The plague in Bologna in the year 1527

In the year 1527, following the invasion of Italy by Landsknechts, who were headed by Georg von Frundsberg, the bubonic plague appeared in the country. These soldiers were part of an army that Charles V sent to invade Italy in order to subjugate the Italian states which had adhered to the League of Cognac. In Bologna during the year 1527 believers held a procession from the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso, through the city, as far as the Church of San Rocco. The reason for this practice was linked with the plague epidemic. After some cases of plague observed in the Borgo di San Pietro district the miracle of the interruption of the epidemics, thanks to the intervention of Our Lady, was narrated by the faithfuls. Later, after several decades, it was reported by several authors from Bologna, who were not witnesses to the facts, that the epidemic had involved 12,000 out of a total population of around 60,000 inhabitants at that time. We re-evaluated this situation starting from the demographic data concerning the citizens in Bologna during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Furthermore, we performed a search in the State Archives in the city of Bologna in order to find any public notices from the city authorities in the year 1527 aiming to counteract a plague epidemic. Our investigation found no elements to support the outbreak of this disease. Throughout the 16th century, until 1590, the population grew significantly, and no public notices were issued or specific laws enacted to deal with the plague until the year 1557. However, it remains possible that in the area in question, some episodes of plague occurred, but it was fortunately a micro-epidemic, which involved a very poor area of the city. Then this disease was self-limited. However, in our opinion, this episode proved very important, since in this district of Bologna, and around a wooden image of the Madonna del Soccorso, a confraternity took place, and its activities continued until the year 1798. This group of citizens also played a major role in many charitable activities to aid the inhabitants of Bologna, during a difficult historical period, namely the Protestant Reformation, and contributed to strengthen the faith of Catholic believers.