Art and music have left an indelible mark on the city of Bologna, and it is no coincidence that it has been recognised as a Creative City of Music by UNESCO.
Among the great names who have lived in and loved the city, Gioachino Rossini shines bright. This genius of Italian music and melodrama was actually from the Marche region, but forged lifelong ties with Emilia-Romagna and especially Bologna.
This 24-hour urban itinerary is designed for anyone who wants to explore the places where Rossini lived, studied and created. It allows them to retrace the steps of the composer in the city that was both a cradle and stage for him.
The itinerary goes from the Archiginnasio, where he lived with Isabella Colbran, to the G.B. Martini Conservatory, where he took his first steps in music, passing through the theatres, academies and museums that preserve his legacy. The route is suitable for everyone, is easily completed on foot and extols the charm of Bologna’s historic centre.
This journey combining music, history and discovery is designed for Rossini enthusiasts and for those who want to get to know the most harmonious face of Bologna.
Tips
Since there are so many representative places of the city’s musical creativity, why not continue your journey by including the "Music of Bologna" itinerary ?
Also, if you are interested in famous people who have made history in music, go to Modena, where the travel itinerary abounds with exciting new features.
Start your tour in the heart of the historic centre, at the majestic Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio.
Rossini lived here with Isabella Colbran from 1823 to 1838, a sojourn that contributed to his indelible mark on the city
Admire the façade enriched with epigrams inspired by Cicero and Virgil, celebrating the harmonious combination of Bolognese art and culture.
Curiosities
The Stabat Mater, a composition of sacred music set to the Latin verses of Iacopone da Todi, was performed here for the first time in 1842 – the year regarded as the culminating period of Rossin's time in Bologna.
The room that hosted the event was named after the composition and has held the title ever since.
Continue on to the square dedicated to Martini and admire the G.B. Martini Conservatory from the outside. Founded in 1804, the Philharmonic Lyceum was the first Italian public musical institute and from 1806 to 1809 hosted the young Rossini in its classrooms.
Here you can feel the atmosphere of the early musical experiments and delve into the roots of the Bolognese music tradition.
As it is an actual school building, there are no guided tours – so you’ll have to be content to admire it from the outside.
Curiosities
In 1826 Gioacchino Rossini was appointed an Honorary Professor of the institute, then Treasurer in 1830, Music Administrator in 1843 and finally President in 1845.
A few steps from the Conservatory is the House of Gioacchino Rossini, an authentic treasure trove of history.
From the eighteenth-century cloister to the evocative Sala Rossini – today a repository of vibrant memories – this building houses the precious relics, autograph scores and ancient library that testify to the composer's genius.
This beguiling place is an unmissable experience for music and culture lovers!
The Municipal Theatre was Rossini's first real stage.
Tips
The building is currently closed to the public for maintenance work (due for completion in 2026), but on re-opening will be possible to book a guided tour that will reveal the many secrets of this, one of the 116 historical theatres of Emilia-Romagna.
At the moment the music programme is held at the Comunale Nouveau and can be consulted on the theatre’s official website.
Curiosities
The Foyer del Ridotto, a large room overlooking the façade terrace and embellished with splendid chandeliers, is dedicated to Rossini. It was built after the fire of 1931.
From here, head to Palazzo Riario-Sforza, now home to the International Museum of Music. Rossini and his second wife Olimpia Pelissier stayed in this elegant building from 1846 to 1851.
The permanent collection houses the Maestro's famous Pleyel piano, autograph scores and other personal objects that reveal the more intimate and innovative side of the composer.
As a last stop, you should pay a visit to the Philharmonic Academy.
Founded in 1666 by Count Vincenzo Maria Carrati, the Academy championed music in Bologna and became a key institution in the 18th century.
Gioachino Rossini was admitted as a Chorister in 1806 and went on to hold various positions before becoming President in 1845.
Today, the library preserves rare autograph manuscripts, including La Cenerentola, personal items (a conducting wand and a period fortepiano), and portraits of the composer, all evidencing his strong connection to the Academy and support for indigent musicians. In 1877, Rossini in fact founded a charity that donated the proceeds of his concerts to support artists in need.
Your farewell to Rossini’s Bologna can only be in this place, where you can feel all the respect that the city still has for its brilliant citizen.
