Tourist Attractions in Bologna

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Bologna

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Bologna

Among the picturesque hills of the Padana Plain in the blessed Emilia-Romagna region lies Bologna, one of Italy’s most prosperous cities, the culinary capital of the country and home to Europe’s oldest university. The historic centre of Bologna is full of palaces, temples and quarters built during the Early Middle Ages and well preserved thanks to timely reconstruction.

Once the great Copernicus and Dante roamed the streets, chefs painstakingly invented new types of pasta and sauce for Lucrezia Borgia’s wedding, and the founder of the ancient Dominican Order preached to a grateful flock. History itself was made in Bologna, whose secrets have been carefully preserved here for centuries.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Bologna

Fontana del Nettuno

 4.7/5

4492 reviews

Piazza Majdore is the central square of Bologna, which was formed in the 13th century. Initially, the city market was located here. The place was completely organised by the XVI century. The square is surrounded by Palazzo Podesta, Palazzo Comune, the Basilica of St Petronius (San Petronio) and other historical buildings. Piazza Neptuna borders the Maggiore to the north-west. It owes its name to the fountain of the same name with a bronze statue of the god, which was created in 1567.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Fontana del Nettuno

 4.7/5

4492 reviews

There is a curious story behind the fountain and the sculpture of Neptune. The statue was created by a Flemish master nicknamed Giambologna in 1567. The work was not liked by the Catholic clergy, as they felt that the nudity would embarrass the inhabitants. The clerics suggested that the sculptor put Neptune in trousers. In the end, it was decided to ask the citizens themselves and hold a referendum on the need to “cover the shame”. But the people of Bologna decided to leave everything as it is, and now the masterpiece adorns the square.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Hotel University

 4.2/5

410 reviews

The University of Bologna is the oldest and one of the most respected in Europe. The first faculties were formed here as early as the eleventh century. Dante, Petrarch and Copernicus are among the most prominent graduates of the institution. Until the 16th century, the university departments were located in several separate buildings, until Pope Pius IV ordered the construction of the Archigymnasium, the University Palace, which still adorns the architecture of Bologna.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Teatro Anatomico

 4.4/5

303 reviews

The theatre is located in one of the former buildings of the University of Bologna. It was established in 1637 after the lifting of the church ban on medical autopsies. Previously used as a demonstration room for medical students, the theatre now occasionally hosts performances (in one way or another related to anatomy). The original building was destroyed in 1944. Only the wooden sculptures survived, which now adorn the restored theatre.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Closed

Two Towers

 4.7/5

30531 reviews

Medieval buildings located near the Basilica of St Petronius. They are believed to have been erected at the beginning of the 12th century. The Azinelli Tower reaches a height of 97 metres and has a slope of 1.3° to the base. The Garisenda is considerably inferior in size, with a height of 48 metres. The structures served as both dwellings and defence fortresses. In the 20th century, Azinelli was home to a military observation post and a TV tower.

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Independence Street

The alley runs from the city’s central station to the main Piazza Maggiore. Along the street are the city’s mansions with through-arched galleries. There are an incredible number of shops of different price categories, coffee shops and Italian restaurants. The street is perfect for leisurely strolls, quality shopping and exploring the city.

Palazzo d'Accursio

 4.6/5

1258 reviews

The palace complex is located on the Piazza Maggiore. It appeared in the XII century thanks to the unification of individual buildings into a single architectural ensemble. Since 1336 the palazzo has been used as a residence of the city administration. On the territory of the palace there is also a museum “Giorgio Morandi”, where paintings of the XX century are exhibited. The interiors of Palazzo Comunale are decorated with decorative elements and frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Palazzo Re Enzo

 4.6/5

2236 reviews

The palace was built in the 13th century for the needs of the city administration. The name “Re Enzo” comes from the famous prisoner of the castle, the ruler of Sardinia, Enzo, who was imprisoned here for more than 20 years. There is a legend that his illegitimate son, conceived in the palace, started the lineage of the rulers of Bologna. Palazzo Re Enzo underwent two major renovations in the 18th and 20th centuries.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Palazzo del Podestà, Bologna

 4.6/5

231 reviews

The palace was built in 1200 for the head of the city administration (podesta). The interior was originally in Gothic style, but the 15th century Renaissance decoration has survived. The arched gallery, which occupies the entire ground floor, houses commercial premises. Palazzo Podesta is topped by a square crenellated tower. Access to the inside is only possible during events.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Palazzo della Mercanzia

 4.5/5

23 reviews

The palace houses the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bologna. The building was erected at the end of the 14th century in the Italian Gothic style. Until 1811 it housed the offices of the trade guilds and the merchants’ court. The palazzo is built of red brick, decorated with skilful frescoes and marble panelling. During the Second World War a bombing raid destroyed the façade, which was rebuilt by 1949.

Open time

Casa Isolani Piazza Maggiore 1.0

 4.5/5

60 reviews

A thirteenth-century three-storey dwelling house located about 300 metres from Piazza Maggiore. It is a valuable example of civic architecture at the crossroads of Romanesque and Gothic styles. A covered passage leads from the Isolani House to the Isolani Palace, built in the fifteenth century. This palazzo already has distinctly Italian Renaissance features.

Open time

Archaeological Museum of Bologna

 4.5/5

2873 reviews

The museum was founded in 1881. Its history began with an exhibition of archaeological finds from 1871, which was opened on the grounds of the Archigymnasium. The collection was later transferred to the Galvani Palace, specially restored for this purpose. The museum exhibition is divided into eight sections, which represent different historical periods. Many of the exhibits were borrowed from the collection of the University of Bologna.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Museo di Palazzo Poggi

 4.7/5

393 reviews

Museum of the University of Bologna, which brings together several collections. The exhibition is housed in a Renaissance palace complex. Since 1711 the Palazzo Poggi has housed the Scientific Institute with an astronomical observatory. In the museums you can admire collections of ancient geographical maps, picturesque frescoes, the unique collection of the naturalist scientist U. Aldrovandi and much more.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Museo Civico Medievale

 4.4/5

1018 reviews

The collection is located on the territory of the 15th century Ghisilardi Palace. The exhibition is based on the private collections of General L. F. Marsili, the aristocrat F. Cospi and the painter P. Palaggi. The museum has various exhibits that give an idea of how medieval Bologna lived. There are statues, stained glass windows, bas-reliefs, church vestments, tombstones and other interesting artefacts.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Palazzo Pepoli - Museo della Storia di Bologna

 4.4/5

553 reviews

The exhibition was opened in 2012. It is located in the Pepoli Palace. Now the museum is at the stage of active formation of funds. Interactive installations are available for visitors, with the help of which models of medieval streets and buildings are created. Some exhibits are presented in a very interesting perspective with the help of modern technologies. The museum collection is housed in 34 rooms.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Pinacoteca Nazionale

 4.6/5

2916 reviews

The city’s art museum, housed in a building formerly belonging to the Jesuit order. The Pinacoteca’s collection mainly consists of works by Italian artists from the 13th to 18th centuries. It is believed that the gallery was founded in the XVIII century thanks to Cardinal Prospero Lambertini, who later became Pope and became known as Benedict XIV. In 1796, the exhibits were confiscated from the churchmen and transferred to the municipal museum.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Bologna Municipal Theater

 4.6/5

1456 reviews

The building of the theatre began to be erected according to the project of A. Galli in the XVIII century, construction work continued until the 1930s, despite the fact that the stage was inaugurated in 1651. In 1981 the theatre was reconstructed. The Comunale Theatre has staged operas by Rossini, Bellini, Wagner and Verdi. Today, the repertoire consists of the same classic works that the public has come to love.

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Biblioteca Salaborsa

 4.7/5

826 reviews

Since 2001, the book collection has been housed in the Palazzo d’ Accursio, located in the main Piazza Maggiore. The library’s rooms are well equipped and technically advanced. Of particular interest is the children’s room, where you can borrow books written in different languages. Salaborsa’s courtyard is surrounded by a series of arched galleries and covered by a picturesque glass dome.

Open time

Monday: 2:30 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Mercato di Mezzo

 4.4/5

7535 reviews

The place is popular not only among tourists, but also among the residents of Bologna, as here you can eat delicious delicacies inexpensively and drink a couple of glasses of excellent Italian wine. The market’s small stalls are filled with local cheeses, prosciutto, pastries, fish and other products. Due to the large number of people, it is often crowded and there are not always enough tables for everyone.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Basilica santuario Santo Stefano - Complesso delle sette chiese

 4.8/5

1508 reviews

A complex of religious buildings located on the square of the same name. The temples of the complex date back to the Early Middle Ages, from the 5th to the 12th centuries. The structures were built in such a way as to repeat the outlines of the famous and revered in the Christian world Jerusalem temples. The complex was restored in the XIX-XX centuries, after which it acquired a modern appearance.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM

Santuario Madonna di San Luca

 4.7/5

9853 reviews

The history of the temple began in the XII century with the construction of a small church. In the XV-XVIII centuries the building was rebuilt several times, Baroque and Renaissance features were added to its architectural appearance. The construction works were finally completed only in the XX century. The Basilica is a centre of pilgrimage, as it houses a Christian shrine – an icon of the Virgin Mary with Jesus. It is believed to have been created by the evangelist St Luke, who lived in the first century.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Basilica di San Petronio

 4.5/5

3983 reviews

The ancient cathedral of Bologna, located in the main Piazza Maggiore. The construction of the temple lasted between 1390 and 1663. It is considered the fifth largest in Europe (height – 45 metres, length – 132 metres, width – 60 metres). The temple was erected in honour of Saint Petronius, who was the Bishop of Bologna in the 5th century. He is considered the patron saint of the city. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with valuable works of art created between the 12th and 15th centuries.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM

Basilica of San Domenico

 4.7/5

3389 reviews

The church contains the remains of St Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order, and is therefore the main shrine of the Dominicans. The magnificent marble tomb of St Dominic was worked on by such masters as Michelangelo, N. Pisano and A. Di Cambio. The basilica also houses the organ on which W.A. Mozart learnt to play during his life in Bologna.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:30 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:30 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:30 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:30 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:30 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:30 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:30 – 6:00 PM

Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro

 4.6/5

4133 reviews

The main cathedral of Bologna, built in the late 12th century in Romanesque style and rebuilt in the 13th century in Gothic style. The main bell tower and the crypt were created in the sixteenth century to the design of D. Tibaldi. Further modifications under the direction of various architects were made in the Baroque style. There is a museum at the temple, where various items of church utensils are on display.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Cimitero monumentale della Certosa di Bologna, Ingresso principale

 5/5

14 reviews

The necropolis has been in operation since 1801. It was created on the outskirts of Bologna on the territory of a former monastery, which was dissolved in 1796. Within the cemetery are the mass graves of soldiers of the First and Second World Wars. Certosa also contains the graves of the famous singer Farinelli, the writer R. Bakelli, the singer L. Dalla and other personalities who have contributed to the development of Italian culture.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM