Bologna
AA-2026-087F60
On the image
The desire to experience culture often involves standing in a large crowd, inching towards a dark opening. In the 1970s, this meant a particular blend of practical footwear and denim, ideal for long days of shuffling. The destination is usually something very old, which people feel obligated to appreciate.
One young traveler, perhaps seven or eight, has already adopted the official uniform of the serious tourist: dark sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, presenting a façade of cool indifference to the historical marvel around him. He stands confidently in the path of progress, as if to say, "I am also a landmark." His parents likely promised ice cream.
The grand entrance behind them, carved from stone and brick, has seen centuries of similar earnest queues. Generations have lined up, believing that simply being present elevates the soul, or at least provides good vacation photos for the slide projector later.
The historian's note
This photograph captures a typical summer day outside the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro in Bologna, Italy, during the 1970s. Crowds of tourists and local visitors are seen gathering before the main entrance of the cathedral, a significant historical and religious landmark in the city.
The architectural style, with its imposing brick structure and grand stone portal, reflects centuries of construction and modification. The presence of numerous visitors underscores its enduring appeal as a point of cultural interest and pilgrimage in the latter half of the 20th century.
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Bologna Cathedral Entrance, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-087F60. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/bologna-cathedral-entrance-1970s.
@misc{aaAA2026087F60,
title = {Bologna Cathedral Entrance, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-087F60},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/bologna-cathedral-entrance-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Bologna Cathedral Entrance, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-087F60 UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/bologna-cathedral-entrance-1970s ER -
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