Monument of Padre Marella, Bologna

The relief of Padre Marella (Monumento a Padre Marella) goes unnoticed in the narrow streets of the center of Bologna. The priest to whom a small bas-relief was dedicated was just as modest, but the citizens still remember him for all the good things he had done for the city.

Olinto Marella was born in the late 19th century, and thanks to his uncle who was the archbishop he received a theological education. Soon he began teaching at the seminary. Later Olinto began to work actively with the poor and homeless. After World War II, Marella saved up enough money and opened a shelter for the poor. He also created the organization called Città dei Ragazzi and opened an orphanage in 1956. In 1992, the association “Opera Padre Marella” was founded. Moreover, after his death, in 2013, the process of beatification took place, and the priest received the title of Honorable. After the beatification of Olinto Marella, he had a small bronze relief dedicated to him placed in the city center.

How to get

The relief is located in the historical center of Bologna, on Via Caprarie 1. Nearby there is the Civic Archaeological Museum and the symbol of Bologna, the Two Towers. The closest bus stop is Rizzoli (buses № 19, 20, 25, 27, 62).