Bologna City Guide
A historic city full of hidden treasures Bologna is a medieval gem with rich architectural heritage and a reputation for culinary riches as well. Fortunately there is plenty to see and do to keep your waistline in check. Home of the oldest university in Europe, the buildings and museums of which dominate the town; Bologna is an entertaining and fascinating destination.
What to do and see in and around Bologna
Piazza Maggiore
Created in 1200 the Piazza Maggiore is the central square from which everything emanates. It is surrounded by some of the city's most impressive medieval and Renaissance buildings, and is the ideal spot to sit back relax and watch musicians and street performers whilst you drink your coffee. Piazza Maggiore along with its twin Piazza del Nettuno form the heart of the city.
Fontana del Nettuno
Located in the middle of Piazza del Nettuno the ornate Neptune Fountain (the city’s symbol) is a popular tourist attraction and rightly so. Commissioned by Pope Pious iv and built by the "Flemish" Giambologna in 1563 the statue is made of marble and bronze and represents the symbol of papel power. At Neptune’s feet are four cherubs who represent the Ganges, the Nile, the Amazon and the Danube - the rivers of the continents known to the Renaissance world.
Le Due Torri
Built in 1119 the two leaning towers are now famous tourist sites. The shorter tower Torre Garisenda was built first and was immortialised in Dante’s Inferno, the taller tower, the Torre degli Asinelli, was built shortly after and is over 300 feet tall. It leans about 3 feet and if you have a head for heights is well worth the climb for the fantastic views at the top.
Basilica di San Petronio
At the southern end of the Piazza Maggiore is the main church of Bologna, The Basilica di San Petronio is the fifth-largest church in the world, 132 metres in length and 60 in width. Dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Petronius, the first stone of construction was laid in June 7, 1390. The initial undertaking in erecting the gothic cathedral was to build a bigger Basilica than Saint Peter’s in Rome, however this intention was halted by the Pope and the smaller scale cathedral prevailed. The Basilica interior contains fifteenth-century frescoes of heaven and hell.
Basilica di San Domenico
Built after the death of St Domenico in 1221, his tomb lies inside the church, this magnificent piece of architecture contains many beautiful pieces, such as the 13th century sarcophagus by Nicola Pisano and Arnolfo Cambio representing episodes of the Saint's life as well as the angel candleholder made by Michelangelo himself. Located on the Piazza S. Domenico, the Basilica is well worth a visit.
Basilica di San Stefano
This group of churches known as “Holy Jerusalem” as they recall the passion of Jesus was built in the 8th century by the Longobards. The Basilica di San Stefano consists of the church of St.Vitale and Agricola, named after the relics of the first martyrs of Bologna, the church of the Holy Sepulchre which houses the small central temple which contained the remains of Saint Petronius until the year 2000 and the church of Saint John the Baptist.
Galleria Comunale d’Arte Moderna
Located in the relatively modern exhibitions district, the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art is housed in a building designed by Leone Pancaldi. The gallery exhibits avant-garde art from the post World War II period to present day as well as hosting temporary exhibits.
Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca
Located in the beautiful della Guardia hills to the south-west of the city is the
Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca built in honour of an image of the Madonna. The Sanctuary enjoys stunning panoramic views over Bologna. Every May the Madonna figure is carried around the city by its inhabitants in procession up to the sanctuary in worship.
Food market on Via Clavature
Bologna is renowned for its love of food and is commonly known as Bologna la grassa (the fat), with butter and cream proving more popular there than olive oil. Famous for its handmade pasta, such as tortellini, you can find this and much more in the indoor food market which takes place every morning on Via Clavature.
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