Exploring the Beauty of Bologna
One of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities is Bologna, this gorgeous, ancient city is truly one-of-a-kind. Throughout the centuries, the city flourished under different historical regimes including the Holy Roman Empire, the House of Bentivoglio, and the Papal States.
The fascinating sights of this bustling city in Northern Italy are seemingly never-ending, with abundant beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Piazza Maggiore: Start your adventure at the heart of Bologna with one of Italy's biggest and oldest squares. The square was also home to one of Europe’s biggest open-air markets until the mid-1800s, with goods coming from all over the world.
It is a great place to just sit and people-watch and see the world go by and it’s where locals and visitors congregate all day and into the night. With its 115 meters of length, Piazza Maggiore is majestic and it houses the most important buildings of the medieval city. Apart from the Church of San Petronio, which is not to be confused with the Cathedral of San Pietro, Piazza Maggiore has many other historical buildings.
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Two Towers (Due Torri): The two towers are commonly recognized as symbols of Bologna and are located in the city's heart. One of them is also a leaning tower and you can take all 498 narrow, wooden steps to the top to get a spectacular view of the city.
These towers are the number one attraction in Bologna and one of the most commonly recognised symbols of the city. Commenced in the 11th century, they were constructed by the Asinelli and Garisenda families as defensive fortifications.
At 97.2 meters tall, the Asinelli Tower is the larger of the two, The smaller towers, the Garisenda, actually leans at a steeper incline than the Tower of Pisa.
Basilica di San Petronio: The Basilica of San Petronio is the largest and most important church in Bologna and is dedicated to the city's patron saint, located in Piazza Maggiore.
San Petronio is one of the world’s largest churches (the sixth largest in Europe): it’s 132 meters long, 60 meters wide and 45 meters high. The Basilica of San Petronio is open every day from 7.45 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance is free, but there’s a fee for taking photographs.
Mercato di Mezzo: A few steps from Piazza Maggiore you find the Mercato di Mezzo indoor market. Created by Oscar Farinetti with the idea of selecting the best local producers around Bologna.
Since 2014, after an important recovery and redevelopment project, it has hosted shops and food kiosks on the ground floor, a pizzeria on the first floor and a beer-wine bar in the basement.
National Art Gallery of Bologna (Pinacoteca Nazionale): Visit this gallery and Admire a rich collection of Italian paintings, including works by Giotto and Raphael.
In addition to its permanent collection, the art gallery also hosts medium and large temporary exhibitions, educational activities, seminars and conventions.
Bologna has so much to offer the visitor it will probably not be enough time to see everything but I'm sure you will love this friendly city.
