National Art Gallery Bologna

The National Art Gallery is located in what was formerly the Jesuit novitiate of Sant'Ignazio. An excellent place for art lovers, the Gallery owns numerous paintings by Emilian and other non-Bolognese artists from the 13th to the 18th century and painting of tempera and gilded wood.

 In addition, it boasts the famous Polyptych of Bologna painting of tempera and gilded wood. Notable artists here include Raphael, Titian, Giotto and the Caraccis. The National Art Gallery was established in 1808 as the Academy of Fine Arts picture gallery. The Academy is housed in the same building as the Gallery. Giotto's Polyptych of Bologna is located in the Saletta di Giotto. It depicts Madonna in a way that is unique considering his previous work. The Ecstasy of Saint Cecilia is a remarkable oil painting by none other than the talented Raphael. It was stolen to Paris once, during Napoleon's rule, but was brought back in 1815. Other celebrated artworks include Titian's Christ and the Good Thief and El Greco's The Last Supper. The Caracci's also have significantly contributed to the art here. They were also the ones who instituted the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna in the 16th century. The National Art Gallery holds various temporary art exhibitions, just as impressive as the permanent collection.