Bologna is just awesome all around. The tourist office offers a walking tour that is perfect with multi-lingual guides who are extremely knowledgeable and communicative. Even in the rain it is stupendous. Don't forget to take photos at the end of the tour, especially at the street market. And I recommend the night when they light it all up. Spectacular!

This is a beautiful town square where people come and sit for a quiet drink or a meal at one of the restaurants. A fantastic place to sit with a cold drink and just watch the world go by.

Good: Beautiful place , nice place to walk . Very well maintained considering how old this landmark is. It doesn’t feel like a few hundred years old :) Bad: Only visit if you are interested in monuments, ancient architecture, or culture :)

Simply beautiful! Nice open square with some signing and some performing! Right inferring of the basilica.

Unique center square Full of life Youth, students, kids, people of all ages, tourists.. just awesome! Everything close to it is amazing and you have a lot of stuff to see nearby

very nice city center. 👌 i took a quick tour between Milan and Florence

Visited many times through out my 3 day stay. Amazing facade and architecture. Good coffee shops. But it could use more music, events, and good seating options.

Beautiful place where people gather, day or night. Usual some musicians are playing. The click tower and the cathedral are a wonderful backdrop. Sit on the steps at night and enjoy the lights on the buildings and the energy. We went up the clock tower. Try it. Nice view. We also ate at the vino wine bar. Very nice.

If you like to visit a really beautiful spot in Italy, than visit Bologna! I am regularly visiting Italy 40+ years (YES!) ago from north to south! I love it! Bologna is different! Just sit in a restaurant or cafe on Piazza Maggiore and you will definitely have a great time, deep dive into history and modern Italy!

*A place you shouldn't miss when you come to Bologna.  Even if you are somewhere around this area, don't miss the chance to visit. First of all you can visit the church for free , sit on the steps and smells the Italian history and culture, plus it is near the Neptune's fountain

Everytime I'm visiting this square I feel something of magic. You can see younger or old people here, tourists and students. Bologna is a wonderful town with a lot of beautiful places!

The main - central - square of Bologna with several shops, restaurants,and historical architecture around it. It's very spectacular, and normally full of people and good vibes. I felt here like a time traveller who just appeared in the middle of a magnificent and powerful metropolitan city

Great piazza with historical buildings wherever you turn. They had a summer cinema set us that was free for anyone every evening. It qas amazing to watch while surrounded by those amazing buildings. Can't believe that's normal for the people that actually live there

Just loved the square. Lively city square surrounded by classical buildings and architecture. Roads leading off from square alive with restaurants and cafes/bars. The whole area full of locals and tourists just having a good time. My only concern was that our visit was in the middle of a extraordinary heat spell far hotter than normal. Plan to return later in year when things cool down a little.

So much history around the piazza, so much to see. Start with the impressive Basílica de San Petronio, go around and have a peek of the Nettuno fountain (being renovated) and the city hall at the corner. Many cafeterias and restaurants all over.

If you like this review give it a 👍 In the heart of the old town. Cosy but not the most romantic or nicest old town squares I've been to. A lot of guys who are trying to sell you junk stuff. Prices are pretty high. (€7 for a bottle of non alcoholic beer, €7 for a glass of wine).

This is Piazza Maggiore, locals actually refer to it as Piazza Grande, which means "Grand Square". Very lively square like most old cities of Italy

What a difference Piazza Maggiore during the rain or in nice weather. And especially during liberation day!! People are cheerful so there is a lot of noise everywhere, or as in the video below, they express their cheerfulness by dancing. If you prefer smaller, quieter squares, go to Piazza Santo Stefano. On this Piazza you can enjoy the buildings, their impressions, the people coming and going, the musicians playing amplified, the tourist train that leaves from here and the terraces. Yes Piazza Maggiore has it all!!

Piazza maggiore is the hub from where you can start exploring bologna, bars/ restaurants/architecture all around this area, Bologna has a lot to offer, good food ( and plenty of it) lovely architecture all over the city, train station not to far from centre(15mins walk if your travelling light) there is also an airport (a bit out of town)- we did not use the metro from the airport as it is expensive and only takes you to the central station and then you still have to find your way to your hotel so you’re better off as a couple catching a cab from the airport ( pretty much same price) and getting dropped at your accommodations doorstep) also beware buses of certain routes don’t run weekends. It’s a walkable city pretty flat all around, so just go walkabout.

I really enjoyed visiting this piazza maggiore, there’s lots to do and see in and around this area. It’s very lively day and nighttime. It’s very well lit during the nighttime and is a nice place to hang out in the evening. You can visit the museums, sites and churches during the day. There are lots of nice little shops and restaurants to explore. I really enjoyed my time here and I would definitely recommend checking out this piazza.

Very nice square, the cathedral reminiscent of that in Florence. Lots going on there with many cafes, museum, city hall. Great place to meet and start the tour of the city.

This is where sightseeing begins in Bologna. The square dates back to the Middle Ages and is lined with historic palace buildings and the city's largest and most important church (San Petronio). The Neptune Fountain is worth viewing up close as well. There are also quite a few eateries, coffee shops, bars and some shops found around Piazza Maggiore as well. I liked visiting at night when the square was lit up a bit, it is considerable less busy and crowded later in the day as well.

The piazza itself is a decent piece of architecture. It is one of the biggest squares I've seen so far in Italy maybe. What sets it apart is people who frequent this square, during the day you witness street artists spread across the square and people of Bologna; students, the young, the middle aged all come together during holidays and weekends to enjoy the sun during winters and the wind during summers. The square at night lights up in a million lights to accentuate the sedated beauty of architecture. The square is a prominent place for art and cinema events held free of cost for all to enjoy. Bologna is a city of free and accessible art.

A great place not only for what's located on it, but because at night young people just gather around chilling and talking.

Great city in the north part of Italy. Not very touristy because everybody is going to Firenze or Modena.. they are right to visit them, but wrong to not go to bologna. Great food, lots of things to see, and with the many porticoes it’s not too hot because you can walk in the shade. You’ll have to visit.. or not.. so it stays relatively calm 😉

The living room of Bologna! Enjoyed sitting on the steps, drinking from the free water available near Neptune’s fountain and visiting /shopping at the Visit Bologna store. Another delight was the whispering corners at the entrance to the square. Just take in the ambience and unwind as one can only do so in Italy!

The Two Towers are landmark medieval structures that represent an iconic symbol of the city of Bologna. Unfortunately, Garisenda is leaning so much and is bad enough condition now that the city has closed off visiting both towers for emergency restorations and efforts to save the 12th-century tower from collapsing. Sadly, you can't visit Asinelli Tower as well now due to safety concerns related to restorations of Garisenda. During normal times you can walk up to the rooftop and see 360 degree views of Bologna. Seems from the city website, repair works will probably take around 10 years so it will likely be a long time before this is possible to experience again. So just enjoy seeing the towers as you walk by at street level for now.

It is worth to climb the almost 500 steps to the top, however the way up could become a bit of a “scary” experience for some. The views from the top are spectacular, it is very interesting to discover that it is a hollow shell of a height of 100 meters. Beautiful landmark.

We went to this landmark earlier in the year and the view at the top was amazing. It is the highest point you can get to in the city; you can see around for miles. However it does take a while to go up the many, many stairs - as there is only one staircase to go up and down. I would recommend this if you have lots of time in Bologna and are not afraid of heights!

Of all the towers I climbed… this was my favourite! The €5 entrance fee is a bargain. They have a ticket office at the bottom. It’s really cool the way everything is creaking and medieval.. I’m pretty sure the tower leans in one direction. It’s kinda scary when you look down from the top. Totally totally worth €5 and the effort to climb it. Don’t miss this!

5 stars for the view from the top, also the online ticketing service comes in handy since you don’t have to wait in line. The support beams for the stairs inside don’t look very..supportive though especially when there are dozens of people on them on the same time. Visits are every 15m and groups need to wait each other to pass between floors.

Unfortunately the towers have recently been closed due to safety reasons. So now you can only admire from the street. They are beautiful though and hopefully they can be restored so people can walk up them again. They are fun though and are slightly leaning. Great view from the street.

The Two Towers (Italian: Le due torri), both leaning, are symbols of Bologna, Italy,[1] and the most prominent of the Towers of Bologna. They are located at the intersection of the roads that lead to the five gates of the old ring wall (mura dei torresotti). The taller one is called the Asinelli. The smaller tower with a greater lean is called the Garisenda. Their names derive from the families which are traditionally credited with having constructed the towers between 1109 and 1119. Their construction may have been a competition between the two families to show which was the more powerful family.[3][4] The scarcity of documents from this early period makes this uncertain. The name of the Asinelli family, for example, is documented for the first time in 1185, almost 70 years after the presumed construction of the tower which is attributed to them. Asinelli Tower Inside the Asinelli Tower It is believed that the Asinelli Tower initially had a height of ca. 70 metres (230 feet) and was raised later to the current 97.2 metres (319 ft), with an overhanging battlement of 2.2 m (6.6 ft). In the 14th century the city became its owner and used it as a prison and small stronghold. During this period a wooden construction was added around the tower at a height of roughly 30 metres, about 100 feet, above ground, which was connected with an aerial footbridge to the Garisenda Tower. The footbridge was destroyed in a 1398 fire. Its addition is attributed to Giovanni Visconti, Duke of Milan, who allegedly wanted to use it to control the turbulent Mercato di Mezzo, the central street, today the via Rizzoli, to suppress possible revolts. The Visconti had become the rulers of Bologna after the decline of the Signoria of the Pepoli family, but were rather unpopular in the city. Severe damage was caused by lightning that often resulted in small fires and collapses. In 1824 a lightning rod was installed. The tower has survived at least two documented large fires: the first in 1185 was due to arson and a second one in 1398. The Asinelli Tower was used by the scientists Giovanni Battista Riccioli in 1640 and Giovanni Battista Guglielmini in the 1700s for experiments to study the motion of heavy bodies and the Earth's rotation. In World War II, between 1943 and 1945, it was used as a sight post: During bombing attacks, four volunteers took post at the top to direct rescue operations, to places hit by Allied bombs. Later, a RAI television relay was installed on top. Garisenda Tower A view of Torre della Garisenda and Chiesa dei Santi Bartolomeo e Gaetano from Torre degli Asinelli The Garisenda Tower today has a height of 48 metres (157 feet), with an overhang of 3.2 metres (10 ft). Initially, it was approximately 60 metres (about 200 feet) high, but had to be lowered in the 14th century due to a yielding of the ground which left it slanting and dangerous.[5] In the early 15th century, the tower was bought by the Arte dei Drappieri, which remained the sole owner until the Garisenda became municipal property at the end of the 19th century. It was cited several times by Dante in the Divine Comedy and The Rhymes, a confirmation of his stay in Bologna,[1] and by Goethe in his Italian Journey. The Two Towers were the subject of an eponymous poem by Giosuè Carducci as part of the Barbarian Odes. Charles Dickens wrote about the towers in his Pictures from Italy.[6] Antal Szerb wrote about them in The Third Tower: Journeys in Italy.[7] In October 2023, the tower was sealed off by the city of Bologna after fears the structure was tilting too far.[8] Bologna officials noted that the tower has leaned since it was built “and has been a concern ever since.” It sustained additional damage in the medieval era when ironwork and bakery ovens were built inside.[9] The tower is monitored for cracks. Sensors have been installed to track any shifting. On 2 December 2023, the city announced the situation was critical, and the tower could collapse. The city began constructing a 5 metre tall barrier to contain the debris in the event of a fall.

Really enjoyed this. For €5 you can’t beat it. I did the 10am (first) entry. Was super quick. In and out in 20 minutes. Definitely not accessible. I think the first tour is the best because the stairs are narrow and you have people traversing both ways. Whereas the first tour you go up and no one is attempting to come down. Look through the holes in the stone - they are great view points from the stairs. Buy tickets online in advance - they limit the amount of people every 15 minutes.

24 of the towers, which were among the important structures of medieval Italy, remained intact in Bologna. Of these, Torre degli Asinelli and Torre della Garisenda, located in the center of the city, are considered the symbols of the city today. It is possible to climb the higher of these two towers, which are the symbol of the city of Bologna, and watch the view of the city. Although climbing is a bit tiring, the view you see when you reach the top takes away all your tiredness. You will find the unique view of the city under your feet in every direction. You need to choose a time when purchasing your ticket. That's why I recommend you buy your tickets early and choose to climb the towers at sunset for the best view.

This was a great experience and one I can say I’ve done. If you do have any health/breathing issues then I’d be careful, there is nearly 500 stairs , all of which are different and extremely steep/awkward. Take your time and stop at the various points along the way ! Great view if the weather is clear I can imagine , a must do if you’re visiting to say you’ve done it.

Tickets were 5€ per person. Make sure to buy tickets in advance through their website. There's no lift, so be prepared for a lot of stairs (about 500 of them). There are breaks in between and places to stand and rest. The view from the top is incredible! I have a fear of heights but still had so much fun :) Walking up and down the stairs was a bit scary to me, although the place seems really safe. (Stairs aren't steep, there's just many of them) Be prepared to sweat a bit and bring water with you (and someone who will take pictures of the view for you. I personally couldn't make myself reach out and take any pictures. 😁) Recommended!

Pretty affordable experience in Bologna with good views of the city. I definitely like their reservation system. Didn't feel crowded and didn't have to wait but you do need to book in advance (we were able to book the day of a few hours before). Some of the stairs didn't feel like they were a perfect 90 degrees and some were differently spaced than others, so do use caution. The walk up also seemed much quicker than we thought it would be.

Interesting triangular piazza, take time and see the complex inside out. Also many places to eat and drink around the piazza.

Charming little public square in the historic city centre of Bologna. This is where you find the complex of seven churches known as Basilica Santo Stefano in addition to portico lined buildings with casual eateries, wine bars, gelato and a few retail shops. It is a quaint location in Bologna that is worth spending some time during visits to the city.

A vivid piazza, always full of people drinking their coffee or an aperitivo in the neighbouring cafés.

One of the places that I most like in Bologna.. when I first saw the church .. I thought: ok nothing special , but I was really impressed when I got into the church to find out that there are 7 churches located together in the piazza !! The yard has its own magic .. I so enjoy having coffees, cocktails and ICE cream there !! Live Bologna and feel its spirit in the amazing piazza Santo Stefano!!

Very nice square, unfortunately some city officials though it would be a good idea to put a stage and lights making it almost impossible to make decent pictures. I guess tourists bring à fair amount of cash to Bologna? Why not respecting them by putting all this equipment somewhere else?

Lovely basilica, the alter and roof architecture were stunning . Nice place to visit & free entry. Nice piazza in the sun for a drink in the sun

If ur looking for a quiet piazza in Bologna this is it. Enjoy a spritz n take in the place. Happy people watching

One of my favourite Piazza’s… very serene and lovely. The architecture and cleanliness is something else here. Surrounded by good restaurants and terraces. I definitely recommend this place.

A square by one of the most important historical sites in town with several restaurants and cafes good for dining or an afternoon aperitivo.

Not as big as piazza magiore, but smaller and perhaps more quiet and intimate. A church and restaurants line the outside. Worth a visit, although not that much to see.

The sumptuous monumental complex of S. Stefano is made up of 7 churches dating back to the early Christian era built to house a suggestive journey of inner purification which symbolically refers to the sacred places of the Holy Land. Due to its antiquity and the artistic value of the treasures preserved there, the site certainly deserves an in-depth and comprehensive visit to the splendid Piazza S. Stefano, as elegant as it is picturesque, as well as Corte Isolani which forms the backdrop.

There are some restaurants around the piazza and they are nice

Small basilica well worth the visit. Free entry and a lot of great history inside.

The size of this cathedral is really impressive. It has it own character even if it’s exterior is not complete. What caught our attention was some weird frescoes with mystical creatures and the meridian line which is the longest functioning in the world that can show the months etc. Also there is a Foucault’s pendulum!! Very interesting church overall, a must visit when in Bologna!!

This Basilica is very interesting as it has a musical instruments collection or mini museum inside of it. The church itself has very stunning architecture and it’s very well kept and maintained. The musical instruments collection is too, it’s definitely a unique basilica. I really enjoyed the time I spent here and seeing the instruments. I would definitely recommend visiting this beautiful place.

Definitely a must see in Bologna. If you go early in the morning you can enjoy the exterior view with almost no one in the main square. Entering is free although some of the side art works on a pay per view at the end of the day (you need to pay to light it up and enjoy it).

It was an impressive basilica. However, as some have mentioned they enforce a strict dress code for women. I don’t agree with this but can respect it however, this basilica seemed to have more of a subjective dress code and were not polite to people who didn’t follow their dress code. Also, the staff inside of the basilica shouted at some tourists. It did not feel like a friendly place to be. This is not necessary and doesn’t feel right being a spiritual place.

An absolutely massive Gothic basilica situated in the heart of Bologna. Unfortunately it was never finished and it will never be finished, at least according to 2022/2023 knowledge. The exterior is impressive and you can really see the overall progress that was made during the construction and where the builders stopped. The interior is incredibly large and contains a vast array of sculptures, paintings, icons, relics, burial grounds, etc. There are sometimes art expos inside. More impressive is the fact that this basilica also houses Cassini's Meridian Line, which is considered one of the world's largest astronomical instruments, dating since 1655.

Very beautiful and large church, holding many works of art and historical treasures, a must see in Bologna

Loved the oculus on the ceiling. Don’t look up and you’ll miss it. The sunlight comes in through a small hole in the ceiling and lights up the longed meridian line in the world on the floor. It hits every sign in the zodiac throughout the year and seasons.

Work began on it in 1390, but it was never finished, and still today its main facade remains incomplete. Designed in 1656 by Gian Cassini and Domenico Guglielmi, this was instrumental in discovering the anomalies of the Julian calendar and led to the creation of the leap year.

The church is in the main square of Bologna. The church is free to enter. You are expected to pay €2 to take photos. You must cover shoulders and legs. You are expected to do this in most churches in Tuscany as a sign of respect. The church is open from 8:30 to 13:30 pm and 15:00 to 18:30 pm everyday. Well worth a visit as you do not have to pay to enter.

Make sure to dress appropriately, as this basilica enforces dress code. As well, it is free to enter. An absolutely massive Gothic basilica situated in the heart of Bologna. Unfortunately it was never finished and it will never be finished, at least according to 2022/2023 knowledge. The exterior is impressive and you can really see the overall progress that was made during the construction and where the builders stopped. The interior is incredibly large and contains a vast array of sculptures, paintings, icons, relics, burial grounds, etc. There are sometimes art expos inside. More impressive is the fact that this basilica also houses Cassini's Meridian Line, which is considered one of the world's largest astronomical instruments, dating since 1655.

Beautiful church ⛪️. Worth to visit, but you should be properly dressed. The sound inside was amazing 👏.

Awesome cathedral, very busy place. Lots of tourists and school kids on tours. Very high ceiling, usual church scenes inside. But, unlike Duomo in Firenze, gratis to enter. Army guys check your bags, hats off and in you go. Plenty of seating inside. Several rooms have a small fee (3E) to see very elaborate frescos. And a gift shop right inside, surprise. Very pleasant place to visit. Right in front of giant open piazza with tons of tourists sitting on stone steps watching sun go by. 10E tourist 'train' leaves from here, taking you around town without walking, if you like.

A beautiful church, free on the day to visit. Some beautiful alcoved statues to religious icons. A serene and peaceful place that you must see. Thre are optional things and just need to make sure you time your visit right. The ceilings in the alcoves are beautifully decorated.

Awe inspiring basilica in the middle of Bologna right off of Piazza Maggiore. While there are three or four basilica (basicilice?) in Bologna, San Petronio is a must visit due to its' size and location. This is one of the few places I have seen that will actually enforce the wearing of appropriate attire. If you are not, you have the option to purchase a disposable covering. Large open space on the inside with a number of beautiful frescoes (including one with Mohammed!) and intricate chapels along the outside. There is a central calendar line and a significant amount of detail to explore throughout.

The Basilica of San Petronio is a minor basilica and church of the Archdiocese of Bologna located in Bologna, Emilia Romagna, northern Italy. It dominates Piazza Maggiore. The basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Petronius, who was the bishop of Bologna in the fifth century. Construction began in 1390 and its main facade has remained unfinished since. The building was transferred from the city to the diocese in 1929; the basilica was finally consecrated in 1954. It has been the seat of the relics of Bologna's patron saint only since 2000; until then they were preserved in the Santo Stefano church of Bologna.[citation needed In 1388, the Consiglio Generale dei Seicento prepared the construction of the church as a civic temple.[1] To make room for the church, the adjacent Curia of Sancti Ambrosii was demolished, together with the majority of one of the city's burgs, including at least eight churches and towers.[citation needed] The first stone of construction was laid on 7 June 1390 under the supervision of architect Antonio di Vincenzo.[1] Works lasted for several centuries: after the completion of the first version of the facade, in 1393 the first pair of side chapels were begun. The series were completed only in 1479.[citation needed] The third bay was built in 1441–1446. Its construction was delayed by the cardinal Baldassarre Cossa, who sold the construction material of the basilica and kept the money.[2]

Located in Piazza Maggiore, one of the central points of Bologna, San Petronio Basilica has a striking front view. The construction of the Basilica, which started at the end of the 14th century, was left unfinished and its façade could not be completed. While the part of the facade right up to the top of the entrance doors was full of marble and works of art, the rest remained brick. The entrance door was decorated by Jacopo della Quercia. Although I do not find the interior of the church very interesting architecturally, the meridian line calculated and drawn by Giovanni Domenico Cassini is worth examining. Some of the chapels were also beautiful. In short, it is a nice spot to visit on your trip to Bologna and its entrance is free.

The Basilica of San Petronio is the largest church in Bologna and is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Petronius, who was the bishop of Bologna in the 5th century. Construction began in 1390 in the Gothic style. Its façade remains unfinished.

As a student studying abroad in Bologna Italy this summer, this is my number 1 must see if your visiting this city. The walk to the top is well worth the journey and is a relatively flat incline with some stairs along the way closer to the top, friendly for all ages. Inside the church at the top is breathtaking and has beautiful views that look over the entire city. I’ve walked and biked to the top multiple times since being here and it managed to take my breath away every time!

Nice walking place! It’s better to wear some sports pants..!! The church on the top is also quite pretty!! I would recommend you to go up to the observatory in the church with little bit of pay.

It is an easy 5 km walk to the basilica with a perfect view of the city and the surrounding hills. You start in the city centre and walk under corridors throughout the walk. Even if it rains - no problem. The first part is flat and the last 30 minutes you have to climb the stairs to the top. It's worth it, I tell you. If you can't walk, you can also take a mini-train or a bus to the Santuario Madonna di San Luca. There's construction work going on there at the moment. Meaning that the paths are tricky and tight to go trough for all the human traffic. ;) We were there over Easter and there were lots of tourists but also locals. Last but not least: Be aware that there are no public toilets. If you’re in desperate need there are lots of kiosks, bars and restaurants to chill, take a break and use the bathroom there. Do this stroll and enjoy the hallway and corridors of Bologna to the fullest. A hearty recommendation! ♥️

Must visit while in bologna even on a cloudy day, the views are beautiful and the walk/hike is well worth the effort. The fall colors is also a nice addition. Will have to come back to see the beautiful city view on top on a sunny day☺️. Gréât in rainy weather since there is cover in the portico

It's not worth it. We would not recommend it if we would have known the view or the church before climbing endless stairs. So if you really want to go there there is a bus running twice an hour near the starting point. But even if you are not walking up. I wouldn't do it again. There are nicer places in town

Dress in comfortable shoes and trousers! We wore trousers to be respectful of the church but we saw a few visitors in shorts. When you arrive at the church, you’re gonna mistake it for being closed. There’s a small poster with opening hours. When you push the door, you’re gonna think it’s locked. The actual doors to enter are on the left and right side. Go in through the side doors! Please don’t miss this church, or the walk up would have been for naught! Your heart calms down once you step in! It indeed is a sanctuary! Follow the path on the right and you can walk right in to the altar and have a close up look at the baroque adornment in this sanctuary! 🤯😍

Incredible sanctuary! Took the D and 58 buses to get there (about an hour ride from the center of Bologna). Beautiful from the inside, great views outside. Enjoyed so much, definitely recommend!

Interesting and beautiful Sanctuary of Our Lady of San Luca!! The way to the Sanctuary can be done walking through the Porticoes of Bologna up to the hill of the Holy Sanctuary. That journey is covered by a tourist train, which offers audio guides in different languages. So the journey is very comfortable and provides interesting historical explanations about this path, and attractive sites along the way. On the top will be possible to enjoy the art of this holy location and the great views from Bologna and the countryside around the Sanctuary.

Amazing view of the Bologna city and nearby towns from up the tower. The cathedral is free, but there is EUR 5 ticket to go up the dome for a 180 degree view after climbing 100 stairs (no lift).

One of the must see places in Bologna, It is located on the top of the mountain with possibility of going by the bus from Bologna center. The church is phenomenal and it is always open and definitely worth a visit athough reaching to top is really hard specially if you walk. Strongly recommended to visit specially in the sunset moment for taking nice pictures in the fantastic landscape.

Without a doubt, one of the more spectacular experiences that you can have in Bologna. The Sanctuary is situated on a hill top that overlooks the city and its surroundings. You can see much more than just the city once you've reached the top. The walk to the Sanctuary takes you through the world's longest portico (~4km), which is a great standalone experience. You can also drive up or take a tourist train (which comes with an audio guide as well) for a few Euros. There's plenty to see inside and around the Sanctuary, and for a small donation, you can actually climb the cupola, putting you on the highest peak around Bologna with a spectacular view in all directions. Once at the top, there will be someone that will explain what you're seeing.

Plenty our highlights: Nice forested area around the sanctuary. Scenic views of the countryside and the city - a nice covered walkway all the way up from Bologna.

Landmark of Bologna.The enthusiasm and determination of local people is impressive, they built 5 km long gallery to this holy place. I recommend the sky experience, the view is amazing.

You can pay to go outside the dome for a view, which is decent Baroque, 1723. The church holds an icon of the Virgin painted by St Luke the Evangelist.

This a good 5 km walk up to the Basilica with a perfect view of the city and surrounding hills. You can also take a mini train and bus. It's very touristy though.

San Luca is a really interesting place to visit. It is connected to the city centre of Bologna by way of a 3.8 km long portico lined pathway. The exterior is attractive and there are impressive features within the sanctuary. However, it is the portico walkway and views from sanctuary that is most memorable when it comes to the San Luca experience. This is a remarkable architectural structure and along with the many porticos in the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2021). Allow yourself 3-4 hours for a visit if you plan to walk up to the sanctuary and back. There is a fun San Luca Express (Tourist Train) from Piazza Maggiore that you can use to visit San Luca if you don't want to walk up to the sanctuary.

It's a beautiful church with amazing architecture. The way to reach this church is uphill, but there is a mini bus to take visitors here. Hiking down after a visit here is recommended. It gives many magnificent nature views.

Beautiful church with an excellent view of the countryside near Bologna. Driving up to the church is possibly outside of the 14:00-18:00 time window. There's a free parking lot a bit down the road but it seemed we were the only one who parked there. Everyone else parked closer to the church.

This was the most impressive church I ever visited. The walk up the hill was amazing. I loved every bit of it. The view was stunning. The church itself was glorious! Inside and outside! You have to go when you visit Bologna.

Amazing must-do experience while in Bologna. Mostly for the scenery and a good workout, so wear comfortable shoes if you decide to go by foot, otherwise you can take bus 58 (leaves every half hour, with a break between 14:00 till 17:00)

We arrived here before sunset and the church was magnificent during the golden hour. Unfortunately, the dome was already closed at this time and a service was going on inside. We enjoyed the appearance and surroundings anyway. You can watch sunset over the Bologna from this hill. We walked here from the Porta Zaragozza through the Arco del Meloncello and the Portico of San Luca, all along the porticoes.

Awesome statue. Not only by its cool looks, but as its located in the middle of the street, with its night ilumination it casts a huge shadow figure on the background stone wall, it's just amazing, gotta see it. There's also drinking water just beside it, although something quiet much common throughout all Italy indeed.

You are certainly not gonna miss this fountain once you are in Bologna since it is located right in the biggest square Piazza Maggiore. I'm not gonna go into details how impressive it is since it was already mentioned in other reviews but we think this is such a nice place to hang out.

Next to Basilica di San Petronio... On Piazza Maggiori .... Amazing piece of art work. Sure you will not miss it... There are replica in other cities across the globe .. but this is a piece of art ... Nice...

An interesting game of illusion and perspective. According to the story, the client (the Pope) asked Giambologna to diminish Neptune's masculinity. This one did, BUT, he positioned Neptune's hand so that when viewed from the back at a certain angle, it shows his manhood in full force. The author's idea was realized to an even greater extent, albeit covertly and passively. An interesting piece of information from a time when many things were forbidden to say, but were said anyway. Cool.

After road tripping Italy from south to north, imitating countless statues while shooting silly photos, we finally came across one that my girlfriend didn't want to pose in front of 😂 so here's a regular, plain and boring video of just the fountain. It's fenced off right now btw, so you can't get close

Another gorgeous day in Bologna at the Fountain of Neptune. You won't miss it if you come down from Via dell'Indipendenza. Beautiful music being play in the area adds to the ambience. Come and marvel at this gorgeous work built in 1500s. You can also google the R-rated secret about a fountain. Giggle a little and have fun! (July 2022)

Fontana del Nettuno in the Piazza Maggiore in the centro storico of Bologna is a very pretty functioning fountain that occupies a small part of the piazza. It goes right there with the Mannekin Pis from Brussels, Belgium since the nymphs shoot water from their breasts! Truly though quite beautiful and worth a stop.

Piazza Nettuno is located in the heart of Bologna, Italy, and is one of the city's most famous public squares. At the center of the square stands a magnificent statue known as the "Fountain of Neptune" (Fontana del Nettuno), sculpted by the renowned Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1567 and 1568. The statue depicts Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, standing on dolphins and rearing sea-horses while holding a trident, symbolizing the power and dominion over the oceans. The square holds a rich history and is surrounded by many ancient buildings and grand churches, such as the Basilica of San Petronio (San Petronio Basilica). Nearby, visitors can find numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, where they can immerse themselves in the vibrant Italian cultural atmosphere. Piazza Nettuno frequently hosts various events and festival celebrations, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Taking a leisurely stroll here allows you to admire Bologna's ancient architecture and cultural heritage, experiencing the city's unique charm . In summary, Piazza Nettuno is a must-visit destination in Bologna, offering a glimpse into the city's history and cultural richness. Whether during the day or at night, the square exudes enchanting allure, making it well worth your time to explore and appreciate.

Beautiful fountain situated in the middle of the street, on one corner of Piazza Maggiore. It's definitely a sight and there's plenty of sculptures that can be admired on all faces and sides of the fountain. The water feature itself isn't the most spectacular but the sculptures are fantastic!

Amazing statue, amazing city! According to a local saying, if you are a student and want to get into your university of choice, you have to walk two laps clockwise around the statue, and you shall get into the university.

The Fountain of Neptune is a masterpiece of Mannerist sculpture, completed in 1565. Giambologna was a prominent Mannerist sculptor known for his innovative approach to form and composition. Mannerism, a style that emerged in the late Renaissance, is characterized by exaggerated poses, elongated human forms, and intricate detailing. The fountain was commissioned by the Cardinal Legate Charles Borromeo, to celebrate the recent election of Borromeo's uncle as Pope Pius IV.

Unmissable fountain right by the main square. Nice place to sit and watch the busy place. Water spraying out of holes all over the human figures, a bit surprising. Worth a photo anyway. Water is always nice in big open hot piazzas.

3 euros to visit the oldest anatomical theatre was worth every penny. Very cool experience. The wood carvings were beautiful and the marble operating table was a trip. They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to! Humbling experience to see the oldest university in the western world. Only takes about 30 minutes and well worth a stop.

Booking in advance is 3 plus 0.50 fee. Walking ticket is 3 euro but you have to wait a queue for 15 mins. If you travel in weekend, booking is a must. Great place to visit. Keep a ticket for enter the library.

Your visit to the palazzo housing the Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio will be on your mind for a long time. As soon as you enter, you're greeted with a great looking - and very symmetrical courtyard. Walking up and down hallways and stairways, you see murals, coats of arms and frescoes. The details are stunning. This was a highlight of my visit to Bologna.

Must see when you visit Bologna. Unfortunately you cant visit all of the library for the reason that people read and study there. Its still a library for students and not Disneyland. But the areas open to the public are impressive already.

It was all very impressive and beautiful. The entrance fee is 3€ and you get to see the anatomy theatre and the stabat mater room. The whole building is incredible. It is filled with 6000 coats of arms , painted ceilings and statues. The anatomy theatre has the marble table in the middle and wooden carvings on the ceiling and the walls and statues of 20 important doctors of the time. The stabat matter room is magnificent! The decorations are impressive and the books also! A must visit overall when in Bologna.

A very interesting place to visit in Bologna. In this beautiful building you will find this old library full of interesting books from another era. You can also choose to visit Teatro Anatomico, a small wooden amphitheater where students used to take anatomy lessons. Very interesting, well worth the visit and the ticket price is reasonable.

The oldest university in the world, absolutely stunning details. I definitely recommend the anatomy room, that leaves you wondering how such intricate, detailed pieces of art can be carved out of Wood. It is the worlds first anatomy study rooms, where the first medical students would study and dicest corpses.

For 3 euros you get to see a beautiful anatomical theatre built in the 17th century and a lovely old reading area and a small door where you can peak into the old classrooms. Highly recommended to visit this old university

When you hate your life and you don't like working. You can still sell tickets here at this place. This lady that sells tickets here is a perfect match. 09/08/2023 14:20u

You have to visit it, it’s amazing. Tickets are free for under 18 years old and 3€ for adults

Very beautiful place, it's 3€ to enter the library and the anatomical theater. Both rooms are very interesting and even the halls connecting them have beautiful paintings on the walls. Also check out the garden first before heading up stairs. I recommend scanning the Qr code for the audio tour, it gives you just a little bit more knowledge about the place. If you don't have earphones or something with you, you can still scan it because they also have everything written down. I didn't buy my tickets in advance and the wait wasn't too bad but I'd still recommend buying them in advance to make it easier for yourself.

Highly recommend a vist here during your stay. The most is 3 euros and worth every penny. The lady at the ticket window is grumpy and rude. Probably in the wrong line of work. In the absence of English signs, she absolutely refused to answer questions or direction on how to get a ticket. If you get your tickets in advance online, you don't have to talk to her and that makes for a more pleasant day.

Archiginnasio is an interesting attraction in Bologna. It was constructed in the late 16th-century by architect Antonio Morandi and was the seat of the University of Bologna, the oldest continuously operating university in the world, for several centuries before being repurposed as a municipal library for which the building still serves to this day in the 19th-century. The inner courtyard of Archiginnasio is for free to enjoy. You can see wall and ceiling frescos that line the portico, hall and stairways. Upstairs is where you will find the historic Anatomical theatre and the Sala dello Stabat Mater which require ticket purchase €3 per person (as of March 2024). These can be reserved in advance online or timed entry or you can try your luck at the ticket desk. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm daily. Note: We tried walk in visit during a weekend and found them sold out on the day. We returned on Monday with online ticket reservations and found that it was possible to do walk-in visit on that day as most were there purchasing tickets on the spot, only a few of us had advance purchased tickets.

Definitely check the anatomical theater and library part too. Unfortunately I couldn’t as it was closed due to national holiday but the part that is open to public was also pretty impressive. Possible to see a lot of family crests of graduate students on the walls and ceilings.

Very nice museum, you can visit the Anatomical theatre and the Stabat Mater Hall. They are just amazing, a jewel in the city, both are breathtaking. It’s a must to visit in Bologna. And it costs only 3€ both.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit this incredibly historic and stunning university, which remains operational to this day. You'll be captivated by its beauty and rich heritage. The best part is, there's no need for a ticket, and it's not crowded at all. Make sure to check it out; it's definitely worth a visit!

We didn’t plan on visiting this library but we were passing by and the beauty of the frescos attracted us in! Beautiful paintings and coats of arms and pictures! Highly recommended

Cool place to visit. Unfortunately you have to buy tickets to see the most interesting room but its worth the €3.

The former university building, Archiginnasio di Bologna, has been home to the Biblioteca comunale dell'Archiginnasio since the second half of the 19th century. Just as the building is worth seeing with its architecture, its library is also worth seeing with its inventory. The library is still operating today and cannot be visited entirely for touristic purposes. There is a smaller library area in one part of the building for tourists to visit. The building also continues to preserve the Teatro Anatomico, which was used for anatomy classes at the old university. It also hosts various exhibitions in its courtyard from time to time. You can buy separate tickets to visit the anatomical theater and the library, or you can also buy a combined ticket.

Centrally located, this is a small sightseeing that you might want to enjoy. Easily seen in 30 minutes. It costs 3€ per person and you must book in advance (online) on Saturdays and holidays which adds more fees. Both room are interesting although the anatomy room is rather small compared to others that we've seen in the past

Great sightseeing and simply beautiful. Also a big part of it is free except for the Teatro anatomico (one room only but worth seeing for €3) or the Ute to bibliteca library (not sure the fee here as I didn’t go)

Impressive place, full of history, beautiful room, unfortunately limit d library open to visitors

If you are in medicine or interested in medical history, this is such an amazing place to visit! The history of this place is amazing and the restoration after WWII is incredible.

A small museum inside a small museum. Worth visiting just to see the Teatro Anatomico which has amazing wooden carved statues of famouse medical men of the area from yesteryear. A beautiful and unusual room with fantastic wooden carvings and decor throughout. The rest of the museum is ok, not a must do for me, but definitely worth seeing. I can imaging in the summer it will be packed and lots of queuing. Oh yeah buy online, even if you do last minute.

Beautiful place, quick to explore but very beautiful! It's in the center of city and costs only 3 euro

The anatomical theatre is a great attraction. For three euros, tourists can visit the anatomical theatre and the former university, one of Europe’s first. The students coats of arms are really amazing and all over the walls

The anatomical theater of the Bologna University is completely covered with wooden panels and decorated with statues everywhere, even on the ceiling, and they are so cool that it is worth standing with your head up for a while.

What a unique experience. The anatomical theater is housed in an ancient building in Bologna part of which was destroyed in WWII then restored. You’ll find frescoes and the coats of arms from the affluent students’ families on the hallways. The 3 euro reservation fee allows you time to look over the anatomical theater and also a salon that is part of a functioning library in the same building. Awe inspiring to be in this place!

Such a unique place in terms of both architecture and history - definitely check it out!

The entry is 3€, but you have to buy it online. You can ignore the entry time on the booking system, you can enter any time having the tickets. I’d advise to buy it outside the building, the internet signal is very bad inside. The rooms and the building are beautiful, so many interesting details. We enjoyed our quick visit.

Unique point of interest in Bologna. I recommend you visit it. The Teatro and the building itself are impressive. Sadly, the Biblioteca and some other rooms were not open to visitors when we went there.

This building has a ticket area (3 euros purchased onsite) which covers the anatomical room and the Stabat Mater room. The rest of the building is free to access. Unfortunately, the main library is not accessible to tourists. The anatomical room was nicely restored. The free area has many beautiful artwork and coat of arms.

Located on the upper floor of Archiginnasio in Bologna, this is probably one of the most famous anatomical theatres in the world. Ticket price for entry is €3 per person (as of March 2024) which provided combined entry into the Anatomical Theatre and Sala dello Stabat Mater. The Anatomical Theatre was constructed in 1637 by Antonio Levante. It is lined entirely with carved wood panelling and includes statues of famous historical physicians as well as twenty of the most famous anatomists of the University of Bologna. You will also see the remarkable Spellati (skinned men) statues by Ercole Lelli which were added in 1734 flanking the head chair of the theatre.

The building is impressive, with many paintings and statues of historical figures, especially physicians. The centerpiece is the Anatomical Theatre, a must see for EVERY medicine enthusiast.

Beautiful but small place and impressive collection of books. Worth 3 euro for an entrance ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Children can vidit for free .

Archiginnasio di Bologna, the former university building, not only hosts the Biblioteca comunale dell'Archiginnasio today, but also continues to preserve the Teatro Anatomico, which is used for anatomy courses at the university. This classroom, known to host the first anatomy lessons, is a place worth examining. It has an interesting atmosphere with its seating areas, wooden rostrum and marble table in the middle of which the cadavers are laid. Anatomical theater was almost completely destroyed during the second world war. After the war, it was rebuilt using all original parts recovered from the wreckage of the building. You can buy separate tickets or a combined ticket to visit Aatomic theater and library.

Given the number of beautiful churches in Bologna, it's easy to get numb. Santa Maria della Vita will probably be your stop after being in San Petroniu, the huge basilica around the corner. Don't let your visit to that church stop you from checking this one out.

A must-see in Bologna!! The church contains the Compianto, a set of amazing terracotta sculptures by Niccolò dell'Arca. The sculptures are more impressive than one could ever imagine, because of their sheer scale but also because only by seeing them in real life will you appreciate their exquisite details. Faces, clothes, hands: each of them has a character, a story and a life of its own. Christ's hands are delicate and painfully lifeless while the Virgin Mary's are bony and wrought in pain. Niccolò dell'Arca hardly ever makes it into art history books, but this does not make his work any the less striking. The church is in a busy street of the old city centre and in a nearby arcade you'll find many food stalls where if you're on the go you can get a hot dish of pasta or rice at a reasonable price. Entry ticket for the Compianto is 5 Euro, but it's money well spent.

A really very nice church both externally and internally. For those wondering, it's free, there is no entrance fee, like all the churches in Bologna

The lamentation piece inside must be seen. It's a masterpiece. You need to make an additional payment for the museum section; the artworks there are quite beautiful.

Inside the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Vita (founded in the second half of the 13th century) a true masterpiece of the Italian sculpture can be seen: it was modelled by Niccolò dell'Arca in the second half of the 15th century and it depicts a Lamentation over the Dead Christ. You will be impressed by this piece of art.

Beautiful church on a side street in Bologna. If you don't know what to look for you won't actually see it as it's very well hidden, with a sidewall that blends in perfectly with the adjoining buildings.

Crepy. As art - every sculpture something different, their facial expresions makes you feel not comfortable

The Church of Santa Maria della Vita is located along Via Clavature and is just a couple minutes walk east of Piazza Maggiore. Seems church history dates back to the 13th-century. However, the building you see today is a rebuild by G.B. Bergonzoni in the late 17th-century, giving the church the fairly elaborate High Baroque appearance you can see today. The facade is narrow and tall with is a bit peculiar, note the two statue figures in niches above the entryway. Seems these represent Riniero de' Barcobini Fasani (right) and Bonaparte Ghisilieri (left) The interior opens up into an oval shaped nave with embedded side chapels each with impressive altarpieces. Look up and see the inner side of a 52-meter tall dome added in the late 18th-century, thus making the church one of the city's tallest buildings even to this day. Importantly, while a visit to the nave is free to the public, there is a separate area which requires ticket to enter. This is where you can view the famous sculptural series known as the Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Niccola dell'Arca.

Free to enter, but you can pay €5 (€3 for students) to also see the statues hidden behind a big board. They're actually incredibly emotive. I honestly didn't expect much but was taken aback at the emotion I felt when I saw their faces. I think it's better in real life than the photos can capture. Incredible craftsmanship from hundreds of years ago, made from terracotta!

This church is very near the Plaza Maggiore and we found it open on a Monday when many other attractions are closed. While the church can be visited for free through the main entrance, for a fee of €9, payable at a side door, you can see the two extraordinary medieval sculptures depicting scenes following the death of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary respectively. The former is at the side of the church and the latter upstairs in the 'Oratorio' a large private prayer room which is worth seeing in itself. There is the option of paying half if you only want to see one of them, though I recommend both.

The church is open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-19:00pm. The church costs €5 to enter all parts of the church but if you have a Bologna Welcome card which costs €25 you will get in free. The card gives entry to museums, churches, palaces etc. The church is worth a visit. It is a beautiful church.

Beautifully emotional. (The church is free however be prepared to pay 5 euro to see The Lamentation and 5 euro to go upstairs to see the exhibit, in my opinion 20 euro for a couple to enjoy is above average for current entrance fees to sites in Bologna).

It was such a magnificent and beautiful place. There was a beautiful painting on the ceiling of the cathedral.

Arriving at the beautiful historic Piazza Nettuno immediately catches our eye the beautiful medieval Palazzo d'Accursio building ( Palazzo Comunale ). Biblioteca Salaborsa (Salabrosa Library) is located in one part of the Palace. The Salaborsa Library is the central public library opened in 2001 and provides a rich and fascinating cultural space inside the Palazzo d'Accursio, the ancient and historical seat of the city government. Its history is very interesting. In the thirteenth century, some Ghibella houses of late antiquity were built on this site above the Roman ruins. Among the builders are Francesco Accursio, a well-known lawyer at the Bologna School. The building then becomes a town hall. During Visconti's reign (1350 - 1360), the building was fortified because it had a house headquarters of troops that guarded the town hall, and converted Visconti into a true fortress. In 1568 Ulisse Aldrovandi transformed the inner garden into a botanical garden. Then began the cultivation of medicinal plants and exotic plants imported from all continents. Here Aldrovandi conducted the basic research that contributed to the creation of modern botany. In the meantime, a committee headed by Bologna entrepreneurs was set up, aimed at promoting the transformation of the indoor garden and cisterns into a space intended for the trade and market activities of the Bologna Stock Exchange, which had opened by then. Thus, between 1883 and 1886 on the site of the old garden built new Sala Borsa. Archaeological excavations carried out recently to restore Salaborsa revealed traces of public and religious buildings. They are visible to the public through a walkway and testify to the fact that the place has always been the center of public life in the city. There is an impressive wall perimeter of the Renaissance Terribilia tank, paved roads and foundations of the Roman basilica, the wall of the Medieval tower house and the star-shaped tub once at the center of the garden. In 1920, Salaborsa became a public restaurant, followed by the Bank with a Treasury (Cassa di Risparmio). After World War II and until the 1960s, the covered square served as a sports hall. This is where the Virtus Basketball Club originated. Today it is a beautiful and significant library.

One of the most protected old library that i have been to. The good thing is it is still used and open for public. it is very organized, it has a cafe at entrance floor and open to visitors. At the entrance floor, the studies of famous İtalian scientists eho studied in university Bologna are shown. Besidee this building also have a look at the hidden garden for sure

We have not been inside the library yet but rather hanging out outside since the weather was so nice when we were there. Here in the picture you can see how it looks from the outside. People, including us, really like to sit on the stairs there and relax or chat a little. The one star i would save for the next time when we can really see it.

Biblioteca Salaborsa is really the perfect place when you need an area to boost your productivity given that it is well-maintained and well-managed plus the facilities it has to offer to the public! They have lots of tables and chairs to accommodate a generous amount of people and also gives an ambiance that is very conducive to learning. I would greatly advice this to students and also to the other people who just wants to read a book or do something productive.

Good place for library You need to create id which can be done easily with your authorized document like passport or driving licence

A free attraction worth visiting in Bologna, right in the main square, are the archaeological remains below this library. Roman and medieval elements are clearly indicated along an elevated walkway, and there is a timeline of thr site's history. Access is through the main entrance to the library near the Neptune Fountain, then go down the stairs.

The archaeological excavations under the covered square of Salaborsa I'm glad I got to visit them. if you have a way to the Salaborsa library, don't miss them, and if you don't have a way, do it. worth a visit the entrance is through the stairs on the left as you pass the guard at the entrance. access is free. donations are received, and it is worth considering that it is well maintained and beautifully presented. the staff is friendly and guides you. not speaking Italian I received a leaflet in English. I appreciate it.

A very smart and studious town needs a library to match. Turns out they did some renovations and found old Roman foundations below it. The medieval builders would just build over anything after destroying it. You can visit for free, the foundations were not visible when I was there this week as there was some presentation going on, as with most things Italian and in a square there's always something going on. Regardless, nice library, lots of books, nothing in English so I couldn't pretend I was just there to look inside the building.

Wonderfully beautiful, well restored and multifunctional place. The management would do well however to somehow solve the problem of that certain category of hopelessly unintegrated migrants, who're increasingly loitering in the rooms of this gorgeous library. This makes everyone else want to be there less, due to feeling uncomfortable and unsafe.

I could have spent all morning exploring this library... We limited ourselves to the Roman ruins beneath the main floor. Amazing building.

This self service indoor food hall is a nice alternative to choose what you like on the spot by browsing a variety of choices side by side and have them quickly. Prices are mostly very reasonable in comparison to surrounding restaurants. Of course it depends on what you choose. We got some stuff from the seafood place and the pasta place as in the pictures. They were all nice, some more tasty than others surely

Fabulous little food hall with so many delicious meals and snacks and drinks on offer. I had a yummy salmon frittata from the fish fry stand. My mum had tasty melanzana parmigiana from another stand. Great atmosphere.

Lovely little mercato where they have all kinds of food and seating area. Everyone seems to be drawn to the pasta made for you shop. It was quite good but I can’t say that it’s the best pasta I had in the world. But it is indeed fresh as they make it for you right there. It’s a casual place if you don’t want to spend too much and or if you want to get a quick drink or snacks. It is well worth a visit.

Historic covered food market building that was renovated and repurposed into an eating and drinking market around 2014 it seems. You'll find a handful of casual eateries and bar setups, serving up light bites and drinks which you can enjoy at ground floor and upstairs available seating. We popped in while the weather was rainy recently and had a nice round of drinks. Would gladly return.

For a quick and easy lunch when you have no other plans, this is a perfect stop. My kid wanted pizza, I wanted wine and pasta, my husband wanted craft beer: all was easily accessible from one table. Later we stopped by the butcher in the market and picked up a deboned rabbit stuffed with sausage and potato and wrapped in bacon to roast for dinner. Delicious!

Bologna’s oldest market with majestic medieval architecture and an endless selection of typical Italian food. We found here many bakeries and local shops full of fresh goods, fish, homemade pasta, regional wines, cheeses, meats, and a lot of other delicates.🧀🥨🍕🥗🍝🍷 You find yourself strolling around with an open mouth. It is not simple to choose what you are going to eat. No wonder, it is the gastronomical heart of Bologna! There are various combinations of where and how you can eat or/and drink. You can even find a few fresh products and fruit stands open all day long. The area is less crowded in the early morning. However, experiencing it also during rush hours is something very special. It gets crowded and noisy but is simply full of enjoyment and the ability to absorb the atmosphere.

We arrived at the market a little late, although most of the stalls downstairs have already packed up, we managed to get a nice burrata cheese and some fruits. The cherries were HUGE and tasty. There is a spacious seated area upstairs with lots of restaurants, good options, from pasta, pizza, seafood to dumplings, and plenty of choices for desserts. I like that they have a screen in the middle of the seating area, when the food is ready, the number will be shown on the screen and you can collect them from the stalls.

Loved that market. Try the homemade pasta and the desserts. Worth the wait. Seat outside weather permitting and enjoy people watching with your favorite glass of wine.

Love this market, you will find many of the local things here. This is more of a market to eat than shop for food but definetly worth it to try things out if the other restuarants in the streets are full. There is a delicious pasta place at the entrance, there you can try the local lasagna, tagliatelle bologna, and tortellini. There is a fish place that serves fried calamaris and many other yummy stuff. You will also find a salami place with parma ham, sausages and cheese. There are several places serving beer and cocktails. The pasta place has several aperol and campari cocktails for 5e. There is also a place serving several beers including IPA, as well as bars serving local wine. In case down is too full get a place upstairs.

A very nice place in the old fish market area where you can enjoy a coffee or a meal. Here you will find several places to sit or to buy food to take away. There are local shops but also chains like Rossopomodoro etc. I liked the ambience of the place a lot, even though it can be crowded, so I give it 5 stars.

Beautiful displays of top quality produce for sale as well as an indoor food hall.

Great little eatery, extremely busy, and with several food choices to eat in or takeaway. We went upstairs to sit and have a long lunch, enjoying the simple food offer and drink. Good service. We had an enjoyable lunch, not rushed and prices were reasonable.

Great place to enjoy the tipical and traditional types of food. Enjoy the cosy atmosphere with locals. Food is freshly made and affordable. You will find lots of students, young and elderly couples here. Or people just like to meet here en enjoy the break or weekend off.

This is by far my favourite place in the city, so many incredible food options, most have a great price. I can not recommend it enough, it’s a must! Be aware that it gets really crowded, but there is some seating space upstairs, better to avoid lunch/dinner times if possible.

Mercato di Mezzo in Bologna is a fantastic place with a diverse array of food options. The variety is impressive, offering something for every palate. What sets it apart is not just the delicious food, but also the incredibly reasonable prices – a true gem for those seeking a budget-friendly dining experience. The flavors were exceptional, making it an all-around delightful culinary adventure.

Excellent food market in the heart of Bologna city. Lots of seating but also it can get quite busy so best to come here early if you plan to eat here. So many delicious foods available, displayed in attractive stalls. There can be a few flies depending on the time of year but most foods are in refrigerated glass cases which helps. The bathrooms are fairly clean depending on the time of day. Nice way to spend the day in Bologna.

Food hall with a good variety of self-service and quick dishes. There is a local brewery (the guy was friendly and he was on point for beer suggestions). We arrived a little after “lunch time” so there were plenty of tables available. Overall the service was good, and the food was ok for a quick bite and to try a bit of everything :)

Main street that goes to city centre and piazza maggiore

Beautiful walk! So many cafes and shops on both sides. Leads all the way down to Piazza Magiori

Top street of Bologna

Visit during weekend as fully pedestrian, beautiful place we'll worth taking the time to explore

ボローニャ中央駅から壮大なゴシック様式のサン・ペトローニオ聖堂のあるマッジョーレ広場に向けてまっすぐ伸びる通りで、ボローニャのメインストリート。ボローニャ全体で45kmに及ぶポルティコのアーケードショップはその歴史的価値もさることながら雨の日はことさら有り難いです。通り周辺には、食の街と称されるだけあってリストランテ、トラットリアからジェラート屋さんまで数多くの飲食店の他、ホテル、劇場、イタリア統一の三傑の1人ジュゼッペ・ガリバルディの記念碑も設置されています。ボローニャの休日を楽しんで下さい。 (Translated by Google) This is Bologna's main street, running straight from Bologna Central Station to Piazza Maggiore, where the magnificent Gothic Basilica of San Petronio is located. Bologna's 45km of portico arcade shops not only have historical value, but they are especially nice on rainy days. The area around the street is known as the food town, and there are many restaurants, from ristorantes and trattorias to gelato shops, as well as hotels, theaters, and a monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the three figures who unified Italy. It has been. Enjoy your holiday in Bologna.

Beautiful street with the 'portici' of Bologna and a Garibaldi statue

A beautiful street with some nice options for shopping.

Weekend mood. People are enjoying

For us, this street is beautiful, with beautiful palaces, churches, cafes, restaurants, shops and above all its porticoes, protecting pedestrians on both sides of the street. This street has its unspeakable charm. Via dell Indipendenza is always very popular among Bologna people of all ages. Its history is very interesting. Since the mid-nineteenth century, several proposals had been made to create an artery linking the city center with the northern area, also in preparation for the construction of the railway station. Only after the unification of Italy did they materialize starting from the enlargement of Canton de 'Fiori, which took the name of via dell'Indipendenza in 1874, pending the extension of the new name to Malcontenti and Maddalena streets and to complete the artery. which would have led to the railway station passing through the ancient Piazza d'Armi (later Piazza Otto Agosto). The need to open a "via massima" in the heart of the city was spoken of in 1858, when the papal administration decided to place the station on the route considered the main one of the Via Emilia, close to the external part of the northern walls. The project for the new road to the station was presented to the municipal council by Coriolano Monti, in collaboration with Antonio Zannoni, at the end of 1861 and approved in 1862. But only in 1865 was the royal decree issued for the declaration of public utility. The package included the rearrangement of the entire area, called Orti Garagnani - between via del Porto and the Lame and Galliera gates. In 1884 the road was inaugurated, although not completely finished. The completed section involved the rectification of important buildings and the demolition of Palazzo Bonora. The demolition of the Hospice of San Giuseppe, known as the Casa dei Vecchi, will follow shortly. Furthermore, in 1886 a new facade with portico for the church of San Benedetto will be created, from which the apse and the bell tower will be demolished. The definitive completion of via Indipendenza will arrive only in 1888. Today is via dell Indipendenza is so beautiful.

The most famous and the most crowded street of Bologna. You will find famous brands, if you came here for shopping.

What a beautiful main street in Bologna. A pleasurable 20-minute walk on one of the main shopping streets from Bologna Central Station. It will lead you to the Neptune Fountain and Piazza Maggiore. If you visit during the weekend, the street is closed to traffic and you’ll find plenty of street artists around. One of my favourite streets! (July 2022)

St. Peter's seems to have at least 12 centuries of presence at its present location with a history that may date back as far as the 4th century. You will see a very tall, 70 metre bell tower of Medieval origins, a 17th-century Baroque facade as well as a Romanesque style barrel vault interior with an expansive 25-metre tall centre nave and narrower 5-metre tall side naves lined with chapels where you can view nice altarpieces, artworks, sculptures and frescos. I particularly enjoyed the sculptural series called the Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Alfonso Lombardi (1522-26).

The Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, Cattedrale di Bologna is a very beautiful Cathedral. It is very big with lots of beautiful artwork and architecture, the interior of the church is very impressive. I really enjoyed my time here and would definitely recommend visiting this cathedral when in Bologna, it’s a very lovely place to see.

Enormous building with gorgeous wall paintings and gothic architecture inside. Definitely worth visiting it even for ten minutes.

What a beautiful cathedral. I was lucky to be there on a Sunday to experience the Sunday service. Breathtaking.

Really beautiful just lots of money asked inside.

For best photos, come during the middle of the day. Bologna Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Bologna, though is not the largest church in the city. Most of the present building is from the 17th century in the Baroque style.

My favorite cathedral in Bologna. Not only because of the massive architecture and beautiful paintings! But also because you can almost occasionally have a free church organ performance that is situated on the ground floor and you’ll get to enjoy the divine music and hymns…

A beautiful church in the heart of old town Bologna

Impressive church with an even more impressive organ. While unassuming from the exterior, as there's no real facade to impress you, once you enter you are greeted with beautiful art and architecture. A lot of the interior is clad in spectacular marble. We were lucky to assist in an entire organ concert, which was absolutely delighting.

Free entrance. It is a beautiful church.

The church is absolutely huge, and the bell tower is very unique and offers good views at a cheap price. The bell tower was built around the old bell tower, which you can see from the inside.

Many visitors to Bologna visit the big basilica in the center on the main square believing that it is the cathedral. They miss San Pietro, which is the cathedral of the city and the seat of the Archbishop of Bologna. Most of the current structure was built in the 1600s, but some of what continues to be visible is from an earlier era. Take the time to visit the magnificently grand baroque interior and the brightly painted inner courtyard.

Loved the place. Very impresing cathedral. Was there during the mass - great acustic, great voices singing

Everything is fine except the fact I booked a swift frecciarossa train ride from Bologna to Rome with a reserve premium window view seat and when I boarded the train the seat was taken, it took about 20 minutes during the trip with me standing before I could take my seat. The trains premium class had a few families with children and there was a confusion that took at least 20 minutes to fix.

Bologna Centrale station is a very busy train station connecting trains that goes southern italy and northern italy with most facilities to European standard and covid19 prevention contactless ticketing office and all other facilities

Es la estación donde te deja el monorail que llega desde el aeropuerto, La estación es un desastre organizativo ya que tiene varios niveles y la señalización es muy confusa por lo que te recomiendo ir con bastante antelación. Lo mejor que tiene es que está bien situada para recorrer la ciudad y que en monorail tardas sólo 7 minutos en llegar al aeropuerto (Translated by Google) It is the station where the monorail that arrives from the airport leaves you. The station is an organizational disaster since it has several levels and the signage is very confusing, so I recommend you go well in advance. The best thing about it is that it is well located to explore the city and that it only takes 7 minutes by monorail to get to the airport

This is my second visit to the train station. This is their main train station and very important. It is now five o'clock in the morning. People have to be kept there for one to two hours. More than a hundred people, with a family, every man now has a problem with the toilet is closed there. Lack of toilet is a big problem for girls

Because the numbering of the platforms have been confusing I missed the train from Bologna to Cattolica. I had to take platform 6 but I took the wrong platform 6. Later I found out that there is a platform 6 and a platform 6 west. Why not to use a better numbering? Platform 6 west could be changed to platform 26, for instance. I suppose there are also other platform pairs with same numbers. The good thing was that the staff people there have been very friendly and helped me to get a later train. Also I like the Italian trains.

Very chaotic place! We used Marconi Express and it was difficult to understand where and from which side you should put the ticket to validate it for exit doors. But then we had understood that it was not the worst experience until we had another issue. We lost our train at the Station, because there are 3 sets of platforms on the Station. For ex., the Station has 3 platforms with number 1 and etc. which differs only with ending and are very similar to foreigners ( 1-Est, 1-Ovest and just 1). The signs are missing or not enough. Est and Ovest located on the opposite sides at the back of the main platforms, you can't find it without assistance. It was a difficult quest. We could not find information for changing the ticket. So it was a full mess. Better to name the platforms with numbers to avoid words! It will sufficiently increase the understanding doing so (only numbers!!!!!)

If you don’t know the station, arrive an hour early. The way finding in this station is terrible, when arriving by road and you don’t know the layout of the station you have to navigate a busy and poorly signed arrival hall before choosing a direction and trying to find your platform. When arriving by rail and transferring between trains you may need to move between the levels of the station which is really unclear from the lower level. Whilst the physical design of this station doesn’t help, a proper way finding and signage strategy would go along way in fixing the problem. Disability access is near impossible, due to the lack of ascensori, odd location and inconvenience of the lifts within the station.

Unhelpful, long wait at ticket station, then I ask for the earliest ticket to Rome the guy starts joking about with me whilst I'm in a rush and so many people are waiting. His English wasn't great but somewhat understandable. After a while he looks at my ID and starts reading my name out loud, tells me its in 25 mins and they only accept cash. I thought he was joking as they had card machines and previously I paid by card at the station. Anyhow he tells me that I need to go and get cash 100 meters away. On the way to find the cash point someone tells me that there is a cash machine at the station, leaving me wondering why he sent me off, so I miss my train by the time I come back. I go to buy the ticket again with another staff. I ask for the earliest train and they sell me a ticket for a train that's 30 mins delayed without telling me. I go to the platform 19 and after awhile a train arrives on the platform display it was showing platform 19 for Rome but when I get on the train halfway they tell me I am on a wrong train and ended up paying again. I don't understand why I was sold a ticket for a train that was delayed when there was another train available and the lack information and staff at the platform. The platform display is outdated from the 90's and make sure you check train number. Thanks Bologna. 120 euros just to go to Rome. Worst experience in Italy.

After the Bologna Massacre I’m always uneasy about a transfer there. It has always been chaotic, causing worries about being able to make it to your train. Their renovation put long distance trains (Frecciarossa for example) under ground. It’s a long arduous walk through infinite stairs and escalators to those platforms. I felt bad for the passengers with heavy luggage. It was not easy for us with our light carryons. The all-concrete underground platforms were claustrophobic and downright spooky. There were no benches to sit on. I’m rethinking traveling through this hub in the future.

Nothing is correctly indicated. They have multiple platforms with the same number, which is truly bizarre. Every other bad review is spot on. Tip: arrive an hour early to look for your platform, so that you don't miss your train.

Very important early 13th-century church of the Dominican Order, located upon a square the same name. This is where you find the tomb of St. Dominic, located within a famous canopied shrine that includes the work of notable Italian sculptures over a five century period called the Arca di San Domenico, even a young Michelangelo added his contribution in the form of three small statue figures to this important religious masterpiece. Other impressive artworks and elaborate Baroque style chapels can be viewed as well including works by F. Lippi and G. Reni.

A beautiful and historical church hosting the earthly remains of the founder of the Dominican order who died onsite back in 1221. Also has a multilingual app you can use for context

Very nice church. Many monks ? were there. Feel religion lively. St.Domenicos coffin is covered full of excellent sculpture. Worth to see it.

Tucked away in the heart of Bologna and overshadowed by San Petronio and Santo Stefano is this beautiful Baroque church with a Romanesque facade that contains the mortal remains of Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican order. Outside, there is a large piazza containing a statue of Saint Dominic and two tombs with room to walk, and sit to admire the front of the basilica. The chapel where the arc containing his remains is highlighted with three statues carved by Michaelangelo. All around the church are wonderful pieces by Lippi, Reni, Todeschi, Torelli and a host of others. If you are an art lover, you can spend hours here admiring the works without the large crowds at San Petronio or Santo Stefano.

Another typical and magnificent Italian church full of architectural splendour and artistic history. The Piazza lets you absorb the beauty of this church from the outside.

To build this church took several centuries to finish. A marble tomb with the remains is the main reason to visit, carved by Michelangelo, Nicolo Pissano and others

Another impresive Bolognian temple. Worth visiting but bit to pay to enter

One of many great churches in Bologna, with some outstanding artistic work, especially the Chapel of San Domenico.

Absolutely gorgeous romanic church in Bologna, way less crowded and frequented than San Petronio downtown. We came for the Michelangelo statue, but that was just alright (no David, alas). We stayed for the lovely cloister that sits on the side of the church (pictures attached). It's not very clear how to get there so make sure you check directions or ask attendants.

This church was a most pleasant surprise. I knew St. Dominic died in Bologna, but I didnt know his remains are here, and available for veneration! To pray the Rosary here was like praying the Rosary with St. Dominic, who loved Our Lady's Rosary.

Part of history, culture and religious life of Bologna. The art inside magnificent. The statues by Michelangelo awasome. The cloisters peaceful

Incroyable. Recommande vivement le detour Un endroit impressionnant de pureté, avec un éclat et des détails qui peuvent vous occuper longtemps. Tres calme et peu visitée qui plus est. Petite librairie a l'interieur. (Translated by Google) Amazing. Highly recommend the detour A place of impressive purity, with brilliance and details that can keep you occupied for a long time. Very quiet and little visited what's more. Small bookstore inside.

Absolutely gorgeous romanic church in Bologna, way less crowded and frequented than San Petronio downtown. We stayed for the lovely cloister that sits on the side of the church.

This is one of the most extraordinary churches I have ever visited and I recommend a visit even if you are not interested in churches. It is a short walk south from the city centre, and was free to visit when we went. The tomb of St Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order, can be found here. The cloister was not open when we visited.

Basilica of San Domenico is a little off the beaten path, but not so far as to discourage you from visiting. Take the time to discover the church, the piazza that it sits on and the neighborhood around it. The church has impressive art and an altar which is extremely elaborate.

Of course it's amazing because of Morandi. Exceptional works by him. Not so well curated. The museum lacks a bit of inspiration and excitement.

We visited MAMbo late January 2022 while COVID restrictions still applied. We were therefore almost alone and could take our time to study the different sections with the permanent and temporary exhibitions. The permanent section is dominated by “local hero” Giorgio Morandi. His subtle paintings are unfortunately poorly lit and this section could have shown fewer and better selected works. There was another section on performance artists that we found too difficult to digest and in the contemporary art section there was no real coherence between the exposed works. In summary, there is a need for better coordination between the different curators of this museum.

As good as everything is displayed i didn’t find the museum appealing at all. There are much better museums in bologna, and modern art is not my cup of tea, its message its saturated and only in the authors head. 1 or 2 hours is enough for the visit. Its free for unibo students. I like it overall

We were ripped off by the ticket sellers at this museum! They first sold us a ticket for only the permanent exhibition, only when entering the temporary exhibition we were refused and had to buy another ticket at full fare. Furthermore, the permanent exhibition is worth nothing, a handful of etchings of still lifes made by a B artist. The temporary exhibition was also small and low quality. In short one of the worst art museums in the world, a real tourist trap.

Morandi was amazing to see, the rest of the permanent collection is ok. Sean Scully was also interesting. Not the best museum I have been to in my life, but still worth a visit. The curation is not so good Al over the museum. Free for students

Visited today (a Wednesday). Very manageable, not a huge space and reasonably priced, discounts available too. The Morandi collection made it special, there was also political art which I enjoyed... the bulk of the permanent collection was nothing to write home about ... the book shop's nice

Contemporary art museum near Bologna center. It gives away the personality of the city, very creative, young, but with lots of history. The ticket is very cheap. The exhibitions were OK, but not impressive. There were no temporary exhibitions when we visited.

A nice place to go to refresh your eyes before you want to dive back into the medieval flavors of Bologna. The collection of Morandi therein is highly recommended

The collection of Morandi was beautiful. The paintings was interesting for observation. Also, a beautiful piece of art, a colorful painting "I Funerali di Togliatti" by Renato Gattuso warth to see. The building is bright and light, the neighborhood is worth to visit also. The rest of the museum was not something special.

A well curated space. Not overly huge but it's contents speak volumes. It was a very enjoyable visit to this contemporary art museum. Friendly staff throughout

Decent modern art museum, but the exhibits were less than most modern museums I've visited. A big exhibition on Morandi with artwork, sketches and his life overall, but not a lot of other stuff to be honest. Other than this, clean, no waiting time.

Mostly boring and not very well curated. I would not recommend, unless you’re really keen to see some of it’s highlights (mentioned in other reviews). Not sure why there’s such a fuss over Morandi, I found his work exceptionally boring. Be aware there is no wardrobe and lockers are all occupied. Staff at the reception did allow us to leave our coats there.