The former CEO and president of Google, Eric Schmidt, contributed one million euros to the restoration of the Garisenda, one of the two famous towers of Bologna. Since last December, various entrepreneurs, banking institutions and organizations have joined together to support the city in saving this monument at risk of collapse, giving rise to a fundraising campaign. The news was disclosed by Rest of the Pug and subsequently confirmed by the Municipality of Bologna. Schmidt served as CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011, before serving as executive chairman until 2015. His connection to Bologna dates back to his childhood, as he lived in the Emilian city with his family. “I feel a deep connection to this city,” Schmidt said. “As a child I lived here and I have fond memories of when I played in Piazza Nettuno, a stone’s throw from the Two Towers” said Schmidt, “it is essential that this symbol of Bologna is returned to its former glory and can be visited again safely” .
The donation
In 2021, Eric Schmidt returned to Bologna to receive an honorary degree from the Department of Business Sciences, in recognition of his significant role in various sectors. This recent donation follows another of 3 million euros in favor of the Bologna Business School. The mayor of Bologna, Matteo Lepore, expressed gratitude towards Eric Schmidt and his Foundation for the generous support towards the city and also highlighted that the city is receiving international attention, a reason for pride and awareness for everyone. For the works on the tower, patience will be needed: at the moment, the Municipality has appointed three experts, two of whom have experience in the restoration of the Tower of Pisa, to develop a project for the restoration of the monument. The project is expected to be ready by the summer, but the costs are estimated to amount to around 20 million euros for works that will last at least ten years.
