Bologna has introduced an innovative model of night-time urban safety. It’s called Nottambula and it is an accompaniment and support service designed for those who live, work or travel through the city in the evening and night hours. The free initiative is part of the Night Plan, which makes the Emilian capital the first Italian city to adopt a structured strategy dedicated to nightlife, inspired by the experiences already active in various European cities.
View this post on Instagram
The role of street hosts and their presence in the area
The heart of the project are the street hosts, operators trained in social and cultural mediation, recognizable by the bibs and sweatshirts with the Nottambula logo. Their presence is designed as a direct and accessible reference for those who need information, support or help. From Thursday to Saturday, between 10pm and 3am, they monitor some of the busiest areas of the Bolognese nightlife, such as the university area and the Montagnola Park, with an activity that combines listening, conflict prevention and orientation.
Among the most requested services is walking guidance, aimed at those who do not feel safe walking along some roads alone. The service, which has evolved over time, is now on call and allows you to be accompanied to your home, a place or a public transport stop. This is not just a safety measure, but a concrete way to guarantee the right to night mobility, especially in the most delicate time slots.
View this post on Instagram
A new garrison at the Velostazione
Strengthening the project is the opening of a Nottambula Space at the Bologna Velostazione, in the spaces of the former Dynamo. A place designed as a safe stopping point, where you can stop, drink water, ask for information or get in touch with street hosts. The garrison is part of the vision of a city that invests in a more welcoming and inclusive night, transforming passage spaces into recognizable points of reference.
View this post on Instagram
Multidisciplinary training for operators is also provided
Nottambula is not limited to presence on the street. The project also includes multidisciplinary training for operators and moments of discussion with street tutors, merchants and night workers. The objective is to build integrated security, capable of combining sociality, respect for public spaces, harm reduction and prevention of discrimination. From this perspective, the night becomes an integral part of urban life, a space to be cared for and not left without services.
You might also be interested in:
