Julius II and Bologna

In the 16th century, especially during the reign of Pope Julius II (1503–1513), the city of Bologna experienced a tense period marked by political uncertainty and conflict. Known as the “Warrior Pope”, Julius II’s goal was to strengthen the papacy’s influence over Italian cities and regain control of lost territories. Bologna was one of those cities, traditionally under the rule of the Pope, but often under the influence of the local nobility, especially the Bentivoglio family.

 

Papst Julius II. von Raphael, via Wikimedia Commons
Papst Julius II. von Raphael, via Wikimedia Commons

Expulsion of the Bentivoglios

In 1506, Julius II set out to retake the city of Bologna and end the rule of the Bentivoglio family, who had ruled the city for decades. Giovanni II Bentivoglio was the de facto ruler of Bologna, but Julius II viewed him as an usurper. The Pope marched an army toward Bologna and forced the Bentivoglios to leave the city. The expulsion of the Bentivoglios marked the end of their dynasty in Bologna and the restoration of papal control over the city.

Citizens’ reaction

Bologna’s citizens were divided in their reaction to the Pope’s return. Many residents who had suffered under the Bentivoglios’ authoritarian rule saw the return of the papacy as an opportunity for fairer administration and welcomed the papal troops. The influence of the Church promised stability and protection from the rival noble families who often fought for supremacy. However, there was also resistance, especially from supporters of the Bentivoglio and those who wanted to preserve Bologna’s independence from the papacy.

The following years under Julius II were marked by uncertainty for many citizens. Julius II was known for his strict and sometimes violent rule. Tax increases and coercive measures to consolidate papal control led to resentment among parts of the population. Nevertheless, the Pope was able to maintain his power and firmly integrate Bologna into the Papal States territory.

The Pope as Patron

Despite the initial resistance, Julius II also gained recognition in the city through his role as a patron of the arts. During his reign, he implemented major building projects and artistic projects throughout Italy. Bologna also benefited from these efforts, which helped to soften public opinion of his rule in the long term. Nevertheless, the Bolognese’s relationship with papal rule remained ambivalent, shaped by the balance between local autonomy and central control by Rome.

Overall, the reaction of Bologna’s citizens to Julius II’s rule was mixed. While some welcomed his return as a liberation, others saw it as a loss of municipal independence and the beginning of a long period of papal dominance.

Storming of the Basilica

Only a few years after the conquest of Bologna and the expulsion of the Bentivoglio family by Pope Julius II in 1506, the citizens of Bologna stormed the Basilica of San Petronio as a sign of their resistance to papal rule.

The Basilica of San Petronio, the largest church in Bologna and the fifth largest church in the world, was not only a religious symbol but also a center of power and an expression of municipal independence. After the city was taken over by papal troops, discontent grew among citizens who resented Rome’s increasing control over their city.

As part of their protest, Bolognese people directed their anger at the Basilica of San Petronio, which was considered a symbol of the church and papal power. The citizens stormed the basilica and damaged it in their revolt against the new rule. This act of resistance was part of a larger movement of the population rebelling against the forced papal rule.

As part of these uprisings, the 11-foot bronze statue depicting Julius II, created by Michelangelo on behalf of the Pope, was torn down from the tympanum of the basilica.

Michelangelo's lost masterpiece - portal basilica San Petronio
Michelangelo’s lost masterpiece – portal basilica San Petronio

 

This episode is also to be seen as a symbol of all the tensions that existed between the citizens of Bologna and the papacy during this period.