Bologna attractions

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Bologna was one of the leading cities of the Middle Ages. Its long and rich history is evident in its buildings and palaces.

Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and home to Europe’s first university (1088). Its former significance is shown by the fact that five popes originated from here. It’s an important hub, serving as a gateway to Italy’s „interior”.

Bologna attractions

Piazza Maggiore

Bologna’s historical center and the city’s largest and most important square.

The square features numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. During summer months, it often hosts outdoor concerts, film screenings, and other events. Several notable buildings can be found here.

Basilica di San Petronio

Located on the eastern side of Piazza Maggiore, this church is one of Europe’s largest Gothic basilicas.

Construction began in 1390, and it was dedicated to Saint Petronius, Bologna’s patron saint. Although originally planned with ambitious intentions to be even larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, it was never fully completed.

Its monumental dimensions are impressive: the basilica is 132 meters long, 60 meters wide, and the main nave reaches a height of 45 meters. The church’s interior is adorned with rich frescoes and decorations. Particularly noteworthy is Giovanni da Modena’s famous fresco depicting Paradise and Hell, inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy.

The basilica houses one of the world’s longest sundials, designed in 1655 by the famous astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini. The sundial is 66 meters long and accurately shows the changing of seasons.

Neptune Fountain (Fontana del Nettuno)

Located between Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, this impressive fountain is a jewel of the city’s historical center and a masterpiece of Renaissance art.

The fountain was commissioned in 1563 by Bologna’s papal governor, Pier Donato Cesi, who wanted to create a symbol of papal power and city wealth. The fountain was designed by famous Flemish sculptor Giambologna, who completed the work in 1566.

The central figure is Neptune, god of the seas, who commands the waters with his raised left hand while holding a trident in his right. The lower part is decorated with four dolphins and water spouts, while the basin’s four corners feature bronze female figures representing the fertility of the continents.

Two Towers (Le Due Torri: Asinelli and Garisenda)

The towers were embodiments of Bologna’s wealth and power during the Middle Ages and remain among the city’s most visited attractions today.

Built in the early 12th century, likely commissioned by noble families, these towers were part of a larger landscape of similar structures (reportedly more than 100) that served both defensive purposes and as status symbols. The Asinelli and Garisenda towers are named after the families who built them.

The Asinelli Tower stands 97.2 meters tall, making it the highest tower in Bologna and medieval Italy. Originally used for defense, it later served as an observation tower and prison. Climbing its 498 steps rewards visitors with a spectacular panorama of the city and surrounding Emilia-Romagna region.

The Garisenda Tower is 48.2 meters tall. Originally 60 meters, its height was reduced due to subsidence. It’s often compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tilt remains visible today, and due to stability issues, the tower is not open to visitors.

Santo Stefano Complex

Also known as the „Seven Churches”, this is one of Bologna’s most significant religious sites.

Its origins date back to Roman times. According to legend, Bologna’s first bishop, Saint Petronius, founded it in the 5th century to create a replica of Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre. Over the centuries, the buildings were expanded and modified, resulting in today’s ensemble of churches and sacred sites from different eras.

Main components:

• Chiesa del Crocifisso (Church of the Crucifix): Located facing the main entrance, this church houses Saint Petronius’s tomb. The central feature is a 12th-century crypt.
• Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro (Holy Sepulchre Church): This circular church evokes Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre. It once housed Saint Petronius’s remains.
• Chiesa dei Santi Vitale e Agricola: The complex’s oldest section, dedicated to two Bolognese martyrs, Vitalis and Agricola. The interior features Roman columns and early Christian sarcophagi.
• Corte Pilato (Pilate’s Courtyard): An open courtyard surrounded by medieval arcades. The central basin symbolizes Jesus’s crucifixion and represents Mount Golgotha.
• Chiostro (Cloister): The cloister’s inner courtyard provides a peaceful environment surrounded by 13th-century arcades. Historical documents and artworks are exhibited within its walls.
• Museo di Santo Stefano: The complex’s museum displays religious objects, liturgical items, and medieval artifacts.

Porticoes

Bologna’s famous porticoes, or „portici” in Italian, are not just architectural features but integral parts of city life.

The impressive vaulted walkways extend for over 62 kilometers throughout the city, forming the world’s longest arcade system. In 2021, UNESCO designated them as a World Heritage site. The most famous is the Portico di San Luca: consisting of 666 arches, it stretches 3.8 km, making it the world’s longest continuous arcade.

Construction of the porticoes began in the 12th century when Bologna was one of the world’s largest university centers. The growing population and increasing number of students led to space shortages in the city. Living spaces were created under the arcades.

Archiginnasio

This is the city’s oldest university building, which housed the world’s first university, the University of Bologna, from the 16th century.

Built in 1563 on orders from Pope Pius V, it aimed to centralize the university’s various faculties, which had previously operated at different locations throughout Bologna. The building served as the university’s center until 1803. It later became home to the University Library.

At the building’s center is an elegant arcaded courtyard surrounded by two levels. The walls are covered with more than 6,000 coats of arms and memorial plaques telling the history of the university’s students and professors. This is the world’s largest collection of its kind.

The University Library deserves special mention. It contains over 850,000 volumes, 12,000 manuscripts, and numerous rare publications related to the university’s history and Bologna’s culture.

Mercato di Mezzo

The city’s most famous market has been a central location of urban life since the Middle Ages.

Established in the 13th century, the market offers various local foods and drinks. These include Mortadella, Bologna’s world-famous meat specialty, and Parmigiano Reggiano, the iconic cheese of the Emilia-Romagna region.

San Domenico Basilica

The building played an important role in medieval Bologna and remains a significant church for both worshippers and visitors today.

Construction began in 1219 after Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican order, visited Bologna in 1216 and chose to establish his order’s headquarters here. The church was consecrated in honor of Saint Dominic. Its architectural style reflects influences from Italian medieval and Renaissance periods, with Baroque elements added during later modifications.

Behind the altar is one of the most important artistic works, Saint Dominic’s tomb, created by Niccolò dell’Arca. The church walls feature numerous famous frescoes and paintings, including works by Guido Reni and Francesco Albani.

Giardini Margherita

Bologna’s largest and most famous public park.

Created in 1858, it was named after Margherita of Savoy, wife of King Victor Emmanuel III. The area is covered with huge trees, lawns, and flower beds.

Via dell’Indipendenza

One of Bologna’s most famous and busiest main streets, located in the city center.

The street is full of shops and restaurants, making it the most visited shopping street for tourists.

City gates

Along the main road encircling the city center, several city gates can be seen that played important roles in the city’s defense.

The gate system consisted of Porta San Felice and Porta Saragozza on the western side, Porta Castiglione and Porta Santo Stefano on the southern side, Porta Maggiore, Porta San Vitale, and Porta San Donato on the eastern side, and Porta Mascarella, Porta Lame, and Porta Galliera on the northern side.

These gates still stand today, clearly showing the medieval center of Bologna.