The Best Travel Guide to Bologna

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Bologna

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Europe Italy Bologna

Overview

Bologna The guide was updated: 2024-03-25

As the capital of the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is an art city, a university centre and a place renowned for its excellent cuisine. It hosts important international trade fairs and is one of the world’s greatest motor cities. Ducati, Lamborghini and Maserati were all born in Bologna and Ferrari’s headquarters can be found in nearby Modena.

Facts

Population:	387,971 (2023)
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Carabinieri: 112 Police: 113 Ambulance: 118 Fire Brigade: 115
Newspapers:	Il resto del Carlino: www.ilrestodelcarlino.it L'Unità: www.unita.it La Repubblica: www.repubblica.it Corriere della Sera: www.corriere.it La Stampa: www.lastampa.it Il Sole24ore: www.ilsole24ore.com
Website:	www.bolognawelcome.com/en
Opening hours:	Shops in Bologna are usually open from 9am to 12:30pm and from 3:30pm to 7:30pm.
Tourist information:	Bologna Welcome - Official Tourist Office Piazza Maggiore 1/e, Bologna +39 051 6583111 Open Mon–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm

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Section in Bologna

The centre of Bologna is one of the best preserved in Europe, and it is full of beautiful palaces and churches packed with artworks that bear witness to the cultural importance of the city over the centuries. Its historical city centre is also considered one of the largest in Europe.

Two Towers (Torre Degli Asinelli & Torre Della Garisenda)

Two Towers (Torre Degli Asinelli & Torre Della Garisenda)

Le due Torri (The Two Towers), Garisenda e degli Asinelli, are iconic symbols of Bologna's skyline, dating back to the 12th century. Towering over the city, they stand as testament to Bologna's medieval heritage and architectural splendour. While the Garisenda Tower is known for its distinctive lean, the Asinelli Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit.

Bologna’s Town Hall

Bologna’s Town Hall

The Palazzo Comunale (or Palazzo d'Accursio) is Bologna’s town hall. The upper level of the palace is the home of the civic museum Collezioni Comunali d'Arte (Municipal Art Collections) where a large collection of Renaissance paintings and other pieces of art can be enjoyed.

National Gallery

National Gallery

The National Gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale) is the most important art gallery in Bologna and boasts one of the richest collections in Northern Italy. Art from major Italian artists, including local artists are housed here. Here you will find works of art, dating back from the 14th and 15th centuries to the Renaissance period and art from the 16th century.

Basilica of San Petronio

Basilica of San Petronio

Standing on Bologna’s main square, (Piazza Maggiore), the Basilica of San Petronio is one of the largest medieval churches in Italy and an important symbol of the city. The inside is full of Gothic archways, stained glass windows and doors from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Basilica of Santo Stefano

Basilica of Santo Stefano

This extraordinary religious site consists of four medieval churches, originally there were seven churches, and therefore it is known by the name of Sette Chiese (Seven Churches). Besides churches, this peaceful complex contains cloisters, tombs and courtyards, a great place to browse religious art and artefacts as well. The most interesting is the church of the Sepolcro, which preserves a representation of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

University of Bologna

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, stands as the oldest university in the Western world, boasting a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. Some of the famous people who have been teaching here include Nicolaus Copernicus and Francesco Petrarca. Renowned for its distinguished faculty, diverse student body, and commitment to research and teaching across a wide range of disciplines, the University of Bologna continues to be a global leader in higher education.

Fountain of Neptune

Fountain of Neptune

Crafted by the skilled sculptor Giambologna in the 16th century, the colossal Fontana di Nettuno graces the heart of Piazza Maggiore with its majestic presence. The life-size bronze statue of Neptune, poised atop a shell-shaped chariot pulled by seahorses and surrounded by allegorical figures, exudes a sense of power and elegance. Serving as an iconic landmark of Bologna, the fountain not only embodies the city's rich artistic heritage but also functions as a gathering point for residents and tourists to appreciate the intersection of art, history, and civic life in this charming Italian city.

Basilica of San Domenico

Basilica of San Domenico

Built in 1251, this is the birthplace of the Dominican order and the resting place of its founder — Saint Dominic. It is one of the richest churches in Bologna when it comes to history and art. The small museum houses art and precious artefacts like the relic of Louis IX of France. Be sure to also admire the beautiful Romanesque façade and Gothic chapels.

Italian Cooking Class

Italian Cooking Class

If you want to learn how to cook a perfect pasta Bolognese, there's no better place to do it than in Bologna, the home of the world’s famous sauce. Agriturismo San Giuliano organizes classes in pasta making and cooking traditional Italian food. The courses can be held in Italian, English, French or Spanish.

Ducati Museum

Ducati Museum

If motorcycles fascinate you, the Ducati Museum, on the outskirts of Bologna, is a must. At the Ducati Factory, you can see the history of this world-famous brand from the year of 1926 until today. You can also join the factory tour, just make sure to book in advance.

Certosa di Bologna

Certosa di Bologna

The Certosa di Bologna is a former Carthusian monastery, which was founded in 1334 and suppressed in 1797. In 1801, it became the city's Monumental Cemetery, which is known for its unique sculptures, architecture and Etruscan tombs. Just beside the graveyard, you can find the area where the non-Catholic persons were buried, a Jewish cemetery, and a crematory area.

MAMbo — Bologna Modern Art Museum

MAMbo — Bologna Modern Art Museum

Opened in 2007, MAMbo is housed within a former industrial space constructed in 1915, which previously operated as a bakery for many years. The museum features a diverse collection showcasing art from World War II to the present, featuring renowned Italian and foreign artists.

Ferrari Maranello Museum

Ferrari Maranello Museum

The Italians see their luxury car brand Ferrari as a religion and their beautiful cars as saints. In the city of Maranello just outside Bologna, you can find its factory. In a separate building next to it, a 2,500 square meter museum welcomes guests to discover the history of the brand and to be fascinated by the fast cars.

Bologna Municipal Theater

Bologna Municipal Theater

Inaugurated in 1763, The Teatro Comunale di Bologna is the heart of Bologna's cultural life and is considered to be one of the most important opera venues in Italy. Opera, ballet, symphonic concerts or contemporary music, regardless of what you choose, will be a cultural high point to remember.

Lamborghini Automobile Museum

Lamborghini Automobile Museum

Located in Sant'Agata Bolognese, the birthplace of Lamborghini, the museum offers visitors a fascinating journey through decades of cutting-edge design and engineering. Showcasing a striking collection of Lamborghini's legendary sports cars, including sleek models and prototypes, the museum provides automobile enthusiasts with a close-up look at the brand's evolution.

Park of Montagnola

Park of Montagnola

Park of Montagnola (Parco della Montagnola) is an enchanting green space nestled in the heart of the city. With its lush vegetation, meandering pathways, and charming pond, the park provides a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, picnics, or simply basking in the beauty of nature.

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