A visit to Bologna can be considered a trip back in time, specifically to the Middle Ages. In the 12th century it was considered one of the largest cities in Europe. At that time the huge towers were symbols of the power of the families who built them. Bologna is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy that will seduce you from the first moment. It is rich in heritage with many museums and art galleries, with medieval buildings, with excellent food and rich nightlife. Within three days you can cover almost all the sights, as the city center is easily walkable.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +39
Nearest airports from city center: Bologna Airport (10km), Florence Airport (95km), Parma Airport (99km), Rimini Airport (123km), Verona Airport (143km), Venice Airport (159km), Pisa Airport (169km),
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** PIAZZA MAGGIORE (Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO)
It is the symbol of the city and dates back to the 12th century. The Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo dei Notai, the Palazzo d’Accursio, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo dei Banchi are some of the attractions of the square.
*** BASILICA OF SAN PETRONIO (Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO)
It dates from the end of the 14th century and is of Italian Gothic architecture. The Basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Petronius.
*** LE DUE TORRI (Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, 40126 Bologna BO)
The Towers of Bologna are considered a landmark of the city and have medieval origins.
*** SANTUARIO MADONNA DI SAN LUCA (Via di San Luca, 36, 40135 Bologna BO)
It dates from 1765 and is in baroque architecture. It is a symbol of Bologna and is located on top of a hill.
*** BASILICA PATRIARCALE DI SAN DOMENICO (P.za S. Domenico, 13, 40124 Bologna BO)
It is one of the oldest churches. It dates from 1251 and houses relics of Saint Dominic. It is the headquarters of the Dominican Order of Bologna.
*** ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (Via dell’Archiginnasio, 2, 40124 Bologna BO)
Housed in the 15th-century Palazzo Galvani, it was inaugurated in 1881 and has one of the largest collections of Egyptian culture in the world. It also has exhibits from the ancient Roman and ancient Greek eras and one of the main numismatic collections in Italy.
*** MUSEO DUCATI (Via Antonio Cavalieri Ducati, 3, 40132 Bologna BO)
Anyone who loves motorcycles and especially Ducati brand, then you are in the ideal place. It is a special experience!
*** ARCHIGINNASIO MUNICIPAL LIBRARY (Piazza Galvani, 1, 40124 Bologna BO)
It is one of the landmarks of the city and houses the Municipal Library with rare books.
*** PINACOTECA NAZIONALE (Via delle Belle Arti, 56, 40126 Bologna BO)
It houses the Academy of Fine Arts and the collection it has is rare. It was opened in 1762 and is considered one of the most important museums in Italy.
*** BASILICA SANTO STEFANO (Via Santo Stefano, 24, 40125 Bologna BO)
It is a cluster and a complex of churches. It is known as “seven churches”, because it has many temples built in different eras.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Fontana del Nettuno is one of the most important monuments of the city.
*** The Teatro Anatomico is a science museum that we would recommend you visit.
*** Museo per la Memoria di Ustica is a special museum that has aircraft parts from a 1980 crash.
*** Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro is one of the most beautiful churches in the city.
*** Piazza Santo Stefano is one of the most central parts of the city and it is worth exploring this square as well.
*** MAMbo is the Museum of Contemporary Art that deserves your attention.
*** International Music Museum and Library is another place we would recommend you to visit.
*** Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande is one of the most beautiful palaces to explore.
*** Collezioni Comunali d’Arte is yet another place for art lovers.
FOOD AND DRINK
Italy is famous for its pizzas and pastas. Bologna could not, of course, be an exception. Parmigiano Reggiano, Green lasagna, Tortellini in brodo, Lasagna Bolognese, Lasagna Verde, Gramigna alla Salsiccia, Truffle Oasta, Cappelletti, Tagliatelle al ragu are some of the dishes we would recommend you to try. Also try Stuffed zucchini and Erbazzone. Bologna also has great sandwiches, such as Tigelle and Piadina. You will be enchanted with the salamis and cheeses. Squacquerone is a cheese loved by the locals. For dessert try Torta di riso, Zuppa Inglese and of course the famous ice creams. Red wine is the usual accompaniment to your meals.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find several hotels and apartments both in the city center and a few kilometers away from the city.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Galleria Cavour is the ideal place for your shopping.
*** Centroborgo and Meraville Parco Commerciale are two other good options for your shopping.
*** Galleria Falcone e Borsellino is preferred by the locals for their shopping.
*** Via dell’Indipendenza is one of the most central streets for your shopping.
*** Piazza Maggiore is one of the places where you can start your shopping with its multitude of shops.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bus.
CITIES NEAR BOLOGNA
Major cities close to Bologna are Florence (109km), Padova (122km), Verona (146km), Venice (154km), Milano (217km), Genoa (295km), Trieste (301km), Turin (353km).
