Guidebook for Bologna
Sightseeing
Piazza Maggiore is located at the very centre of Bologna and it's one of the most beautiful and lively squares in Italy.
In the past, the square underwent many changes and was further enriched with important buildings: Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo dei Notai, Palazzo d'Accursio, Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo dei Bianchi.
When there, do not miss to pay a visit to Fontana del Nettuno and Biblioteca Salabors as well!
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Piazza Maggiore
Piazza MaggiorePiazza Maggiore is located at the very centre of Bologna and it's one of the most beautiful and lively squares in Italy.
In the past, the square underwent many changes and was further enriched with important buildings: Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo dei Notai, Palazzo d'Accursio, Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo dei Bianchi.
When there, do not miss to pay a visit to Fontana del Nettuno and Biblioteca Salabors as well!
San Petronio Basilica is Italy's 4th largest catholic cathedral and Bologna's most important one.
Did you know that its unfinished façade was not made on purpose? The first plan was to cover it all over with marble, but it was later decided to give those money to university and invest them in education. Indeed, The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in continuous operation!
Free entrance, but no photos allowed inside (unless you pay a 2€ fee).
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Basílica de San Petronio
5 Piazza Galvani San Petronio Basilica is Italy's 4th largest catholic cathedral and Bologna's most important one.
Did you know that its unfinished façade was not made on purpose? The first plan was to cover it all over with marble, but it was later decided to give those money to university and invest them in education. Indeed, The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in continuous operation!
Free entrance, but no photos allowed inside (unless you pay a 2€ fee).
This stunning library is located inside Palazzo Accursio, in front of Fontana del Nettuno, and is the city's main public library. Chill with locals and students while having a coffee or consulting books and newspapers from all over the world.
Visitors to the library are able to see an archaeological site through the crystal floor in the centre of the library. The ancient ruins are also accessible from the basement floor, where there is information about them.
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Biblioteca Salaborsa
3 Piazza del NettunoThis stunning library is located inside Palazzo Accursio, in front of Fontana del Nettuno, and is the city's main public library. Chill with locals and students while having a coffee or consulting books and newspapers from all over the world.
Visitors to the library are able to see an archaeological site through the crystal floor in the centre of the library. The ancient ruins are also accessible from the basement floor, where there is information about them.
These two leaning towers are the landmark of the city. The taller one is called the Asinelli while the smaller but more leaning tower is called the Garisenda.
While the latter is permanently closed, the Asinelli offers the best viewpoint in Bologna, but you need first to climb 498 steps up to the top to finally be able to enjoy the city's famous red tiles!
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Due Torri station
These two leaning towers are the landmark of the city. The taller one is called the Asinelli while the smaller but more leaning tower is called the Garisenda.
While the latter is permanently closed, the Asinelli offers the best viewpoint in Bologna, but you need first to climb 498 steps up to the top to finally be able to enjoy the city's famous red tiles!
Bologna's most unique religious site is this atmospheric labyrinth of interlocking ecclesiastical structures, whose architecture spans centuries of Bolognese history and incorporates Romanesque, Lombard and even ancient Roman elements. Located on Piazza Santo Stefano, it is locally known as Sette Chiese ("Seven Churches") – but only four remain intact today: Chiesa del Crocefisso, Chiesa della Trinità, Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro and Santi Vitale e Agricola.
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Two Towers
Piazza di Porta RavegnanaBologna's most unique religious site is this atmospheric labyrinth of interlocking ecclesiastical structures, whose architecture spans centuries of Bolognese history and incorporates Romanesque, Lombard and even ancient Roman elements. Located on Piazza Santo Stefano, it is locally known as Sette Chiese ("Seven Churches") – but only four remain intact today: Chiesa del Crocefisso, Chiesa della Trinità, Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro and Santi Vitale e Agricola.
Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro is the cathedral of Bologna, entitled “Metropolitana” in 1582 by Pope Gregorio XIII. The origins of the building may be traced back to the beginning of the Christian era
Throughout the centuries the cathedral has undergone many changes: first, a fire and then an earthquake destroyed it, in August 1131 and in 1222 respectively.
Its bell tower is the second tallest tower in the town (70 m). Inside of the belfry, there is the biggest bell that can be rung “on the Bologna's way of ringing” (until the complete rotation of the bell). There is a beautiful panoramic view from the top of the tower.
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Catedral Metropolitana de San Pedro
7 Via dell'IndipendenzaCattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro is the cathedral of Bologna, entitled “Metropolitana” in 1582 by Pope Gregorio XIII. The origins of the building may be traced back to the beginning of the Christian era
Throughout the centuries the cathedral has undergone many changes: first, a fire and then an earthquake destroyed it, in August 1131 and in 1222 respectively.
Its bell tower is the second tallest tower in the town (70 m). Inside of the belfry, there is the biggest bell that can be rung “on the Bologna's way of ringing” (until the complete rotation of the bell). There is a beautiful panoramic view from the top of the tower.
About 3.5km southwest of the city centre, the hilltop Basilica Santuario della Madonna di San Luca occupies a powerful and appropriately celestial position overlooking the teeming red-hued city below. The church houses a black representation of the Virgin Mary, supposedly painted by St Luke and transported from the Middle East to Bologna in the 12th century. The 18th-century sanctuary is connected to the city walls by the world's longest portico, held aloft by 666 arches, beginning at Piazza di Porta Saragozza.
The most direct way to reach the basilica is on the San Luca Express, a tourist 'train' that leaves Piazza Maggiore six times daily, four days a week during peak tourist season.
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Santuario de la Madonna di San Luca
36 Via di San Luca About 3.5km southwest of the city centre, the hilltop Basilica Santuario della Madonna di San Luca occupies a powerful and appropriately celestial position overlooking the teeming red-hued city below. The church houses a black representation of the Virgin Mary, supposedly painted by St Luke and transported from the Middle East to Bologna in the 12th century. The 18th-century sanctuary is connected to the city walls by the world's longest portico, held aloft by 666 arches, beginning at Piazza di Porta Saragozza.
The most direct way to reach the basilica is on the San Luca Express, a tourist 'train' that leaves Piazza Maggiore six times daily, four days a week during peak tourist season.
One of Bologna's best-kept secrets, with a Venetian vibe.
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Canale delle Moline
One of Bologna's best-kept secrets, with a Venetian vibe.
The Fountain of Neptune is a monumental civic fountain located in the eponymous square, Piazza del Nettuno, next to Piazza Maggiore. Fun fact: the logo of the Maserati car company is based on the trident in this Neptune statue.
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Fountain of Neptune
Piazza del NettunoThe Fountain of Neptune is a monumental civic fountain located in the eponymous square, Piazza del Nettuno, next to Piazza Maggiore. Fun fact: the logo of the Maserati car company is based on the trident in this Neptune statue.
The church was built between 1236 and 1254 by the Franciscan community. The members of the community arrived in Bologna in 1218 when Bernardo di Quintavalle, one of the first disciples of San Francesco, moved here. San Francesco joined his disciples in Bologna some years later.
At present, the church is a sort of pastiche of different styles including Romanesque, Gothic and Early Renaissance.
The church is home to the church monuments of the jurist Accursius and his son Francesco, Odofredus and Rolandino dei Romanzi.
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Basílica de San Francisco
9 Piazza MalpighiThe church was built between 1236 and 1254 by the Franciscan community. The members of the community arrived in Bologna in 1218 when Bernardo di Quintavalle, one of the first disciples of San Francesco, moved here. San Francesco joined his disciples in Bologna some years later.
At present, the church is a sort of pastiche of different styles including Romanesque, Gothic and Early Renaissance.
The church is home to the church monuments of the jurist Accursius and his son Francesco, Odofredus and Rolandino dei Romanzi.
Food Scene
Mercato di Mezzo is one of the most representative historical places of Bolognese food culture, a few steps from Piazza Maggiore: since the Middle Ages, this has been the place for flavours and meetings, commerce and gastronomical traditions of Bologna. After the unification of Italy, it was transformed into the first indoor market of the city. Today is a three storey pavilion, where you can buy or eat on site excellent food products and dishes. On the first floor, you can find a traditional pizzeria and, on the basement floor, an artisanal beer pub where you can taste unique beers.
Open 7/7!
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Mercato di Mezzo
12 Via Clavature Mercato di Mezzo is one of the most representative historical places of Bolognese food culture, a few steps from Piazza Maggiore: since the Middle Ages, this has been the place for flavours and meetings, commerce and gastronomical traditions of Bologna. After the unification of Italy, it was transformed into the first indoor market of the city. Today is a three storey pavilion, where you can buy or eat on site excellent food products and dishes. On the first floor, you can find a traditional pizzeria and, on the basement floor, an artisanal beer pub where you can taste unique beers.
Open 7/7!
All'Osteria Bottega
51 Via Santa CaterinaQuanto Basta
103a Via del PratelloRistorante Scacco Matto
63/b Via BroccaindossoOsteria Santa Caterina
43a Via Santa CaterinaBerberè
9c Via Giuseppe PetroniZerocinquantino
3e Via Pescherie VecchieThe new FICO Eataly World in Bologna is a million square feet of food: pasta, porchetta, gelato and more. n addition to all the food, drink, and spectacle, it houses six educational rides — called “carousels” — which chart the humans’ relationship with agriculture by theme: fire, earth, sea, animals, soil to bottle, and “the future of food.” The end goal: For Eataly World to serve as a citadel of food and sustainability.
The bus you take to get there is the FICO bus. It leaves from Bologna Central Station, every 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the day; a round-trip ticket costs 7 euros. Don’t forget a map and a bike, available for rent — you’ll need both to navigate the site!
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FICO World Eataly
8 Via Paolo CanaliThe new FICO Eataly World in Bologna is a million square feet of food: pasta, porchetta, gelato and more. n addition to all the food, drink, and spectacle, it houses six educational rides — called “carousels” — which chart the humans’ relationship with agriculture by theme: fire, earth, sea, animals, soil to bottle, and “the future of food.” The end goal: For Eataly World to serve as a citadel of food and sustainability.
The bus you take to get there is the FICO bus. It leaves from Bologna Central Station, every 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the day; a round-trip ticket costs 7 euros. Don’t forget a map and a bike, available for rent — you’ll need both to navigate the site!
Arts & Culture
The Archaeological Civic Museum of Bologna is located in the fifteenth-century Palazzo Galvani building once known as the Hospital of Death. Founded in September 1881 by the merging of two separate museums: the one belonging to the University of Bologna and that belonging to the City of Bologna.
This museum is among the most important in archaeological finds in Italy and is highly representative of the local history from prehistoric period to Roman Age. Additionally, its ancient Egyptian collection is among the most important in Europe.
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Museo Arqueológico Cívico
2 Via dell'ArchiginnasioThe Archaeological Civic Museum of Bologna is located in the fifteenth-century Palazzo Galvani building once known as the Hospital of Death. Founded in September 1881 by the merging of two separate museums: the one belonging to the University of Bologna and that belonging to the City of Bologna.
This museum is among the most important in archaeological finds in Italy and is highly representative of the local history from prehistoric period to Roman Age. Additionally, its ancient Egyptian collection is among the most important in Europe.
The National Art Gallery of Bologna (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna) is a museum in Bologna, Italy. It is located in the former Saint Ignatius Jesuit novitiate of the city's University district, and inside the same building that houses the Academy of Fine Arts. The museum offers a wide collection of Emilian paintings from the 13th to the 18th century and other fundamental works by artists who were in some way related to the city.
145 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pinacoteca Nazionale
56 Via delle Belle ArtiThe National Art Gallery of Bologna (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna) is a museum in Bologna, Italy. It is located in the former Saint Ignatius Jesuit novitiate of the city's University district, and inside the same building that houses the Academy of Fine Arts. The museum offers a wide collection of Emilian paintings from the 13th to the 18th century and other fundamental works by artists who were in some way related to the city.
The Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna or MAMbo is a purpose-designed museum of modern and experimental art in Bologna, Italy. The Museo Morandi, which displays a large collection of works by Giorgio Morandi, is temporarily housed in a part of it.
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MAMbo - Museo de Arte Moderno de Bolonia
14 Via Don Giovanni MinzoniThe Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna or MAMbo is a purpose-designed museum of modern and experimental art in Bologna, Italy. The Museo Morandi, which displays a large collection of works by Giorgio Morandi, is temporarily housed in a part of it.
Shopping
Via Indipendenza is the main street of Bologna. It starts from Piazza Maggiore and ends at the railway station. It has been completed in 1890 when the city became an important railway junction. Now via Indipendenza is the heart of the shopping area: under its stunning porticoes, protecting pedestrians on both sides of the street, you’ll find many low-cost clothes shops, designer labels, small shops, fast food and sandwiches bar. Via Indipendenza is always very popular among Bologna people of all ages: we suggest to take a walk there!
149 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Via dell'Indipendenza
Via dell'IndipendenzaVia Indipendenza is the main street of Bologna. It starts from Piazza Maggiore and ends at the railway station. It has been completed in 1890 when the city became an important railway junction. Now via Indipendenza is the heart of the shopping area: under its stunning porticoes, protecting pedestrians on both sides of the street, you’ll find many low-cost clothes shops, designer labels, small shops, fast food and sandwiches bar. Via Indipendenza is always very popular among Bologna people of all ages: we suggest to take a walk there!
Mercato "La Piazzola di Bologna"
5c Via IrnerioTo the east of Piazza Maggiore, the grid of streets around Via Clavature (Street of Locksmiths) sits on what was once Roman Bologna. Known as the Quadrilatero, this compact district is a great place for a wander with its market stalls, happening cafes and lavishly stocked gourmet delis. Bring some tortellini home!
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Quadrilatero
23 Strada MaggioreTo the east of Piazza Maggiore, the grid of streets around Via Clavature (Street of Locksmiths) sits on what was once Roman Bologna. Known as the Quadrilatero, this compact district is a great place for a wander with its market stalls, happening cafes and lavishly stocked gourmet delis. Bring some tortellini home!
Parks & Nature
Bologna's main central park and green area: go there on Fridays and Saturdays to mingle with locals at the "La Piazzola" market!
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Parque de la Montagnola
2 Via IrnerioBologna's main central park and green area: go there on Fridays and Saturdays to mingle with locals at the "La Piazzola" market!
It is the largest and certainly the most popular city park. It was designed by the Piedmontese Sambuy to provide Bologna with an ample green and public place as in other Italian and European cities. It was opened in 1879 with the name of “Passeggio Regina Margherita” ( as a tribute to the wife of King Umberto I).
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Giardini Margherita station
It is the largest and certainly the most popular city park. It was designed by the Piedmontese Sambuy to provide Bologna with an ample green and public place as in other Italian and European cities. It was opened in 1879 with the name of “Passeggio Regina Margherita” ( as a tribute to the wife of King Umberto I).
Drinks & Nightlife
Arterìa is another “underground” club in Bologna’s city centre which, in addition to many high-school parties, also provides a good selection of live music for younger audiences, including many university students.
Young rappers and new rock bands perform here - in a small informal setting which is also open to more artistic language with many exhibitions and festivals. A full programme Wednesdays to Saturdays.
Vicolo Broglio, 1a
1a Vicolo BroglioArterìa is another “underground” club in Bologna’s city centre which, in addition to many high-school parties, also provides a good selection of live music for younger audiences, including many university students.
Young rappers and new rock bands perform here - in a small informal setting which is also open to more artistic language with many exhibitions and festivals. A full programme Wednesdays to Saturdays.
Lively street packed with bars and breweries.
182 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Via del Pratello
Via del PratelloLively street packed with bars and breweries.
Vanilia & Comics
100f Via del PratelloA nice coffee shop with cool wall art, good coffee and friendly staff!
Everything Else
Discover all not-to-be-missed events and exhibitions in Bologna:
https://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/home/live/events/complete-calendar/
ALL IN EVENTS SRL
7 Via Guglielmo MarconiDiscover all not-to-be-missed events and exhibitions in Bologna:
https://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/home/live/events/complete-calendar/