Pro Loco Tossignano

History of reconstruction and community

📜 Our History

After the Second World War, Tossignano was severely damaged by bombing. The inhabitants, many of whom were exiles in Bologna, organized themselves into committees to obtain the reconstruction of the town, the protection of charitable works and the restoration of administrative functions. This is the story of their determination.

🎯 The Main Requests

  • Reconstruction of the Palazzo Pretoriale (National Monument)
  • Protection and correct administration of the Hospice of Santa Maria
  • Reconstruction of the Parish Church of San Michele
  • Arrangement of the city center and return of administrative functions

🕐 Reconstruction Timeline

Key moments of the mobilization for the rebirth of Tossignano

1950

Initial memorandum — First mobilization against the transfer of the capital and for the reconstruction of the town.

March 15, 1955

Appeal for resurrection — Constitution of the Provisional Committee in Bologna to promote the reconstruction of Tossignano.

July 10, 1955

Joint assembly — Pro Tossignano and Exiles ask for a visit from the Prefect and set operational priorities for reconstruction.

1955-1957

Lobbying activity — Intense correspondence with ministries, deputies and the Civil Engineering Department to unlock practices.

March 25, 1956

Active solidarity — The Exiles Committee distributes gift packages to the old and poor of the town.

April 5, 1956

Demonstration trip — Organization of a trip/demonstration to Tossignano by bus to draw public attention.

July 13, 1957

Historic victory — Hon. Giovanni Elkan communicates the approval of the Palazzo Pretoriale project by the Civil Engineering Department.

July 15, 1957

Announcement of works — The Pro-Tossignano Committee publicly announces the start of reconstruction works in autumn 1957.

1958

Memorandum — Removal of administrative obstacles, protection of the center, safety of the San Mamante Park and the War Memorial.

September 24, 1958

Reminder to the Minister — Letter to Hon. Togni to start the works of the Palazzo Pretorio (from 1959) and arrange access.

November 29, 1964

Pro Loco Constitution — Assembly for the renewal of the offices of the Pro Loco Tourist Association of Tossignano with 67 registered members.

View Complete Event Archive →

👥 The Groups and Committees of Reconstruction

The organizations that worked to revive Tossignano

Group Name Headquarters Main Contacts Activities
Provisional Committee Bologna Tossignano promoters in Bologna Appeal 15/03/1955, collection of adhesions, sending to authorities
Pro-Tossignano Committee
(Bologna Delegation)		 Bologna
Via Felice Cavallotti 4		 Zotti Modesto (President)
Campomori Giuseppe (Secretary-Cashier)		 Coordination, political lobbying, fundraising, announcement of works 1957
Tossignano Exiles Committee Bologna Local coordinators Trips/demonstrations, distribution of gift packages (25/03/1956)
Pro Reconstruction Committee
(local)		 Tossignano
Baronial Palace		 Local representatives, clergy, citizens Local coordination, memoranda to authorities, collection of documentation
Clergy and Religious Groups Tossignano / Imola
Diocese of Imola		 Fr. Luigi Brugnoli (Archpriest)
Msgr. Brunori, Msgr. Martini, Can. Bettelli, Can. Ferri		 Protection of churches and charitable works, official letters, attestations

🏛️ Parliamentary Support and Protagonists

Deputies, undersecretaries and members of the Pro Loco who worked for Tossignano

👤

Hon. Giovanni Elkan

DC Provincial Secretary

Decisive intermediation for the approval of the Palazzo Pretoriale project in 1957.

👤

Hon. Benigno Zaccagnini

Deputy

Intense solicitation activity towards ministries and Civil Engineering (1955-1957).

👥

Other Undersecretaries

Manzini, Tupini, Scelba

Technical and administrative support to unlock bureaucratic practices.

📚 Historical sources: Data are extracted from archive documents of the Pro Loco of Tossignano (1950-1964). To consult the complete list of events, initiatives and cultural activities, visit the Complete Events Archive.

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