneously arose from the initiative of some students, rather than being a visionary initiative of some masters or the will of a sovereign. These students, gathered in primitive associative forms, dictated the objectives of teaching and ensured its correct implementation, giving rise to what is now one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The study of law, in particular, was a driving force behind the flourishing and expansion of the University of Bologna. Towards the end of the 11th century, a group of teachers of grammar, rhetoric, and logic discovered the interesting world of law. Among the pioneers of the University, Irnerio, for whom there is even a dedicated avenue in Bologna, immersed himself in the fascinating legislative texts of Justinian, which had just been rediscovered, and sparked enormous interest. His dedication earned him the nickname "lucerna iuris," or light of the law. It is right here, at our university, that the Corpus Iuris Civilis, the Roman legal text on which all the legal systems of modern Europe would be based in the future, began to be studied and disseminated for the first time using a scientific method.


The Bolognese School of Glossators: A period of legal fervor and cultural rebirth in the 12th century
In the new Bolognese landscape of the 12th century, the glossators assumed renewed importance: they were jurists, professors of law at the university. Their name comes from the numerous glosses, brief annotations, notes, or personal considerations added to the margins of texts aimed at clarifying the meaning of a written passage, because reinterpreting ancient texts forgotten for centuries, such as the Corpus Iuris Civilis, was not easy at all. In this way, these figures were able to simplify this very important task, enriching legal texts to adapt them to the needs of a rapidly evolving society. The news that a group of academics in Bologna was engaged in "legere in legibus" quickly spread throughout Europe, attracting waves of young students who swarmed to the city to attend their lectures. The work of the jurists and the birth of the "Bolognese School of Glossators" proved to be something of vital importance for the general social evolution in Europe.

Tribute to the Masters of Law
In their honor, in order to ensure the memory of their achievements in the field of law so it would not fade away, it became customary in the city to erect significant funerary monuments where they rest for centuries. Inside these monuments, the sarcophagi containe the remains of the famous masters of the Studium. These monuments are still visible today in the Piazza di San Domenico and Piazza Malpighi, next to the apses of the Basilica of San Francesco. They are monumental arches topped with shrines supported by columns and decorated with maiolica tiles. The glossators are often depicted teaching to attentive audience of students. From a typological point of view, these monuments are truly unique, as their "canopy" shape supported by marble pillars is so specific that it is difficult to find similar ones throughout Italy. Reaching these fascinating squares, rich in history and culture, with all their secrets to discover, is very easy when staying in our Hotel in the Basilica of San Petronio. From here, everything is within walking or cycling distance, and you can easily forget about your car in our Parking in Bologna centre .

The history in the soul of our building
Among these scholars, we remember Alberico di Porta Ravennate: in addition to being a distinguished representative of the school of glossators, he was the founder of the arts society, a pillar of economic life in medieval Bologna. This important figure is linked to the history of our building, as he decided to use the structure where we are now located both as the headquarters of the arts society and as his own residence. In one wing of this building, Alberico held his law lectures. At the time, it was common practice for university professors to lecture at their own houses and be paid directly by the students. Here, at our Boutique Hotel in the center of Bologna , we have chosen to pay tribute to these important figures of Bologna's history and culture through one of our rooms , with an exclusive suite: the Glossators Suite. These eminent personalities, who have left an indelible mark on the history of this magnificent city, are now celebrated in an enchanting and unique environment, inviting you to take a journey through time and discover their extraordinary contributions. Not only you can enjoy luxurious accommodations, but you can also immerse yourself in a vibrant and lively atmosphere that will make you feel an integral part of the rich history of our beloved city. Therefore, we invite you to explore the Glossators Suite and be fascinated by their stories and their indissoluble connection with Bologna.
We wait for you with great enthusiasm to offer you an unforgettable experience!
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