Located in northern Italy, Bologna is the vibrant historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Its famous Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling, medieval-themed plaza lined with cafes and arched colonnades. It's also home to the Bologna Cathedral.
Canale delle Moline
During the Middle Ages, Bologna was a city that relied heavily on its canal network. These canals carried goods across the city before the introduction of road transport. Today, only a few remain in use. However, there are still plenty of sights to see in Bologna.
One of the best places to see the city's canals is the Canale delle Moline. This canal is one of the five waterways that run through the city's center. The canal's intricate lock system dates back to the 12th century. The canal is one of the best ways to discover medieval Bologna.
The Canale delle Moline is also known as the "Little Venice." The canal is one of the best places to visit if you want to see Bologna's canal system.
Another place to visit is the Basilica di San Petronio. This church is famous for its classical features and marble facade. It is also home to twenty-two chapels in the lower nave. The church features imposing columns and beautiful frescoes. The interior is also beautiful.
Another beautiful place to visit is the Cappella Bolognini, which is dedicated to Saint Petronius. This church features two ancient organs and magnificent frescoes. It also features an original depiction of heaven and hell.
The Torre degli Asinelli is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bologna. If you are interested in seeing the medieval towers of Bologna, this is a great choice. It's open year-round, and you can even get tickets that combine local food tasting with the tour. Tickets are available on the official site. You can also purchase timed entry tickets to get the best value.
Archiginnasio
Visiting the most beautiful places in Bologna is easy with so many wonderful churches and monuments to see. You can also take a tour of the city and try some of the delicious local foods. Some of the most popular monuments in Bologna are the Archiginnasio, the Basilica di San Petronio, and the Le Due Torri.
The Archiginnasio is a 16th century building that once served as the main building of the ancient University of Bologna. Today, it serves as the seat of the Municipal Library. It is also home to the Anatomical Theater. The Anatomical Theater is a 17th-century anatomical lecture hall that was used for anatomical lectures. It is built entirely in wood, with seating platforms on either side.
The Archiginnasio building also contains an extraordinary interior. In the Stabat Mater Hall, you can see coats of arms that were designed by students from all over the world. The building was damaged by bombing in 1944, but was rebuilt after the war.
You can also visit the Archiginnasio Municipal Library, which is housed inside the Stabat Mater Hall. The library offers free internet access. The library also has book readings and a library store. You can also visit the Biblioteca Salaborsa, which is a medieval building that contains Roman ruins. The Biblioteca Salaborsa also offers an audio tour of the history of the University of Bologna.
The Basilica di San Petronio is the 10th-largest church in the world. It has a marble and brick facade and was constructed as a rivalry with Rome. It has been the victim of several terrorist attacks, including one in 2002.
Santuario di Madonna
Located on the hilltop of Monte della Guardia, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is one of the oldest basilicas in Bologna. It was first built in 1194 but didn't get completed until 1765. The building is made of orange/pink material and has a central basilica, a green dome, and plenty of fantastic decoration. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bologna.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca overlooks Bologna. It is situated on a forested hill about 300 metres above the city plain. The sanctuary features a central basilica, a symbol of the Virgin Mary, and point-by-point frescoes painted by Luke the Evangelist. It is located south of the historical center of Bologna and can be reached by road or special train. If you want to visit the sanctuary, you need a Bologna Welcome Card PLUS to enjoy a free round-trip ticket.
The sanctuary includes a central basilica, a crypt, a museum, and courtyards. It also features a sculpted sarcophagus called Arca di San Domenico. The building is also home to three statues of Buonarroti. The Buonarroti statues were created by Michelangelo.
Another church to see in Bologna is the Basilica of St. John of Bologna, which features beautiful frescoes. The interior of the Basilica is breathtaking and includes imposing columns. The interior is also home to the icon of the Virgin Mary with infant Jesus. This icon is believed to protect Bologna.
Drogheria della Rosa
Located on Via Cartoleria in Bologna, Drogheria della Rosa is one of the best places to eat in Bologna. The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine and offers excellent service. The menu is reasonably priced and features local specialties such as fresh meats, pasta, and a wide selection of wine.
This cozy restaurant is owned by Emanuele Addone. He has been running his restaurant for more than 20 years. He has a deep respect for traditional Bolognese cuisine. His menu includes dishes such as dainty tortellini in a rich capon broth, agnolotto, and salame. He also offers the city's best cold cut platter, fried crescentine, and cheese gelatos with fig jam.
Drogheria della Rosa serves excellent food and good service, and it is easy to find. The restaurant is in a quiet neighborhood near the Chiesa di San Giovanni in Monte. The staff is helpful and attentive. The price is reasonable and the menu is easy to navigate. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating.
The wine menu is extensive and the restaurant serves excellent rose wine and local wine. There are also plenty of options for dessert. The flan is topped with chocolate and seasonal fruit. The chocolate custard is a favorite.
The restaurant also has an outdoor seating area under a portico. The atmosphere is a mix of old and new. There are porticos on the outside of the restaurant and the interior has a bohemian feel.
Basilica of San Petronio
Located in the heart of Bologna, the Basilica of San Petronio is one of the city's most imposing churches. The church was built to commemorate Bologna's patron saint, Saint Petronius. The basilica is also one of the largest Gothic churches in Bologna.
The basilica is located on the city's main square, Piazza Maggiore. The facade of the basilica is composed of two horizontal bands, with a central door surrounded by bas-reliefs of Genesis. The lower section of the basilica is clad in red marble. The upper section is framed by rough walls and protruding bricks.
The interior of the basilica is beautiful. There are numerous chapels. There are two important organs in the church. There are also a series of statues by Jacopo della Quercia, one of the great Renaissance sculptors.
The facade of the basilica is also home to the oldest sundial in the world. The sundial was installed in 1600. This sundial marks the passing of time with a ray of light that intersects the meridian line.
The lower section of the basilica features three doorways. The architrave is made of marble and features scenes from the New Testament. The lower section of the basilica is covered in stone and has three full-length windows in stippled marble. The upper section of the basilica is covered in exposed brick.
The Basilica of San Petronio is also home to 22 side chapels. These chapels have intricate decorations.
Scalinata
Among the many things to do in Bologna is to visit the Scalinata di Spagna. It's an elegant double staircase that leads up to the Montagnola Park. It's a popular destination for tourists. There's also a terrace to enjoy the views of Rome.
The Scalinata di Spagna has three-star facilities. The apartments are located on the second floor of a stately period building built in 1888. It's in the heart of the historical city center.
Bologna has a rich culinary heritage. The city offers delicious foods that are inspired by the region's traditions. Bologna is also known for its red wine, Lambrusco. It is also known as the gastronomic capital of Italy.
A visit to Bologna isn't complete without visiting its museums. Bologna's museums are filled with ancient relics and remarkably preserved frescoes. They're a must-see for history buffs.
The Basilica of San Petronio is a colossal church. It's located in a medieval town center, with Gothic towers and cobbled alleys. The interior of the church is very beautiful. The ceiling is covered with frescoes. There's also a small oratorio.
The Pinacoteca Nazionale, or National Art Gallery, is also a must-see. It features towering oil paintings and well-preserved outdoor frescoes. Special exhibits are held here as well.
The University of Bologna is the oldest higher learning institution in the Western world. It's located in Piazza Maggiore. The university enrolls thousands of students each year.
