Piazza Bologna not just universities
Piazza Bologna is one of the best-known squares in Rome which saw the beginnings of a neighborhood strongly desired during the fascist period and which became a source of propaganda for the regime.
Then considered the heart of a modern neighborhood, its point of reference is the post office building, a shining example of rationalist architecture inaugurated in 1935 and designed by the architect Mario Ridolfi.
Piazza Bologna is also the point of reference for university students who populate a neighborhood a stone's throw from the university and its detached sections, which has a basin of influence that reaches up to Porta Pia, on Via Nomentana.
The protagonists are therefore young people aged 18 and over who here experience the chaotic and always rushing life of a metropolis like Rome, sprawling on the one hand, and abundant with opportunities for leisure, culture, artistic stimulation, intercultural exchange and skills on the other. to open up to ever new experiences.
This square is characterized by a circular shape on which highly frequented streets converge, such as Viale delle Province which leads to the renovated Tiburtina station and the district of the same name, or Viale XXI Aprile, where the general command of the Guardia di Finanza is located, at the end on this street is the Nomentano district while on the opposite side of the square, the "Policlinico Umberto I" is located next to the "Sapienza" university building .
However, the liveliness of a neighborhood considered university does not prevent the square from being frequented and experienced also by the inhabitants of the area, by the Romans and by those who happen to pass by there.
The green island located in the center with benches and a small bar with chairs and tables encourages the attendance of elderly people, mothers with children who can play freely and nannies, or those who take the dog out for a walk.
In summer it manages to refresh from the heat and humidity typical of the eternal city with the large trees that provide shade .
Piazza Bologna is also a central hub for travel with the Capitoline public transport, especially due to the presence of a metro station of the same name.
For a few years it has also become the exchange point with the branch of the B1 metro which connects it in just a few minutes to the neighborhood with the Via di Conca d'oro area, and in the future it should extend to Piazzale Ionio, facilitating the movement of a huge mass of people, who previously had to use surface connections, which are also very frequent.
The square and its neighborhood are among the best equipped both for services and for commercial establishments and there is no shortage of places of architectural, historical, artistic and naturalistic interest as is the nature of the capital.
At first glance, the buildings surrounding the square and the streets, which radiate from and to it, may seem austere, essential and without great pretensions due to the linearity and severe architecture that often characterizes them.
The demolition of many buildings and houses, sometimes dilapidated, during the twenty years of fascism led to an urban structure which sees buildings of up to seven floors with an intense population density, which however are decorous but popular.
Piazza Bologna is much more liveable on weekends and away from rush hour. During the weekend, especially on Saturday evenings, it is very popular with both young people and families who stop for an ice cream or an aperitif.
In the nearby Via Padova there is the Enoteca Uva e Forme with a welcoming and familiar environment which also organizes tasting courses and where it is possible to delight the palate with dishes expertly combined with wine.
Not far away stands the elegant Villa Torlonia, Mussolini's historic residence and today a museum villa, where many of the Empire style houses have been restored and brought back to their former glory.
Here it is pleasant to walk or jog among the tree-lined avenues and admire the artificial lake, the Casina delle Civette where exhibitions are often set up or simply enjoy a "green lung" immersed in the heart of Rome, needless to say that this Villa is also very popular by residents.
The nearby university has favored the presence of various copy shops, stationery shops and Web Agencies, one of the most established is Molecole , also in Via Padova, which has been offering webmaster services since 1999, including the creation of personalized websites or on an OS platform , but also assistance, connectivity, development of IOS and Android technology APPs and for some years the agency's core business has been visibility on the main search engines.
In this area there is no shortage of typical restaurants serving national cuisine where you can spend an evening in company, but also the most sought after ethnic restaurants, such as the Sahara in Viale Ippocrate, a well-known Eritrean restaurant where you can eat excellent meat but also tasty vegetarian dishes.
In Piazza Bologna, as mentioned at the beginning, there is also the Palazzo delle Poste with its particular curvilinear shape which perfectly follows the harmony of the square. The building was recently restored and is one of the major postal sorting points.
On Viale XXI Aprile you can admire Villa Massimo, home of the German Academy , built a long time ago in the then Roman countryside, the estate extended for 25 hectares and reached today's Piazza Bologna.
At the beginning of the 20th century, with urbanisation, the park was significantly downsized, today the imposing palace remains, surrounded by a fenced garden, which stands out for its beauty and care of the gardens. Opposite is the monument to the fallen of the Guardia di Finanza during the liberation of the city from the Germans in the Second World War.
Piazza Bologna is a focal point of the eastern quadrant of the capital which quickly leads to nearby neighborhoods such as the Viale Trieste area with the wonderful Coppedè neighborhood and the famous Parioli neighborhood or Viale Libia, ideal for shopping.
In conclusion we can say that this neighborhood is very convenient for living, studying, working, especially if you travel by public transport, and for spending free time in a welcoming, lively and cheerful atmosphere.