Eremo di Ronzano
The Eremo di Ronzano (Hermitage of Ronzano) is a charming place, located a few minutes by car from the centre of Bologna. Surrounded by oaks, ancient chestnut trees, cypresses and olive trees, the hermitage stands on top of one of Bologna's hills and offers a breathtaking view of the city. Its location is not far from Colle della Guardia, which is famous for its Sanctuary of San Luca.
The history of the Hermitage
Over the centuries, the Eremo has had
many owners until its current management by the Order of the Servants of Mary, which turned it into a spiritual centre. The hermitage has not always been used for religious purposes though. It was founded in the 12th century by a pious Bolognese noblewoman who decided to move to this hill with five companions and set up a hermitage. It later became the seat of the Frati Gaudenti before being occupied in 1480 by the Dominican order.
It was the Dominicans who were responsible for the construction of the present complex consisting of a small church in a simple style and the adjoining monastery, which, however, was originally intended to be built differently. When the Hermitage was converted into private property during the Napoleonic era, it underwent profound structural changes that were deemed necessary to accommodate the residence of a noble Bolognese family.
The most famous owners of the Eremo di Ronzano were
Count Giovanni Gozzadini and his wife Maria Teresa Serego Alighieri, a descendant of Dante, who from 1848 established a popular cultural club there attended by the poet Giosué Carducci as well.
