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.

Great sculpture, reason for a lot of smiles. You'll find the spot for taking "the" picture easily, as most people gather up at about 17`o'clock of the statue's perspective.

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.

Piazza Maggiore, the central square in Bologna is an exquisite destination for the historic vibes and the incredible food. Little bars, cafes and elegant porticos make this a very special destination for a day trip. Easily accessible by car or train from Florence or Venice. A beautiful place to see.

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.

So three things: 1) Maserati was inspired by the statue’s trident for their logo 2) from the back, and if you stand at the correct angle, the sculpture made a trick whereby Neptune’s hand looks like his male member (see my photo as proof) 3) the water from the drinking water is super refreshing

Beautiful masterpiece with impressive details, created around 1566 by sculptor Giambologna. It is said that the statue symbolizes the Pope's power, similar to the way the Ancient Greek God Poseidon ruled the seas. This statue, and Neptune's trident in particular, was the inspiration that led Mario Maserati to create the world known -Bologna based- car company's brand logo. Ending, this statue hides one of the 7 Bologna's secrets. Search about it, as well as the story behind it 😉

The fountain is located in the downtown of Bologna, and is surrounded by a few museum and churches. From here, one can explore the many attractions the old city has to offer such as churches and parks. There are many hotels, eateries, and gelato stores nearby. Car parking is available within 1 KM from here, and is a pleasant walk.

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!

Master piece. The view is spectacular both at night and in the day light. The women figures have a different vibe as they are out of standards in their poses. One of my best sculptures I have seen in Italy. Many small restaurants and cafes around the fountain. The piazza next to it is a little bit empty that can have some sun umbrellas or shadow areas

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 (Italian: Fontana di Nettuno) is a monumental civic fountain located in the eponymous square, Piazza del Nettuno, next to Piazza Maggiore, in Bologna, Italy[1] The fountain is a model example of Mannerist taste of the Italian courtly elite in the mid-sixteenth century Neptune Fountain has its base on three steps, on which it is situated a tank made of the local boulder and covered by marble of Verona. In the centre of the tank, there is a base where there are four Nereids holding their breasts, from which jets of water emerge. The base is decorated with pontifical emblems, ornaments that – connected to four cherubs – hold dolphins (which are allegorical representation of major rivers from the then-known corners of the world: the Ganges, the Nile, the Amazon River, and the Danube. In the centre of this base raises the majestic figure of the Neptune sculpted by Giambologna's; the statue is a typical expressions of the manneristic theatricality. The Neptune stretches his left hand in a lordly gesture, appearing to be aiming to placate the waves; this posture is interpreted as symbolic exaltation of the new power of the Pope Pius IV: just as Neptune was the master of the seas, the Pope was the master of Bologna and of the world.

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.