Bologna
Italy's eternal capital where ancient ruins meet Renaissance splendor and modern Roman life. Walk through 3000 years of history from the Colosseum to Vatican masterpieces, fuelled with espresso and carbonara.
Last updated : 29/01/2026
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Climb the taller of the iconic leaning Two Towers (97m, 498 steep wooden steps—no elevator) for stunning 360° views over red rooftops, porticoes, hills, and the city; dizzying tilt inside, narrow and windy at top—hold rails, book timed slots far ahead (limited daily), prime for photos but often closed for works—legend says students who climb won't graduate!
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*No ticket required for square (basilica free entry, small fee for side chapels/observatory)
—wander the grand square with crescentone platform, Neptune Fountain, and massive unfinished Gothic basilica (one of Europe's largest); atmospheric with porticoes and people-watching—crowded but central, great starting point.
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Bologna's ancient market quarter dates to the Middle Ages, a warren of narrow streets where vendors have sold food for 800+ years. Named for its four-sided layout (bounded by Piazza Maggiore, Via Rizzoli, Via Castiglione, and Strada Maggiore), it's packed with salumerie selling mortadella (invented in Bologna), fresh pasta shops making tortellini by hand, cheese mongers with Parmigiano-Reggiano wheels, fish stalls, produce vendors, and wine bars. The covered Mercato di Mezzo (recently renovated) combines traditional market stalls with modern food court. Via Pescherie Vecchie is the photogenic main artery lined with colorful displays. Best visited morning (9-11 AM) when market is busiest. Perfect for assembling a picnic or tasting local specialties. Many shops close Sunday and Monday. Bring cash for small vendors.
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Bologna's porticoes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site - over 40km of covered walkways that protect pedestrians from weather year-round. Dating from the Middle Ages, they were originally built by extending upper floors of houses on wooden beams, later replaced with brick arches. The most spectacular is the 3.8km portico climbing to Santuario della Madonna di San Luca (666 arches, built 1674-1721, longest porticoed walkway in the world). In the city center, Strada Maggiore and Via Zamboni showcase beautiful architectural variety from Gothic to Baroque. Walking under the porticoes is quintessentially Bolognese - locals shop, meet friends, and stroll regardless of weather. The rhythm of arches creates mesmerizing perspective for photography. Free to enjoy. Evening lighting enhances the atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes for San Luca climb.
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This labyrinth complex of interconnected medieval churches and courtyards is nicknamed "Seven Churches" though only four main structures remain today. Founded in the 5th century on the site of an ancient Isis temple, it's Bologna's most atmospheric religious complex. The Chiesa del Crocifisso (11th century) leads to the octagonal Santo Sepolcro (12th century), modeled after Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre. The peaceful Cortile di Pilato (Pilate's Courtyard) features an 8th-century basin allegedly used by Pontius Pilate. Romanesque cloisters with double columns are exquisitely preserved. The complex creates a mysterious, maze-like experience combining different architectural periods. Whisper-quiet atmosphere contrasts with busy Piazza Santo Stefano outside. Free entry. Dress code enforced. Allow 45 minutes to explore all interconnected spaces. Best visited late afternoon when golden light filters through.
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This hilltop basilica crowns Monte della Guardia 300 meters above Bologna, connected to the city by the world's longest porticoed walkway (3.8km, 666 arches). Built 1723-1757 in Baroque style, the sanctuary houses a Byzantine icon of the Madonna and Child allegedly painted by St. Luke, brought from Constantinople in 1160. The climb takes 45-60 minutes on foot (or take bus 20 from Via dell'Indipendenza). Panoramic views over Bologna, the Po Valley, and on clear days the Alps are spectacular. Pilgrims have walked this route for centuries - every Ascension week (May) the icon is carried down to San Petronio in solemn procession. Interior features ornate frescoes and the precious icon in silver casing. Free entry. Small café near entrance. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Early morning or sunset visits offer best light and fewer crowds.
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The Archiginnasio Palace (1563) was the main building of the University of Bologna - the Western world's oldest university, founded 1088. The stunning Anatomical Theatre, a tiered wooden amphitheater built 1637, was where medical students watched dissections performed on marble table under central skylight. Cedar wood walls are carved with statues of famous physicians. Two écorché figures (skinless bodies showing muscles) flank the professor's chair - called "the spellati" (the skinned ones). Over 6,000 student coats of arms cover the walls and corridors upstairs. The library holds 850,000 volumes. WWII bombs destroyed much of the theater in 1944; it was meticulously reconstructed. Guided tours available. Tickets required (modest fee). Allow 45 minutes. Located right off Piazza Maggiore. An extraordinary glimpse into Renaissance medical education.
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Bologna's National Picture Gallery houses one of Italy's finest collections of Emilian painting from the 13th-18th centuries. Highlights include Raphael's stunning "Ecstasy of St. Cecilia" (1514), Giotto's "Madonna and Child," and works by Bolognese masters Guido Reni, Guercino, and the Carracci family who founded the Baroque school here. Room after room of golden altarpieces, dramatic Baroque canvases, and intimate Renaissance portraits. The former Jesuit novitiate building (16th century) provides an elegant setting. Less crowded than Florence or Rome museums, allowing unhurried contemplation. Excellent for understanding the Bolognese School's influence on Italian art. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Temporary exhibitions often featured. Located on Via delle Belle Arti near University district. Combined tickets available with other Bologna museums.
Clock Tower(Torre dell’Orologio)
Clock Tower(Torre dell’Orologio)
- in Palazzo d’Accursio, Elevated Views-
- in Palazzo d’Accursio, Elevated Views-
🌐Official.website✅️
🌎location.maps ✅️
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Standing in Palazzo d'Accursio on Piazza Maggiore, this medieval tower was converted to a clock tower in the 16th century. The astronomical clock mechanism is visible inside, showing hours, zodiac signs, and moon phases - a masterpiece of Renaissance engineering. From the top (accessible during special openings), you get unique views over Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio, and the Two Towers in the distance. The palace itself houses city government and municipal art collections including works by the Carracci. The tower chimes mark Bolognese time throughout the day. Access is sometimes restricted, but you can admire the clock face and tower exterior from the piazza. Special guided tours offer interior access when available.
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This 13th-century palace on Piazza Maggiore features the famous "whispering corners" (voltone del Podestà) - acoustic phenomenon in the vaulted passageway connecting the piazza to Piazza Nettuno. Stand in diagonal corners, face the wall, and whisper - your companion 15 meters away hears you clearly through sound traveling along curved ceiling. Medieval architects created this accidentally; locals say it was for merchants to discuss deals privately or spies to eavesdrop. The palace, recently restored, houses shops and exhibition spaces in the covered arcade below. Neptune Fountain (Fontana del Nettuno, 1566) stands adjacent - Giambologna's masterpiece featuring muscular bronze Neptune surrounded by cherubs and mermaids. Free to test the acoustic effect. Always crowds of tourists trying it. Fun for all ages.
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This striking modern industrial museum (Manifattura di Arti, Sperimentazione e Tecnologia) opened 2013 in a renovated factory building east of center. It focuses on industry and labor through contemporary photography exhibitions, often world-class shows featuring major photographers. The building itself is architectural gem - sleek glass and steel contrasting red brick. There's also a gallery dedicated to the history of Italian industry and innovation. Free admission to permanent galleries; temporary exhibitions may charge entry. Excellent café with locals at lunch. Shows Bologna's modern, forward-thinking side beyond medieval towers and churches. Check website for current exhibitions. Allow 1-1.5 hours. Closed Mondays. Take bus 14 or 20 from center.
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Bologna's "Little Venice" - a tiny window (finestrella) on Via Piella reveals a hidden canal view that transports you to another era. Medieval Bologna was crisscrossed by canals used to power mills and transport goods; most were covered in the 19th-20th centuries. This small opening in a wall on a nondescript street shows the remaining Canale delle Moline flowing beneath colorful houses reflected in water - a postcard-perfect scene. Completely free and always accessible. Located between Via Oberdan and Via Piella, about 10 minutes walk from Piazza Maggiore. Crowds of tourists gather for photos, especially afternoons. Early morning offers quieter viewing. Takes just 5 minutes to see, but worth the detour for this charming glimpse of Bologna's watery past.
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Bologna's archaeological museum houses extraordinary Etruscan and Roman collections. The Etruscan section is one of Italy's best outside Tuscany, with painted tomb finds, bronze vessels, and the famous situla (ceremonial bucket) decorated with intricate scenes. Egyptian collection includes mummies and funerary objects. Roman mosaics, sculptures, and inscriptions document Bologna's ancient history as Bononia. Medieval section shows Bologna's evolution. The building itself is a beautiful Renaissance palazzo with frescoed ceilings. Well-curated displays with English labels. Less crowded than major Florence/Rome museums but equally fascinating for archaeology enthusiasts. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Located near Piazza Maggiore on Via dell'Archiginnasio. Combined tickets available. Free first Sunday of month.
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Bologna's main shopping street runs straight from the train station to Piazza Maggiore (1.5km), lined with porticoes the entire length. Built in the 1870s as part of urban renewal, it replaced medieval streets. Today it mixes international chain stores with local boutiques, cafes, and gelaterie. Always bustling with students, shoppers, and tourists. The continuous portico makes window shopping pleasant in any weather. Street performers and occasional markets add life. At night, neon signs glow under the arches. Less charming than medieval back streets but convenient for practical shopping and orientation - follow it from station and you'll hit all major sights. Free to stroll. The rhythm of arches creates interesting photography. Connects seamlessly to Via Rizzoli continuing east past Two Towers.
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