Some history
The San Giovanni in Monte complex is a historical building, ex- convent for the Canonic Laterans, restored and given a new function by Rector Fabio Roversi Monaco after having been used as a prison from the Napoleonic era to 1984. The recovery became a moment for a cultural revision about the use of the building. During the renaissance the ex convent was a place of study and meditation for the city. Amongst the works from the 500', we can find the alfresco by Bartolomeo Cesi, in which we see the regal wedding from the evangelical reading of Matt,22. The alfresco can be found in the Giorgio Prodi room, which is now used as the big refectory.
The building's history is far more ancient than the age we previously spoke about, the preexistence dates back to the 5th century A.D, it was built by the bishop Petronio, who had in mind the desire to symbolically propose the places and the itineraries of Christ's passion. Many clues make us think that the most ancient foundations date from a public office from the Augustan era, left at the edge of the roman city but strategically positioned near the access from the east of the via Aemilia.
The spaces and services offered by the department are based in a historical setting in which they are perfectly integrated into a reciprocal relationship between functional activities for teaching and research and maintaining the historical value containing said services.
To have a more in-depth look at history and archeology of the complex we invite you to look at the project pages "In profondità senza scavare".
What you can find
Other than offices for the teachers, technicians and administrative personnel, you can also find:
- Classroom: Capitani, Fumagalli, Gambi, Giorgio Prodi, Grande, Gualandi, Seminari e Torresani .
- Laboratories: for postdoctorates, doctorate, postgrads, the digitalization of archeological artefacts, the study of archeological materials, topography and the Morandi computer lab
- The Library: books, manuals and specialist materials for studying and research in all of the areas for Archeology, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary history, archived resources, special collections and ancient books (go to the library).
How to reach us
The complex, is right in the centre and is easy to reach by bus from the train station (Bologna Centrale) using TPER lines.