Basilica Santo Stefano

Basilica di Santo Stefano also called Sette Chiese ("Seven Churches" even though there are eight) seems like it doesn’t quite fit in the timeframe of the rest of Bologna. Essentially built over a temple to Isis which would have been Roman, within the Basilica is a column of black cipollino marble, of African origin, which would have been part of the Roman temple as well. The rest of the seven or eight churches in this complex would have been built primarily in the 5th century. But modified throughout the centuries though thoughtfully remaining in character. So, it’s hard to tell if what you are seeing is 8th century or much later. ⁣

Having said that, the Basilica di Santo Stefano was one of the more interesting sites I have come across in Bologna, and it’s free so I was able to go a second time to have a better second take. ⁣

Cloister at the Basilica di Santo Stefano

1895

2022

What surprises me is that swishy white wash at the top right on the third floor, oddly never touched up for at least 130 years