Things to do in Bologna
Discover Bologna's red-hued medieval architecture on foot, following the extensive covered porticoes across the city. Make a bee-line for the historic centre's heart, Piazza Maggiore, throwing a coin in the Neptune Fountain nearby. Visit the enormous San Petronio Basilica before heading east to the Two Towers. The taller Asinelli Tower can be climbed for bird's-eye views. Most museums close on Monday and smaller museums also shut for lunch.
Archaeological Museum of Bologna
Ancient history museum
South-east of Piazza Maggiore square, the Archaeological Museum of Bologna
occupies a remarkable 15th-century palace. Collections trace Bologna's
development from prehistoric to Roman times, with fine displays of statues,
tombstones and coins. The Etruscan and Egyptian collections are particularly
good.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Tue-Fri 9am-3pm; Sat & Sun 10am-6.30pm
Address
2, Via dell'Archiginnasio, Bologna 40124
Telephone
+39 051 27 57 211
National Picture Gallery of Bologna
Fine art collection
Bologna's outstanding collection of 13th-18th-century paintings is one of
Europe's finest. Housed in a former monastery north-east of Piazza Maggiore
square, the National Picture Gallery of Bologna's highlights include classic
works by Raphael, Tintoretto, the Carracci brothers and Guido Reni.
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Cost
€4; concessions €2; children free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 9am-7pm
Address
56, Via Belle Arti, Bologna 40126
Telephone
+39 051 420 9411
Medieval Civic Museum
Middle ages museum
Bologna's Medieval Civic Museum sheds light on the city's often turbulent
history. The museum's fascinating collection of bronze statues, armour,
artefacts, illuminated books and monumental tombs is housed in the
beautifully frescoed Ghisilardi-Fava palace, north of Piazza Maggiore
square.
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Cost
Free; exhibition charges may apply
Opening Hours
Tue-Fri 9am-3pm; Sat & Sun 10am-6.30pm
Address
4, Via Manzoni, Bologna 40121
Telephone
+39 051 219 3916
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna's meeting place
Pedestrianised Piazza Maggiore is Bologna's main square and favourite meeting
point. Perfect for people-watching, the piazza is flanked by bustling cafés
and some of the city's most imposing medieval and Renaissance buildings,
including San Petronio Basilica and Palazzo Comunale (town hall).
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna 40124
Transport
Bus 11, 20 or 30 to Piazza Maggiore
San Petronio Basilica
Patron saint basilica
Named after Bologna's patron saint, San Petronio Basilica is the city's most
important church. The Gothic masterpiece dominates Piazza Maggiore square,
with 22 chapels and a notable carved doorway. Visit the museum to explore
the history of the building's construction.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily 7.45am-12.30pm and 3pm-6pm
Address
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna 40124
Telephone
+39 051 231415
Two Towers
Bologna's leaning towers
Medieval Bologna was dotted with perhaps 100 towers, built by competing
families for protection and prestige. Twenty remain, and the Asinelli and
Garisenda, east of Piazza Maggiore square, are the most famous. Climb the
taller, less tilted Asinelli for spectacular views.
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Cost
€3
Opening Hours
Daily May-Sep 9am-6pm, Oct-Apr 9am-5pm
Address
Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, Bologna 40126
Neptune Fountain
Imposing bronze statue
Surrounded by cavorting cherubs and mermaids representing the Ganges, Nile,
Amazon and Danube, the muscular statue of Neptune dominates Piazza Maggiore
square's north-west corner. Neptune Fountain was sculpted by Flemish artist
Giambologna in 1563. Visit at night when floodlit.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna 40124
Transport
Bus 11, 20 or 30 to Piazza Maggiore
Botanic Garden
University's historic gardens
Bologna University's Botanic Garden is amongst the oldest in Europe, founded
in 1568. A welcome stretch of green in the university precinct, the gardens
include local and exotic specimens, medicinal plants, greenhouses,
ornamental gardens and natural woodlands.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 8am-3pm; Sat 8am-1pm
Address
42, Via Irnerio, Bologna 40126
Telephone
+39 051 2091299
Sunday Passeggiata
Walk under the porticoes
Taking a Sunday Passeggiata (stroll) under Bologna's famous porticoes is a
centuries-old tradition. From Piazza Maggiore square, head south-west to
Porta Saragozza. From here, the world's longest portico leads to hilltop
Madonna di San Luca Sanctuary for fabulous views.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna 40124
Transport
Bus 11, 20 or 30 to Piazza Maggiore
