Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

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Not many European cities have such a harmonious combination of modern achievements and historical monuments. The famous sights of Bologna silently tell about the glorious history of the city, which the locals are proud of. Given that the city is associated with a fun student life, delicious Italian cuisine and special architecture, every tourist will find something to see in Bologna while traveling.

First things to see in Bologna

< p> Since Bologna is a major transport hub, it is easy to get here by any means of transport. To see interesting places in the city, any of them is good, the main thing is to set a goal.

1. Neptune's Fountain

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Fountain of Neptune in front of the entrance to the Palazzo Re Enzo

Looking at the sights of Bologna on the Internet with photos with names and descriptions, you invariably pay attention to this giant, which the inhabitants of the city are proud of. Majestically towering on the square of the same name, the bronze Neptune with a trident looks at passers-by. By the way, there is an opinion that the trident, which God holds in his hands, became the prototype of the Maserati logo. Because of the “naked” appearance of Neptune, the fountain is called “shameless”.

Official website: http://nettuno.comune.

2. Piazza Maggiore and Neptune

 Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Piazza Maggiore and Neptune at night in the center of Bologna

Founded in the 13th century, Piazza Maggiore originally housed a market square where, in addition to trade, jousting tournaments and public festivities were held. Here people read laws, decrees of the authorities. Today it is the front face of Bologna. It borders on Neptune Square. In both squares there are several palazzos with magnificent architecture that are of historical value. Around are excellent hotels in Bologna, where guests are always welcome.

Official website: https://www.bolognawelcome

Official website: https://www.bolognawelcome.com

3. University Palace

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Building of the Faculty of Law of the University of Bologna sailko

The palace has a rich history and is considered the oldest in Europe. A trip here will not be in vain – what is worth seeing is the luxurious interior decoration that decorates the lecture room, reading room and many library rooms. Be sure to check out the anatomical museum (for a fee, with Russian annotations) and the courtyard with commemorative inscriptions, coats of arms, emblems of students and teachers, which later became widely known. The exhibition of the Italian press with exhibits from the 18th century is also interesting.

Official website: https://www.unibo.

4. Asinelli and Garisenda Towers

Sights of Bologna: Top 25

High stone towers: on the left – Garisenda tower, on the right – Asinelli in the center of Bologna

These are the sights of Italy that do not need to be introduced, although they have not yet reached the glory of the Pisan “sister”. Garisenda, which is lower, slopes more strongly, but Asinelli is almost twice as high. The angle of inclination of the latter, just over a degree, would not have been noticeable if this tower had been low. With a height of 97 m, its top deviates from the center by more than 2 meters! The deviation of Garisenda is slightly less. By the way, it was Garisenda that Dante mentioned in his Divine Comedy. From the top you have a stunning view of the beauties of Bologna, but note that there is no elevator.

Official website: https://www.duetorribologna

5. Anatomical theater

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Hall for anatomical lectures and demonstrations on the territory of the University of Bologna Rob Oo

Located on the territory of the University, the theater received the most worthy recommendations from tourists. The wooden interior with a marble table, on which operations and scientific research were carried out, and complete authenticity of the design, fully convey the spirit of the Middle Ages. Today lectures for students are given there, the library is equipped with modern equipment, which makes it possible to hold online conferences there.

See the beautiful places of Bologna in this wonderful video!

6. Independence Street

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Shops in the open arched galleries of houses along Independence Street

What is a trip without profitable and interesting shopping! The busiest street is full of shops and souvenir shops where you can choose everything you need for yourself and your friends if you are thinking about gifts. The first floors of the buildings located on the streets are made in the form of arcades – arched galleries, a walk through which will not spoil even a downpour.

7. Palazzo Re Enzo

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

The facade of the building of the palace of King Enzo overlooks Piazza Maggiore in Bologna

The palace is shrouded in many secrets and legends associated with the name of Enzo, the emperor's son, who was captured in the struggle for the papacy. Until his death, he was kept here as a prisoner. For a long time the palazzo served as a prison. The exterior of the building is very beautiful, inside the palazzo is decorated with ancient frescoes. The building is known for its strong acoustics, so even a whisper here sounds deafeningly loud.

Official website: http://www.palazzoreenz.

8. Palazzo Comunale Palace

Bologna Attractions : Top 25

Palazzo Comunale or Palazzo d'Accursio in Piazza Maggiore Georges Jansoone

Where to go in Bologna to fully enjoy the creations of talented Italian architects? You will not pass by this palace, it is located on the main city square, in addition, it stands on a hill, so it is visible literally from everywhere. Inside the majestic, powerful building used to be the city hall of Bologna, today there is a library and museums. The palace includes the Giorgio Morandi Museum, where his works are kept. The facade is decorated with a monument to one of the popes, made of bronze. The small frescoed chapel nearby is also worth seeing.

Official website:https://www.bolognawelcome

9. Palazzo della Mercancia

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Palazzo della Mercancia or Trade Palace built of dark brick at sunset in Bologna

Once there was a customs building. Through the efforts of an Italian architect on this site at the end of the XIV century. The Palace of Commerce was built in a solemn Gothic style. The battlements at the top of the wall may suggest that they belonged to a fortress for a long time, but this is a tribute to the architectural direction. The city's Chamber of Commerce is also located here.

10. Palazzo Podesta

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Palazzo Podestà – the city's first palace in Piazza Maggiore in night illumination

The medieval building of the palazzo, decorated only with arches and forked battlements on the walls, is a tourist attraction of Bologna. Outwardly, it is also similar to the fortress, today exhibitions are held here. In front of the palace, there is a monument to Paul V on the square. The lower floor, equipped with arches, serves as a double arcade in which fashion shops are located.

Official website: https://www.bolognawelcome< /p>

11. Isolani House

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Facade of the three-storey residential building Isolani Antenor81

Three-story mansion built in the 13th century. with three wooden columns (during the last restoration they were reinforced with two brick ones), which support a kind of balcony. It is these columns that attract the attention of tourists, the building itself is a masterpiece of Parma architecture. There is a plaque on the building informing about the belonging of the house to the Isolani family.

12. Museum of the History of Bologna

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

A modern interactive museum of the history of Bologna in an ancient palace – Pepoli Palazzo

We will advise what to visit in Bologna from non-standard sights. The concept of this museum, opened in 2012, is focused on interactive technologies. Entering the futuristically designed lobby, you find yourself in the world of 3D technology, reigning in 34 themed rooms. Arranged in chronological order, they tell about the history of Bologna with a dedication to a variety of interesting nuances that are not found in tourist guides. The museum is located in Pepoli Palazzo, occupying 3 floors there.

Official website: https://genusbononia.it/en/

13. City Archaeological Museum

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Courtyard in the Municipal Archaeological Museum of Bologna Sailko

A small museum in the city center with an interesting collection of artifacts that once belonged to the Etruscans gets the best reviews from travelers. This place is a paradise for fans of archeology. Many exhibits (mostly weapons) are supplemented with schemes for their manufacture. The exhibition of Ancient Egypt here is the best in Europe. The expositions are replenished until today.

Official website: http://www.museibologna

14. Museum of the Middle Ages

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

A pair of glass flasks with the coats of arms of Bentivoglio (right) and Sforza (left) in the sailko Medieval Museum

Another museum in an old building in the center with an exposition of medieval artifacts. Here are costumes, household items, jewelry. Particularly impressive is the collection of ancient weapons and well-preserved tombstones with scenes from the life of that period, an exhibition of porcelain and faience.

Official website: http://www.museibologna

< h3> 15. Palazzo Poggi Museum

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Anatomical wax figures of a man, his skeleton and organs in the Palazzo Poggi Palickap Museum

Considering the beauty of this museum, one is surprised by the purely symbolic entry fee. If you do not know what to see in Bologna in 1 day, be sure to come here. The museum is located in the old part of the university, which makes it possible to immediately visit the courtyard, the anatomical museum and other objects nearby. The original purpose of creation was a collection of achievements in the field of astronomy. Today, the expositions include many collections related to geography, natural history, anatomy, exact sciences.

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Rooms with exhibits of the National Pinakothek of Bologna sailko

The works of the masters of the Bologna school are located in the former monastery for the Jesuits. Among them you can find works by Perugino, El Greco, Giotto, Tintoretto, Vasari, Raphael. The small size of the gallery and a cozy atmosphere allow you to calmly view the creations of great artists.

17. Comunale Opera House

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

View of the Opera House Comunale or the Public Theatre, opened at the end of the 18th century in Bologna

When you come to this city, it would be a crime not to see the best sights of Bologna. One of the most prominent opera scenes in Europe in general and Italy in particular, produces 8 operas in a season. Before the fire in 1931, the hall had the shape of a bell. After reconstructions, it was remade, and the bell was transformed into a horseshoe. Once inside, pay attention to the ceiling: the pattern on it imitates the open sky, creating a feeling of airiness and freedom.

18. Salabors Library

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Visitors to Salaborsa Palickap Library

The sea of ​​open space, freedom of access and movement, as well as the opportunity to get here directly from the central square of the city attract tourists. When choosing excursions in Bologna, try to get here. The museum will delight you with beautiful interiors, a thoughtful information room, an underground museum with excavations visible through a transparent floor. The impression of openness, invariably embracing everyone at the entrance, is provided by the glass ceiling. The implementation of the idea that combines the arrangement of ancient artifacts with the modern organization of the internal space is amazing.

19. Mercato di mezzo market

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

A huge showcase of a grocery store at Mercato di Mezzo Juan Antonio Segal

So, what to see in Bologna bright, colorful, uplifting? Take a stroll to this market, hidden in the narrow streets. The open shops offer a variety of goodies. There are a lot of people here on any day, which allows you to eat in the company of local residents, plunging into the colorful Italian atmosphere. Coffee, desserts, beer, freshly prepared food will help arrange a real gastronomic holiday.

Official website: https://www.bolognawelcome

Stefano

Attractions Bologna: Top 25

The monastery complex of St. Stephen or Santo Stefano on the square of the same name in Bologna

It is simply amazing how many valuable and interesting things the guides will show in Bologna, especially in its center. The complex consists of seven churches built in the early Middle Ages. In outline, he repeated the Jerusalem Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Judging by the remarks of historians, the reconstructions that were carried out subsequently over a number of years went to the detriment of the building, the contrast between the current and original appearance of the buildings is so great. Nevertheless, the complex is still the best replica of the temple in Jerusalem today.

Official website:http://www.museionline

Bologna attractions: what else to visit in Bologna?

It is difficult to list the main attractions of Bologna briefly, each of them is worthy of a detailed description. Here are a few more places worth taking the time to visit.

21. St. Peter's Cathedral

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Sculptural group “Lamentation of the Dead Christ” in Bologna Cathedral of St. Peter Didier Descouens

The architecture reflects a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles, inside the temple is decorated in the Baroque style. Judging by the tourist reviews, in addition to services, organ music concerts are often held here. If you are lucky enough to be here on Saturday, you can climb the bell tower with a three-ton main bell, which is the pride of the cathedral, for an additional fee. She became famous for a certain “Bolognese” sound. There is a treasure museum inside the cathedral.

22. Madonna di San Luca

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Madonna di San Luca stands on top of the wooded Sentry Hill < p>The Catholic Church on Guard Hill was erected in the 12th century. Its high rating ensures the pilgrimage nature of the visits: the icon of the Virgin Mary with the Child, painted by St. Luke, is kept in the church. It should be borne in mind that the ascent to the temple on foot is not easy and requires endurance. Or you can drive up to the place on a train coming from the square in the center. We are not talking about a panoramic view from the top, since only the side of Bologna is visible from there.

23. Basilica of San Domenico

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Inside the monastery of the Basilica of San Domenico in Bologna

The Dominican order settled here. Like its monks, the basilica has an imposing and severe appearance. Located on a hill, it immediately attracts attention with the monumental outlines of a red brick building. Today, works of art are kept in the church. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to venerate the relics of Saint Dominic.

24. Basilica of San Petronio

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo Comunale and Piazza Maggiore in the morning twilight

The large old church of Bologna, 132 meters high, can accommodate 28 thousand believers. An interesting detail: a sundial in the form of a meridian is built into the floor of the left aisle of the church, which is worth seeing. The building is dedicated to the patron of the city.

Official site: http://www.basilicadisanpetronio

25. Certosa Cemetery

Bologna Attractions: Top 25

The monumental cemetery of the Carthusian monastery in Bologna Matti.happy

The most famous cemetery in Europe with the graves of the most influential and famous families of Bologna. Statues and bas-reliefs on the graves create a solemnly tragic mood, evoking the association with a museum with ancient works of art.

After the beauties seen during the day, the first evening in Bologna will make you forget about the delights of other cities. The soft light scattered by the many street lamps creates a romantic mood that embraces everyone regardless of age. It's your turn to experience it for yourself! Read also about the sights of Verona and be inspired to travel further in Italy.

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