The origins of astronomy in Bologna dates back to the first days of the Bologna University, in the XI century, although the first systematic observations were made later, in the second half of the seventeenth century by G.D. Cassini, when he became full professor at the University and built the sundial in San Petronio Basilica.
Eustachio Manfredi was the first astronomer to start the observations in the old seat of both the Astronomy Observatory and Astronomy Department, The Torre della Specola of The Palazzo Poggi, built between 1712 and 1727.