Bologna

Bologna Essentials

Bologna, known as 'La Grassa, La Rossa, e La Dotta,' is defined by its 40 kilometers of UNESCO-listed porticoes and medieval brickwork. This selection features the 12th-century Two Towers and the Basilica of San Petronio, which houses one of the world's longest solar meridian lines. The list highlights the city's academic history at the Archiginnasio and its culinary traditions in the Quadrilatero market. From the hilltop Sanctuary of San Luca to the industrial heritage of the Ducati Museum, these sites represent Bologna's transition from a medieval powerhouse to a modern cultural hub.

Two Towers

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

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.

Fountain of Neptune

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

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…

Basilica of San Petronio

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

Quadrilatero Old Market

If you're visiting Bologna, don't miss out on this food area where an old medieval market takes place. You can buy local specialties here.

Archiginnasio Palace and Anatomical Theater

16th-century palace that served as the original seat of the University of Bologna. It features a 1637 tiered Anatomical Theatre carved from spruce wood, decorated with 'Spellati' statues, and a library containing over 800,000 historic volumes.

Basilica of Santo Stefano

The basilica of Santo Stefano encompasses a complex of religious edifices in the city of Bologna, Italy.

Ducati Museum

The Ducati Museum is a transport museum in Bologna, Italy at the Ducati factory.

Basilica of San Domenico

Historic church and convent known for its religious significance, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, and rich collection of art and relics.

Window on the Canal

Small hidden window revealing a view of the historic underground canal system known as 'Little Venice'.

National Art Gallery of Bologna

Art museum housed in a historic 17th-century building with collections spanning from the 13th to 18th centuries, featuring leading Italian and Emilian painters.