There are many attractions for visitors to see in Bologna, Italy. From impressive churches and palaces to incredible towers and porticoes, there’s something to captivate every traveler. If you’re interested in architecture, the best things to see in Bologna are:

1. 1. Basilica of San Petronio
   2. Palazzo D’Accursio
   3. Torre dell’Orologio
   4. Palazzo Re Enzo
   5. Palazzo del Podestà
   6. Palazzo dei Notai
   7. Fontana del Nettuno
   8. Torre degli Asinelli
   9. Torre Garisenda
   10. Palazzo della Mercanzia
   11. Porticoes of Piazza Cavour and via Farini
   12. Santo Stefano Complex
   13. Casa Isolani
   14. Torre Prendiparte
   15. Basilica di San Domenico
   16. Archiginnasio Palace and Anatomical Theatre
   17. Church of Santa Maria della Vita
   18. Porta Galliera
   19. Chiesa di San Paolo Maggiore
   20. Triumphal Arcades of Strada Maggiore
   21. Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Servi
   22. Basilica di San Francesco
   23. Casa Saraceni
   24. Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore
   25. Palazzo Grassi
   26. Oratorio di Santa Cecilia
   27. Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista dei Celestini
   28. Porta Lame
   29. Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Peter
   30. Palazzo Fantuzzi
   31. Porta Mascarella

We spent the entire month of May visiting the sights in Bologna. If you don’t have a month to explore, you can follow our suggested Bologna Walking Tour and see all the best sights on our list in one day (albeit a very full day). This time estimation is a drive-by of the sites and doesn’t include a thorough tour of the inside.

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Construction on the Basilica of San Petronio began in 1390 under the guidance of architect Antonio di Vincenzo, and it took over two centuries to complete. Throughout the project, various architects and artisans lent their skills to bring the vision to life. The magnificent basilica is a stunning example of the harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.

The gothic bell tower above the chapel of relics was built by Giovanni da Brensa between 1481 and 1492. It has four bells, the largest weighing 24 quintals and cast in 1492.

Address: Piazza Maggiore, 40124

The Municipal Palace, also known as the Palazzo D’Accursio, has been the home of the city’s Municipal Authority since 1336. In the 15th century, it was renovated, and the architect Fioravante Fioravanti added the Clock Tower (Torre d’Accursio) while Gaspare Nadi installed the bell. Later, in the 16th century, it was reconstructed after the Bentivoglio family lost their power in Bologna.

Address: Piazza Maggiore, 6 – 40121

The Clock Tower, also known as Torre dell’Orologio or Torre Accursi, is a remarkable display of Bologna’s stunning architecture. It was designed by the famous architect Giovanni di Vittorio during the 14th century and stands tall in the center of Piazza Maggiore. The Renaissance parapet underwent a major renovation between 1885 and 1887, carried out by Raffaele Faccioli. As part of this process, the parapet was replaced with bricks to better align with the building’s new medieval look.

Address: Piazza Maggiore, 1, 40124

Palazzo Re Enzo is a Gothic-style palace in Piazza del Nettuno, constructed in 1244. Originally named Palatium Novum, it was later renamed after King Enzo of Sardinia, who was imprisoned there until his death in 1272. The palace’s Sala dei Trecento, completed in 1386, now serves as the city’s archive. Palazzo Re Enzo is currently used for cultural events and exhibitions.

Address: Piazza del Nettuno, 1/C, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy

The Palazzo del Podestà in Bologna was built in 1200 as the official residence of the local podesta. It has a spacious upper hall and a double open arcade on the lower floor. The original Gothic façade was transformed into Renaissance style in 1453. Visitors can experience a unique acoustic phenomenon in the Mayor’s Vault using a “wireless telephone.”

Address: Piazza Maggiore, 1, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

The Palazzo dei Notai was built in 1381 by the notaries guild. The building is rectangular and made of brick, with a crenelated top and ground floor awnings. It was most recently restored in 1908.

Address: Via d’Azeglio, 2, 40123 Bologna BO, Italy

The Fontana del Nettuno, or Fountain of Neptune, is a stunning marble and bronze masterpiece created by Flemish sculptor Giambologna between 1563 and 1566. It symbolizes the Pope’s authority over the world, surrounded by four small angels representing rivers. It’s a significant Italian landmark that attracts visitors worldwide.

Address: Piazza del Nettuno – 40124

The Torre degli Asinelli is an impressive tower that stands tall at 97 meters and offers a breathtaking view of the city. It was built between 1109 and 1119 and served as a watchtower and defensive structure for the noble families of Bologna.

Address: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana – 40126 Bologna

The Torre Garisenda was constructed alongside Torre degli Asinelli and is known for its unique lean and shorter height of 47 meters. Due to concerns of collapsing, it was lowered in the 14th century. Despite its precarious appearance, the tower has withstood the test of time and serves as a testament to the resilience of Bologna.

Address: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana – 40126 Bologna

The Palazzo della Mercanzia, also called the Loggia dei Mercanti or Palazzo del Carrobbio, is located in Bologna and overlooks a square with the same name. It served as the headquarters for the Universitas Mercatorum (Forum of Merchants) and several corporations from the late 14th century to the late 18th century. Following the French occupation in 1797, it became the location for the Chamber of Commerce.

Address: Piazza Della Mercanzia, 4 – 40125

The Santo Stefano Complex, also called Sette Chiese, contains several buildings, including the Church of Saint Stephen and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Other churches in the complex include the Church of the Saints Vitale and Agricola, the Church of the Trinity, and the Chapel of the Bandage. According to tradition, Saint Petronius built the basilica over a temple of the goddess Isis to resemble the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Address: Via Santo Stefano, 24 – 40125

Casa Isolani is a unique civil construction dating back to the 13th century. It boasts a portico that’s upheld by impressively tall oak beams, measuring a towering 9 meters in height. During the 20th century, the property underwent restoration, including the single-lancet window, mullioned windows, and arches of the shops that adorn its façade.

Address: Strada Maggiore, 19 – 40125

The Coronata Tower, also known as Torre Prendiparte, was constructed in the 12th century and stands at 59.50 meters tall. The tower’s walls are 2.80 meters thick at the base and slope towards the north. It boasts an original window and a coat of arms from the 15th century.

Address: Piazzetta Prendeparte, 5, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

The Basilica of San Domenico in Bologna is a significant church where Saint Dominic passed away in 1221. The Dominicans expanded the church after his death and created a model for other Dominican churches worldwide. The church has two sections and underwent various renovations over the centuries. Today, it still retains a Baroque style.

Address: Piazza San Domenico, 13, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

The Archiginnasio Palace in Bologna was built by architect Antonio Morandi between in 1562 and 1563. It features the pioneering Anatomical Theatre, built in 1637 by Antonio Paolucci.

Address: Piazza Galvani 1 – 40124 Bologna

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita is a late-Baroque-style church built between 1687 and 1690. The church was designed by Giovanni Battista Bergonzoni. The dome was designed by Giuseppe Tubertini and completed in 1787. The facade was not added until 1905.

The sanctuary houses the famous “Lamentation over the Dead Christ” (Compianto sul Cristo Morto) created in 1463 by Niccolò dell’Arca.

Address: Via Clavature, 8/10, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

Porta Galliera is a gate through the third wall of the city. It was originally built in the 13th century and later rebuilt in the 17th century. It has undergone multiple renovations, including one in 2019.

Address: Piazza XX Settembre, 15, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy

The church’s construction was commissioned by the Barnabites, a group of Catholic priests who belong to the Order of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul. The church was designed by architect Ambrogio Mazenta and later improved by Ercole Fichi from 1634 to 1636 with a beautiful facade.

Address: Via de’ Carbonesi, 18, 40123 Bologna BO, Italy

The Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi is a Gothic masterpiece on Strada Maggiore. Built with the help of Father Andrea Manfredi da Faenza and Master Antonio di Vincenzo, it features a spacious portico, a 52-meter tall bell tower, and stunning works of art inside.

Address: Strada Maggiore, 43, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy

Despite its Romanesque facade, this building is famous for being one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture in Italy. Its Gothic style can be observed in the interior, which includes a nave and two aisles, an apse with a corridor, high vaults that are divided into six sections (similar to Notre-Dame de Paris), ogival arches, and the use of buttresses.

Address: Piazza Malpighi, 9, 40123 Bologna BO, Italy

Style: Renaissance

Built: 15th century

Address: Via Farini, 15 – 40124

Casa Saraceni is the historical residence of the noble Saraceni family. It is considered one of the most fascinating buildings from the late 15th-century Renaissance period.

It now serves as home to the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna. The ground floor of the building is used as an exhibition area for art exhibitions and other cultural events.

Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore is an old church with Romanesque and Venetian-style ogival windows and a dome designed by Antonio Morandi. It has four funerary cells from the 14th century, a portico with frescoes from the 13th century, and two cloisters from the 15th and 16th centuries. The complex is surrounded by Bologna’s 11th-century walls.

Address: Piazza Gioacchino Rossini, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

Palazzo Grassi, a Gothic-style palace from the 13th century, was owned by the Grassi family until 1848. It now serves as the home of Circolo Ufficiali dell’Esercito, a private Officer’s club.

Address: Via Marsala, 12, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

The Oratory of Saints Cecilia and Valeriano is next to the church of San Giacomo Maggiore in Bologna. It was built on the site of a Romanesque church commissioned by Giovanni II Bentivoglio. The frescoes inside the Oratory depict scenes from the lives of Saint Cecilia and her husband Valerian in ten panels, painted by talented Renaissance painters such as Francesco Francia, Lorenzo Costa, and Amico Aspertini.

Address: Via Zamboni, 15, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

San Giovanni Battista dei Celestini was rebuilt in its current Renaissance style from 1535 to 1554, and a bell tower was added in 1580. In the 18th century, Carlo Francesco Dotti and Francesco Tadolini reconstructed the church.

Address: Piazza de’ Celestini, 2, 40123 Bologna BO, Italy

Porta Lame is a gate located within the third city wall of Bologna. It was first constructed in the 13th century and featured a covered keep. By 1334, it was updated to include two drawbridges, one for carriages and another for pedestrians. Agostino Barelli, an architect, rebuilt the gate in a Baroque style between 1684 and 1677. The most recent restoration project took place from 2007 to 2009.

Address: Piazza VII Novembre 1944, 40122 Bologna BO, Italy

The Metropolitan Cathedral received its name from Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. Its current appearance dates back to the 1605 restoration and includes an innovative façade designed by Alfonso Torreggiani. The interior features works by renowned artists like Fontana, Carracci, and Creti. The bell tower is 70 meters tall and holds the city’s largest bell for the Bolognese method. Another bell, “la nonna,” weighing 7,275 lbs, cannot be rung using the traditional Bolognese method.

Address: Via Indipendenza, 9 – 40121

Senator Francesco Fantuzzi commissioned the construction of Palazzo Fantuzzi in 1521, with the completion of the building occurring in 1538. Its magnificent facade was designed to be grandiose, and it stands out as one of the rare noble palaces in Bologna without a portico. Unfortunately, the sandstone has deteriorated to the point where the dates engraved on the main floor windows are no longer legible.

Address: Via S. Vitale, 23, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy

Porta Mascarella is a medieval gate that was part of the outer walls. It has maintained its original appearance since the 13th century. The gate has been opened and closed several times due to security concerns. In 1354, a drawbridge was built over the moat, but it was closed again for safety reasons. The tower that once overlooked the gate was demolished in 1511 due to the risk of artillery fire.

Address: Piazza di Porta Mascarella, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

If you’re still on the fence about Bologna, check out “Is Bologna Worth Visiting.” We review a long list of factors you should consider before reserving a room and booking your flight.

If you only have one day in Bologna, we suggest visiting the recommended sites in the following order:

1. 1. Basilica of San Petronio
   2. Palazzo D’Accursio
   3. Torre dell’Orologio
   4. Palazzo Re Enzo
   5. Palazzo del Podestà
   6. Palazzo dei Notai
   7. Fontana del Nettuno
   8. Torre degli Asinelli
   9. Torre Garisenda
   10. Palazzo della Mercanzia
   11. Porticoes of Piazza Cavour and via Farini
   12. Santo Stefano Complex
   13. Casa Isolani
   14. Torre Prendiparte
   15. Basilica di San Domenico
   16. Archiginnasio Palace and Anatomical Theatre
   17. Church of Santa Maria della Vita
   18. Porta Galliera
   19. Chiesa di San Paolo Maggiore
   20. Triumphal Arcades of Strada Maggiore
   21. Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Servi
   22. Basilica di San Francesco
   23. Casa Saraceni
   24. Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore
   25. Palazzo Grassi
   26. Oratorio di Santa Cecilia
   27. Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista dei Celestini
   28. Porta Lame
   29. Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Peter
   30. Palazzo Fantuzzi
   31. Porta Mascarella

Following the suggested route will take you past all 31 places on the list above and many more amazing sights! If you want to take a slightly shorter tour, we recommend a couple of shortcuts that skip the 6 sites bolded above and save you about 2 hours.

Depending on your level of urgency, it will take approximately 6 hours to complete the full walking tour and about 4 hours to complete the abbreviated walking tour. These estimates allow time to stop for photos and take a peak inside the churches (along with an occasional drink of water). But they do not include tours of the attractions or visits to any museums.

Our suggested Bologna Walking Tour starts at the Palazzo Re Enzo in Piazza Maggiore, passes all 31 places on the list of best things to see, and ends back in Piazza Maggiore.

The first part of the tour is jam-packed and takes you to all the major attractions in and around Piazza Maggiore. You might want to take a short break once you’ve seen all these sights. Or, if you got off to a late start, this would be an excellent time to get lunch. From Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita, pass through the Mercato dell Mezzo, and you’ll be in the heart of the Quadrilatero where there are plenty of options for all types of food!

The second part of the tour will take you to several of Bologna’s famous towers. If you’re running late or want to get an early start on your wine tasting, you should skip the first few stops and go straight to the Two Towers (you’ll miss a few attractions, but they’re ones at the bottom of the list).

If you’re coming from Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita (or the Quadrilatero), check out Palazzo della Mercanzia on your way to the Two Towers. It’s an amazing building, and seeing it on your way will keep you from having to backtrack.

After seeing the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore, you should check out the Oratory of Santa Cecilia. The building is interesting, and you will walk through the amazing portico of the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore on the way.

Once you’ve seen the Oratory, you have a decision to make. If you want to see three of the existing ten city gates, continue on the suggested walking tour. Walking from the Oratory of Santa Cecilia past the three gates to Basilica di San Francesco will take an hour or more. Alternatively, you can skip the gates and walk straight to Basilica di San Francesco in about 20 minutes. (If you’re into medieval city walls and gates, it’s worth the time. If not, it’s a fair amount of walking to see three attractions.)

After visiting the Church of Saint Paolo Maggiore, you will next encounter the beautiful Portici di Piazza Cavour e Via Farini. These are some of the most ornate porticos in Bologna. Although the Basilica of San Domenico is a bit out of the way, it is worth seeing. If you’re not feeling up to it, you can skip it and save 20 to 30 minutes.

Whether you go to the Basilica of San Domenico or not, the Casa Saraceni is on the way to your last stop – the Complex of Santo Stefano, also known as the “Seven Churches.”

Whether you take the abbreviated or extended tour, you will finish back at Piazza Maggiore, where you started.

You’ll surely have worked up an appetite by this point! If you didn’t stop for lunch in the Quadrilatero, you should not pass up the opportunity a second time!

Florence has some of the best museums in the world. The Florence Walking Tour includes several museums because they are housed in historically significant buildings (the Uffizi Gallery and the Bargell0 National Museum are worth seeing from the outside even if you aren’t going in). Also, it is worth noting that the major churches have entry fees (except the Florence Cathedral – which is free) and are more like museums than churches. Basilica di Santa Croce even has an audio tour!

A proper visit to a few of these museums should be included in every Florence itinerary. While the lines can be very long, they do move quickly. The following are well worth waiting in line to visit (ordered by preference):

1. 1. Uffizi Gallery
   2. Opera del Duomo Museum
   3. Palazzo Vecchio
   4. Basilica di Santa Croce
   5. Gallery of the Academy of Florence
   6. Basilica di San Lorenzo
   7. Medici Chapel
   8. Palazzo del Bargello
   9. Pitti Palace
   10. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
   11. Florence Cathedral
   12. Baptistery of Saint John
   13. Palazzo Medici Riccardi
   14. Church and Museum of Orsanmichele

Finally, you can climb Giotto’s Bell Tower and Brunelleschi’s Dome. While these are somewhat strenuous activities, the views from the top are worth the effort. If you’re going to be in Florence for multiple days, you should consider doing these vigorous activities on different days. The Dome is probably the most impressive if you can only do one.

If you’re interested in the best walking tour experience, consider hiring a licensed tour guide. A private guide will bring the city to life with stories and insights, show you hidden gems, and personalize the experience to your interests.

Alternatively, a small group tour can also provide a great way to explore Bologna with like-minded travelers. Whichever option you choose, having a knowledgeable guide will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the city.

Book a highly-rated guided tour of Bologna to learn about its history!

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Bologna is May to June and September to October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

We spent the entire month of May in Bologna. The weather was cool but very rainy. Events and festivals were happening on most weekends, and the city was lively. But, it was not overcrowded.

If you fly into Guglielmo Marconi Airport, you can get to the city center by train, bus, or taxi. The airport is close to downtown (approximately 4 miles).

We recommend taking the train if you’re comfortable pulling your luggage on cobbled streets and your accommodation is close to the station. It only takes 7 minutes to get from the airport to Stazione Centrale. Unfortunately, it’s still a long walk from the train station to the city center.

Otherwise, you should probably take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. It will cost about 20€ and take 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and drop-off location. To arrange a taxi or private transfer, we recommend GetTransfer.

There are many great places to stay in Bologna. For the best experience, we recommend staying near Piazza Maggiore (the castle marker on the map below). The area around Piazza Maggiore is the most pedestrian-friendly, surrounded by restaurants and historical shops, and the main streets close to vehicles on the weekends and turn it into a giant pedestrian paradise.

Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

Do you need cellular data during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t loose it). Click below for more info.

Yes, Bologna is a city that is perfect for exploring on foot. Its compact size and well-preserved historic center make it ideal for walking tours. You can easily stroll through the narrow streets, admire the beautiful architecture, and discover hidden gems at every turn. Whether you’re visiting the iconic Piazza Maggiore or wandering through the vibrant markets, walking around Bologna will allow you to truly immerse yourself in the charm and atmosphere of this enchanting Italian city. So put on your most comfortable shoes and get ready to explore!

Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy, is renowned for its deep history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights. The city is often called “La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa” – meaning “The Learned, The Fat, The Red.”

Bologna is known for its prestigious university, founded in 1088 and considered the oldest university in the Western world. It has attracted scholars and intellectuals from around the globe for centuries, earning Bologna its nickname “The Learned.” The university’s influence can still be felt today as you explore the city, with its intellectual atmosphere and numerous libraries and museums.

In addition to its academic reputation, Bologna is celebrated for its culinary traditions. The city is considered the gastronomic capital of Italy, famous for its pasta dishes like tortellini and ragù, as well as its delectable mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Be sure to indulge in a food tour or visit one of the many traditional trattorias to experience Bologna’s mouthwatering flavors.

But Bologna’s charm doesn’t stop at its intellect and food. It extends to its striking architecture and vibrant atmosphere. As you wander through the city’s streets, you’ll be captivated by the beautiful buildings that line the cobblestone paths. From the iconic Two Towers, leaning precariously above the city skyline, to the grandeur of Palazzo del Podestà, Bologna’s architecture is a testament to its deep history.

Yes – you can visit the university during the day from Monday thru Saturday. A walking tour of Bologna would be incomplete without a visit to the prestigious University of Bologna. As you step onto its ancient campus, you’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by centuries-old buildings and a vibrant intellectual atmosphere. Founded in 1088, this renowned institution has a long and storied history, making it the oldest university in the Western world.

Take a stroll through the university grounds and soak in the traditions that have shaped generations of scholars. Immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere as students rush between classes or gather in lively discussions at outdoor cafes.

Absolutely! A walking tour of Bologna is highly recommended. The city is best explored on foot, immersing you in its fascinating history and beautiful architecture. You’ll be able to visit iconic landmarks like the Two Towers, the Basilica di San Petronio, and the Archiginnasio Palace. Each step will unveil a new layer of Bologna’s history and culture.

The duration of a walking tour in Bologna can vary depending on your pace and the specific sites you plan to visit. Generally, exploring the main attractions in the city center can take anywhere from half a day to a full day. If you want to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny, including lesser-known sights and hidden gems, you may want to allocate at least two days for your walking tour. Remember to take breaks along the way to soak in the atmosphere, grab a gelato, or enjoy a delicious Italian meal.

The time it takes to walk around Bologna, Italy, can vary depending on your pace and the specific route you choose. If you stick to the main sights in the city center, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day exploring on foot. However, if you want to truly immerse yourself in the city’s charm and discover its hidden corners, it’s best to allocate at least two days for your walking tour. Take your time to meander through the porticoed streets, admire the medieval architecture, and indulge in all that Bologna has to offer.

Yes, you can certainly walk almost everywhere in Bologna. The city center is compact and easily navigable on foot, making it a perfect place for a walking tour. You’ll be able to visit the main attractions, such as the Piazza Maggiore, Torre Asinelli, Quadrilatero, and Santo Stefano, all within walking distance of each other.

Absolutely! Touring Bologna on your own can be a delightful and rewarding experience. With a map and a sense of adventure, you can navigate the city’s porticoed streets at your own pace and discover its hidden treasures. There are plenty of guidebooks and online resources available to help you plan your itinerary and learn more about the city’s history and culture. Just remember to allocate enough time to explore each attraction thoroughly, take breaks to relax or savor some delicious Italian cuisine, and simply enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this magnificent city.

Yes, there are English language guided walking tours available in Bologna.