Villa delle Rose

The story of Villa delle Rose begins on the slopes of the Colle della Guardia where it served as a serene escape for local families. Throughout the nineteenth century the estate changed hands repeatedly, falling into such disrepair that locals nicknamed it the House of Owls. This decline stemmed largely from the expansion of the tramway along Via Saragozza, which damaged the original hillside structure and destroyed its grand entrance. Salvation arrived at the start of the twentieth century when the Armandi Avogli family purchased the property and poured resources into an extensive restoration that revived both the architecture and the lush surrounding park. In a generous act that cemented the villa's place in public life, Countess Nerina Armandi Avogli donated the estate to the city in 1916 with the specific intention of creating a cultural hub. Shortly after the First World War, the site took on a humanitarian role as the Casa del Sole. Spearheaded by the visionary philanthropist Gida Rossi, this institution provided a sanctuary for children suffering from tuberculosis. It was a space where healing and nature combined, establishing a tradition of public service that would define the villa for decades to come. By 1926 the villa had transitioned into its identity as the first Modern Art Gallery of Bologna, housing a significant collection that would later be reshaped by the esteemed art historian Guido Zucchini. Although the collections eventually migrated to the dedicated MAMbo museum, Villa delle Rose retained its prestige as a venue for high quality temporary exhibitions. Today the site serves as a vital bridge between the past and present, offering visitors a quiet space to engage with contemporary works amidst a landscape that has witnessed the social and cultural transformation of Bologna.