Pieve di Cento (BO) grew up in the 8th century around the most important church (pieve) in the territory and was a civic and religious centre from the very start. Established under the Bishop of Bologna, it later became a Free Commune (city-state), then fell under the dominion of the Este family first and the Papacy later. Centuries of history have left the artistic, cultural and religious traces that are the heritage of the city today.
The urban layout of Pieve di Cento, once known as “little Bologna” for its porticoes, has preserved the characteristics of the original Roman castrum underlying the addition of the pieve in the 9th century and the developments of the medieval and later Renaissance and Baroque cities.
It is famous for its defensive buildings such as the Rocca dating to 1387 and the four entrance gates to the village. The 17th century Palazzo Comunale houses the ancient notary archive and the Teatro Zeppilli which contains a small museum of music. The 16th century Oratory of the Sacred Trinity and adjacent church are included in the masterpieces of the province of Bologna: the oratory contains an altar piece by Lucio Massari and a fresco cycle by Lionello Spada and Francesco Brizio.
Emilia-Romagna Film Commission
Viale Aldo Moro 38 — 40127 Bologna
Phone: +39 051 5278753
Email: filmcom@regione.emilia-romagna.it
