Historic monuments in Bologna

Historic Monuments and Gates

Bologna’s historical landscape is defined by its medieval fortifications and Renaissance grandeur. This collection features the iconic Two Towers and the "Tall Beauty" Azzoguidi Tower, alongside the expansive Piazza Maggiore. Architectural highlights include the Basilica of San Petronio, known for its Cassini meridian line, and the D'Accursio Palace. The list also encompasses the city's defensive history through its surviving medieval gates, such as Porta Saragozza and Porta Maggiore, and the monumental 19th-century Scalinata del Pincio.

Historic Monuments and Gates — Map

Letizia Querci, Alfredo Di Maria / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Two Towers

Medieval Renaissance towers known for their historical architecture and panoramic city views.

Brian Snelson / CC BY 2.0

B

Fountain of Neptune

Historic marble and bronze fountain built in the Renaissance period featuring a statue of Neptune and four angels symbolizing major rivers.

Mattana / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is a basilica church in Bologna, northern Italy, sited atop a forested hill, Colle or Monte della…

sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Azzoguidi Tower

One of the towers in Bologna named after the street on which it stands. With its 61 metres, it's sometimes called "The Tall Beauty".

Giovanni Dall'Orto / Attribution

E

Piazza Maggiore

Historic 115 by 60-meter square featuring a central raised granite pedestrian platform known as the crescentone. It is surrounded by significant medieval and Renaissance buildings, including administrative palaces and a major basilica.

Ceppicone / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Basilica of San Petronio

Historic Gothic church notable for its impressive architecture, significant art collections, and the Cassini meridian line.

Alexandre Alves / CC-BY-SA

G

D'Accursio Palace

Historic medieval town hall featuring notable art collections, historic rooms, and architectural elements from various periods. It also includes a Clock Tower and the Sala Borsa library.

Roman Raida / CC-BY-SA

H

Monument

Bronze statue created by Giulio Monteverde in 1893, dedicated to the Bolognese economist and statesman who served as Prime Minister of Italy.

Michele Ursino / CC BY-SA 2.0

I

Porta Saragozza, Bologna

The Porta Saragozza of Bologna was one of the gates or portals in the medieval walls of this city.

Mattis / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Certosa of Bologna

Historic monumental cemetery and former monastery known for its sculpture, architecture, and archaeological significance.

GFreihalter / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Porta San Donato, Bologna

Porta San Donato, also known as Porta Zamboni, was a gate or portal of the former outer medieval walls of the city of Bologna, Italy.

Olga / CC-BY-SA

L

Scalinata del Pincio

Grand 19th-century staircase serving as the entrance to Parco della Montagnola. Designed by Tito Azzolini and Attilio Muggia, it features intricate high-reliefs and a central fountain.

pollobarca2 / CC BY-SA 2.0

M

Porta Mascarella, Bologna

Porta Mascarella was a gate or portal of the former outer medieval walls of the city of Bologna, Italy.

GFreihalter / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Porta Maggiore, Bologna

Porta Maggiore, now known as Porta Mazzini, was the main eastern portal of the former medieval walls of the city of Bologna, Italy.

Other Lists

Bologna Essentials Editor's Choice: Bologna Bologna's Secret Towers & Gems Top Museums & Art Historic Churches of Bologna Parks & Gardens Culinary Landmarks