The Battle of Montagnola

8cento APS presents a historical reenactment day dedicated to The Battle of Montagnola, taking place at Parco della Montagnola on Sunday 6 September 2026.

Montagnola was the setting for one of the most significant moments in Bologna’s history: the clash of 8 August 1848, whose memory still lives on today in the name of the square overlooking the park.

Wearing historical uniforms and civilian clothing, the reenactors will recreate episodes from that afternoon of fighting, when the people of Bologna drove the Austrian troops out of the city.

Throughout the day, the reenactors will engage with the public through demonstrations and educational activities.

In collaboration with the Archivio Storico del Comune and Fondazione IU Rusconi Ghigi, in partnership with the Museo civico del Risorgimento di Bologna.

The event is part of 8cento APS’s project “ai tre color pensando… dove il verde ridesta la memoria” and is included in the 2026 calendar of Historical Reenactments of the Emilia-Romagna Region.

Programme:

• 10:30 a.m. - Meeting “The 8 August Monument” at Filla Auditorium in Parco della Montagnola. Curated by Mirtide Gavelli.
• 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - Exhibition of documents from the Municipal Historical Archive relating to the Monument to the “Glorious Day of 8 August” at Filla Auditorium.
• 11:15 a.m. - Nature walk through Montagnola Park as it was at the time of the battle. Curated by Ivan Bisetti.
• 12:00 p.m. - Stories and reenactment scenes at the Monumento del Popolano. Curated by 8cento APS.
• 3:00 p.m. - Reenactment scenes and military drills by the historical groups Battaglione Estense and Carosello Tre Leoni.
• 5:00 p.m. - Closing.