Green spaces in Italy from subsistence agriculture to public parks: The city of Bologna from 13th to 20th century

As many other European cities, Bologna has wide green spaces inside the city walls, especially in the Middle Ages, when the role of subsistence agriculture is really important; during the Renaissance, this scenario partially changes; and in the Modern Era the importance of gardens and public parks is growing. After Italian unification (1861), urban development enters into dialectical relationship with the protection of public green; new public gardens are built within the historic city and a large public park is inaugurated immediately outside the Renaissance walls. These events prelude to the urban development of Bologna outside its historical borders, according to a process that unites Bologna with several other cities of central and northern Italy, although with some differences with regard to policies for the protection of public green during the 20th century.