Welcome to Bologna

Bologna la dotta

For over a millennium, the ancient city of Bologna, has had numerous monuments with which to attract tourists: the museums, churches and palaces delight art connoisseurs arriving in the Emilia-Romagna capital, which is renowned for its expositions and international-scale events. Bologna’s ancient and prestigious university is a stronghold of Italian culture, and each year attracts thousands of youths.

The historic center

Piazza Maggiore - The main meeting point in the city is characterized by Neptune’s fountain, King Enzo’s Palace and by the splendid Podestà Palace.
Palazzo Comunale - The municipal is in an ancient fortress overlooking this square, and is adorned with magnificent halls and the surprising 500’s doorway with a statue of George XIII.
The Two Towers - The symbol of Bologna. Out of the two, the Asinelli tower is the tallest, nearly 100 meters. These two towers are the few survivors of the hundreds that were stood in 1300!
Palazzo Bevilacqua - Located in via D’Azeglio, the Tuscan renaissance style makes this palace one of the most beautiful in all of Bologna. The internal courtyard with decorations and sculptures is particularly splendid.

The Churches

San Petronio Basilica - The greatest and most important church in Bologna, dedicated to the patron saint of the city. The Basilica contains the oldest working organ in the world, which was made in 1470.
Saint Peter - The city’s cathedral, a gothic Roman building converted to baroque style in the 17th century. The brilliant Cathedral Treasure and other interesting works of art are preserved in this cathedral.
Saint Stephan - The complex of religious edifices known as the Sette Chiese (Seven Churches) is located in this square. The Calvario Church preserves the remains of Saint Petronio as well as a splendid Roman cloister.

The Museums

The National Gallery contains Emilio - Romagna painting from the 13th to the 19th century; and thus works by Giotto, Raffaello, Tiziano, and Tintoretto. Striking.
Modern Art Gallery - State of the art, contemporary experiments, installations and expositions dedicated to the vast expressive outlets.
Morandi Museum - Named after the Bolognese Giorgio Morandi. 250 works, extraordinary watercolors, paintings and drawings. A must-see.
The Archeological Museum - The prehistoric, Etruscan, and Roman ages: Bologna through the centuries. The Egyptian section is one of the best collections in Europe.
The Medieval Museum - An exploration of Medieval and Renaissance times admist weapons, sculptures, and priceless works of art.
Communication Museum - Nearly a thousand pieces which explain the history of the radio, of cinema, and of television. One section is dedicated to Guglielmo Marconi.

For more information, we suggest you buy the map Bologna dei Musei “Museums of Bologna”.

Bologna la grassa

Those who love the small pleasures in life, will enjoy life in Bologna. The city has a wide array of gastronomic as well as leisure opportunities, such as restaurants, trattorie, and fresh pasta shops. Some tortellini and good wine can be found next to any of the numerous clubs which entertain the university students with every genre of live music, happy hours and themed parties. Last of all, the selection of theatrical events in the city is surprisingly rich: musicals, comedies, experimental representations and dance shows are regularly organize with excellent results.