What to See in Bologna

The building houses the headquarters of the University of Bologna. The interior is decorated with frescoes by Pellegrino Tibaldi, on the ground floor is situated the Hall of Hercules with a statue by Angelo Piò (1730). On the northern side of the Palace is the monumental Aula Magna (1756). Also Palazzo Poggi hosts numerous University Museums.…

It had to be the largest church in the world and in the shape of a huge Latin cross, but was only completed the long arm and with the unfinished facade. The basilica is still one of the most beautiful examples of Italian Gothic style and is one of the greatest monuments in the city.…

Located at the Palazzo Galvani – a 14th century building. This building, an old hospital, houses a comprehensive collection of antiquities including Egyptian civilization (mummies and sarcophagi), Iron Age Villanova culture, artifacts from Etruscan Velzna, funerary art, terracotta urns, ancient vases and items from Roman times.…

Containing the city's most important art, it offers an interesting panorama of the Emilian and Venetian painting from the XIII to the XVIII century. A must: the works by Giotto, Raffaello, Parmigianino (Madonna col Bambino/Virgin Mary with Baby and the Saints Margaret, Girolamo and Petronio), Perugino, Tiziano and Tint…

Once the main building of the University of Bologna, it currently houses the Biblioteca comunale dell'Archiginnasio (Archiginnasio Municipal Library). The major attractions of the palace which can be visited are the amazing Teatro Anatomico (Anatomical Theatre) and the Sala dello Stabat Mater (Stabat Mater Hall).…

he painting collection offers works belonging to various historical periods. Special attention should be given to the paintings by Giuseppe Maria Crespi (Ritratto del cardinale Lambertini- Portrait of Cardinal Lambertini), Ludovico Carracci (S. Caterina in Carcere – S.…

The Philarmonic Academy of Bologna was established in 1666. Since then it has become a reference point for the city musical life and its fame has spread throughout Europe.…

Built in mid-18th century, it offers a panoramic view of the City, although offering only a glimpse of the old historic city. It can be reached by walking along the 666 arches of its unique portico. It has a peculiar layout, being of a round shape. A widely city-known icon, the Madonna di San Luca, is held there.

If you think Bologna's towers are crooked, then you'll want to see the deformed spines and diseased oddities at this gross-out Wax Museum. Although dedicated to the history of the art of medical anatomical models of the 19th century, the real fun are the conjoined twins and tumor-laden lepers on which showcases the art…

The palace was built between 1244-1246 as an extension of the nearby Palazzo del Podestà. It takes its name from Enzio of Sardinia, Frederick II's son, who was prisoner here from 1249 until his death in 1272. The current Gothic appearance dates from the restoration of 1905 due to Alfonso Rubbiani.

The Museum of European Students is about the history and culture of university students from the thirteenth to the twentieth century. Closed on Monday; Admission free. Don't miss this when you are interested in student life. It's unique.

Bologna's city hall, with a very rich collection of Renaissance paintings, sculptures and antique furniture, is a 14th-century palace. Don't miss its enormous main staircase, which was designed to be used by horse drawn carriages.

Created in the mid-16th century for medicinal herbs. Currently the Botanical gardens are home to over 5,000 plant species. Some of the highlights include a full-grown sequoia, and a greenhouse for cacti and carnivorous plants.

Located at the Specola, an astronomical tower built in the beginning of XVIII-century over Palazzo Poggi. The material exposed illustrates the evolution of the astronomic instrumentation through the centuries.

Donated to the city in 1916, the gardens were originally owned by the Cella family. The 18th-century Villa delle Rose, which was the Cella's residence, hosts art exhibitions throughout the year

The oldest park in the city. A public park since the 17th century. Much of the current landscaping dates from the early 19th century. The pond in the center of the park was added in 1888.

60m tower, the second largest in the city. Presumably it used to be higher than its current height. Currently it's B&B and room for events, also hosts shows and presentations.

Named for the lawyers who used to add glosses (notes) to documents. The tombs, which date from the end of the 13th century, are home to many of Bologna's famous scholars.

A fountain built in 1563 by Tommaso Laureti of Palermo later embellished by Jean de Boulogne (called Giambologna). It is considered to be one of Bologna’s symbols.

Represents the evolution of the Bolognese motorcycle firm. An exposition of motorcycles, period materials, projects, mechanical components, pictures and videos.

Walk through the historic 666 porticos – the longest portico passage in the world, leaving from the Porta Saragozza at the end of Via Saragozza.

The old seat of the Notary's guild. It was built in 1381 and completely restored in 1908 by Alfonso Rubbiani. Inside there are some frescoes 15th century.

One of the main streets of Bologna. It is a meeting point and strolling area. It opens up to Piazza di porta Ravegnana, where the two towers rise.

A former 16th century church. It currently hosts the Biblioteca di Arte e di Storia di San Giorgio in Poggiale (Art and History Library).

Houses about 2000 works by Italian and foreign artists with special attention to the sculptures by Manzù, Messina, Rodin and Giacometti.

The tower (built between 1109 and 1119) is 97.20 metres tall (330 feet), with 498 steps and an incline of 1.3 meters (4 feet).

This Church contains "The Lamentation", a life-size terracotta group sculpture, Renaissance masterpiece by Niccolò Dell'Arca.

This famous car maker in Italy has been producing some of the most sought-after luxury sports cars in the world for decades

The last palace to be built in Piazza Maggiore. Its current Renaissance-style palace façade dates to the 16th century.

Bologna's main cemetery, with beautifully carved tombstones, built over the ruins of an ancient Etrusan necropolis.

Torre dei Garisenda is 47 m (162 feet) tall and has a lean of over 3m (10 feet). It was built in the 12th century.

A former church contains works of Carracci and Guido Reni. It currently used for concert perfomances.

A nice collection of modern art, if you want a break from the more classical pieces that abound in Italy.

Located in the area of the former ghetto, this museum covers the history of Bologna's Jewish population.

16th century building decorated by frescoes by Carracci. It currently hosts temporary exhibitions.

On the grounds of the Palazzo Ravone an 18th-century villa, it was opened to the public in 1970.

Bologna's main park created in 1875. The chalet converts to a nightclub in the summer evenings.

Opened in 1993, the museum houses most of the works by the Bolognese painter Giorgio Morandi.

The medieval Torre Galluzzi (Galluzzi Tower) dominates this tiny square.

47m, built in the 13th century. It's built into the Palazzo del Podestà.

A little window on the Moline Canal — the Little Venice of Bologna.

16th century building which currently hosts temporary exhibitions.

A large park featuring meadows, fields, wooded areas, and a lake

A collection of paintings in 17th century palazzo Davia.

Designed and built by Tomasso Martelli in the 16th century.

The Museum of the history of Bologna is located there.

The international museum and library of music of Bologna

Rocks, precious stones, rare minerals and meteorites

Bones, and artefacts of prehistoric Italians.

With small houses built in the 16th century.

Currently hosts Tagliavini Collection

The first seat of the city government.

Part of Musei Civici d'Arte Antica