The Rich History of Canton de' Fiori
A journey through time in one of Bologna's most historically significant corners
A Revolutionary Corner
Canton de' Fiori, the evocative street corner that now houses our luxury accommodations, derives its name from the flower shops that once lined this historic passage. But behind the beauty of these floral displays lay a secret history of revolution and resistance.
In November 1794, in the back room of one of these flower shops, two university students—Luigi Zamboni (from Bologna) and Giovanni Battista De Rolandis (from Asti)—prepared an insurrection against the Papal government. Though their revolutionary attempt would ultimately fail, it planted seeds of resistance that would bloom throughout Italy's journey toward unification.
These young revolutionaries designed what would later become the Italian tricolor flag in this very location, making Canton de' Fiori not just a beautiful corner of Bologna, but a birthplace of Italian national identity.
The Late 19th Century Renaissance
The late 19th century brought significant changes to Bologna and Canton de' Fiori. The city was experiencing a cultural and artistic renaissance, opening itself to new European influences after centuries of Papal rule. This period saw Bologna transform from a marginal ecclesiastical territory into a central commercial hub connecting northern industrialized regions with the capital.
It was during this vibrant era that our building, known as Casa Stagni, was renovated by the artist Augusto Sezanne for its namesake owner. The Stagni family had acquired the palazzo from the noble Scappi family, whose medieval tower from the 13th century still stands incorporated into the structure—a stunning 39-meter testament to Bologna's medieval past rising above our accommodations.
The Legend of the Scappi Family
The Scappi family, previous owners of our historic building, are the subject of one of Bologna's most charming legends. According to local lore, the family earned their noble title and name through a pivotal moment in Bologna's history involving King Enzo of Sardinia.
In 1249, King Enzo was captured by Bolognese forces and held prisoner in the palace that now bears his name. After years of comfortable captivity, the king attempted an escape, hiding in a wine-carrier's basket. As the story goes, a woman from the family spotted the disguised king and shouted "Scappa! Scappa!" (Escape! Escape!), alerting the guards and foiling his plan.
For this act of loyalty, the family was granted nobility and took the name "Scappi"—a permanent reminder of their role in keeping the royal prisoner within Bologna's walls. The tower they built still stands as part of our building, a vertical timeline connecting medieval Bologna to the present day.
La Coroncina: A Living Piece of History
At the base of the Scappi Tower lies La Coroncina, one of Bologna's oldest shops, established in 1694. Originally selling religious articles to pilgrims and the faithful, this historic establishment has witnessed over three centuries of Bologna's evolving story.
The shop's presence is a reminder of Bologna's deep religious heritage and its historical connection to the Papal States. Today, La Coroncina continues to operate just steps from our entrance, offering visitors a glimpse into the commercial traditions that have shaped this corner of the city.
When staying at Canton de' Fiori, you're not just in a luxury accommodation—you're living within a carefully preserved historical narrative that spans from medieval nobility to revolutionary fervor to artistic renaissance.
Experience History in Luxury
When you stay at Canton de' Fiori, you're not just enjoying premium accommodations in the heart of Bologna—you're becoming part of a centuries-old story that continues to unfold in this magnificent historic building.
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