Nestled inside the Emilia-Romagna area of Italy, the historic metropolis of Bologna is a complete gem to go to when exploring a few of Italy’s finest cities. Not solely that, there’s a complete heap of historical past that dates again centuries inside the metropolis. Which, all implies that there’s an enormous mixture of unbelievable and luggage of the very best issues to do in Bologna dotted all around the metropolis.
In fact, Bologna is a metropolis break in its personal proper, however it’s additionally very easy to go to as a part of a wider journey to a few of Italy’s finest locations. You see, it’s completely situated on the primary artery between the north and south of Italy. This all makes it an ideal stopping level for an extended weekend break earlier than persevering with your Italian journey.
Now, that can assist you alongside your means, I needed to pop over a couple of of my favorite spots that I’m hoping you’ll love. Bologna is an extremely stunning and quaint Italian metropolis and one that you just actually shouldn’t miss.
Additionally, as with all our posts, in case you ever want any ideas in your journey; simply pop us an electronic mail.
Have a look, under, at the very best issues to do in Bologna. Have enjoyable!
1.) Piazza Maggiore
Perched inside the centre of Bologna, visiting Piazza Maggiore is nearly a useless-set when exploring town.
It’s the proper place to wander round by foot and absorb all of the unbelievable Renaissance structure that makes this space so distinctive.
Additionally, on the plus facet, it’s additionally bought the Palazzo del Podestà, the Fountain of Neptune, the Basilica of San Petronio and lots of different of Bologna’s historic sights, too.
Simply be sure you pack your cozy strolling footwear, you’ll find yourself traipsing round the entire space for hours.
Afterwards, take a couple of minutes stroll over to Trattoria Gianni for dinner. Perched down one of many smaller streets, it’s a comfy restaurant that serves up a number of the tastiest gnocchi in all of Bologna. Additionally, they’ve bought a heap of Tortellini to attempt, too (which is a should within the metropolis).
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2.) Two towers of Bologna
Way back, Bologna was full of a great deal of towers that have been dotted all throughout town, with some surviving to today. Two of probably the most well-known are the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers that lean away from one another.
You see, it’s not simply Pisa that has a leaning tower! 😉
Nearly 1,000 years outdated, these towers are fairly iconic in Bologna and effectively price heading up the (virtually 500) stairs to see the views from the highest. Sure, it may be a hefty climb, it’ll depend as a exercise and you’ll get sweaty, however belief me, it’s price it.
Afterwards, pop into Paolo Atti e Figli that’s one thing of an establishment in Bologna. Simply be sure to purchase some tortellini to remove. You possibly can’t miss it.
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3.) Prendiparte Tower
Only a stone’s throw from St. Peter’s Cathedral, seeing Prendiparte Tower is likely one of the finest issues to do in Bologna if you wish to discover the cities historical past.
This tower was as soon as a defensive construction (and alter a jail) and, these days is much like the 2 towers in which you can climb the steps for some unbelievable views from the highest.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to head on over to La Piccola Venezia (Little Venice) that’s about 250 metres away. Additionally, La Montanara (close by) is completely scrumptious and their ragu is so yummy. It’s a relaxed restaurant that serves up some coronary heart-warming Italian dishes that you just’ll love.
4.) Archiginnasio of Bologna
Thought-about a very powerful constructing in Bologna, the Archiginnasio homes the anatomical theatre that dates all the way in which again to the 1600s. Not solely that, it has a heap of different rooms which might be too good to overlook.
After paying a small entrance charge, pop inside to see the anatomical theatre, Stabat Mater Lecture Corridor and all of the historic wall decorations which might be so particular to town. It’s completely gorgeous.
Plus, you’ve bought Cremeria Cavour shut by that has a number of the tastiest gelatos in all of Bologna.
After grabbing a couple of scoops, pop into Piazza Cavour and revel in. It’s the very best afternoon deal with.
5.) Basilica San Petronio
Perched inside Piazza Maggiore (talked about above), you kinda can’t miss the Basilica of San Petronio. Heading inside is well top-of-the-line issues to do in Bologna, even in case you’re not non secular; the constructing is steeped in historical past.
Contained in the basilica itself, there are over 20 completely different smaller chapels which might be simple to see and go to on most days of the 12 months. Entry is completely free, although you may give a donation if you want.
Not solely that, it has the most important (inner) sundial in the entire world!
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6.) Sanctuary of the Madonna
Perched proper on high of the hill, overlooking Bologna, climbing the steps to the Sanctuary of the Madonna is well top-of-the-line issues to do in Bologna. Sure, it may be fairly an extended stroll (particularly on a heat day) however it’s completely price it.
As soon as right here, take within the attractive views throughout town and area and pop up the tiny little steps to the highest of the tower. It prices a couple of Euro however price it if while you’re there.
Additionally, you’ll be able to take the through Saragozza Porticoes that’s the longest in the complete world! After strolling the entire route, you’ll find yourself proper on the Sanctuary of the Madonna. You possibly can’t go improper.
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7.) La Piazzola (Market)
Simply shy of Montagnola Park, Mercato Piazzola is full of all varieties of stalls, eateries and market spots, it’s an incredible place to discover a reward. Simply be ready to haggle on increased costs and have enjoyable exploring.
The stalls themselves will be hit and miss. So be sure to walk round and discover those that you just love most.
Oh yeah, you’ve additionally bought Gelateria Galliera 49 a couple of streets away and effectively price popping in for a gelato on a scorching summer time day. All in all, it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Bologna for a bit of retail remedy and a few native goodies to purchase.
8.) Santo Stefano Basilica
Consisting of assorted church buildings, chapels and courtyards, exploring Santo Stefano Basilica is likely one of the finest issues to do in Bologna when staying within the centre of town.
As soon as within the space, be sure you see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (much like the Sepulcher of Jerusalem) and see the Calvary Area of interest inside. Plus, be sure to take a stroll across the cloisters, too. There’s a complete of seven church buildings inside they usually’re too gorgeous to overlook.
When you can, head throughout with a information because the historical past of this entire space is completely fascinating.
9.) San Pietro Cathederal
Round 400 years outdated, San Pietro Cathederal is a stunner! Truthfully, it’s completely awe-inspiring and the frescos and structure are completely stunning.
As soon as inside, be sure you see the artwork by Ludovico Carracci and newer work by Cesare Mauro Trebbi. Additionally, hold your ears extensive open for ‘La Nonna’, the most important bell (that’s rung with the Bologna methodology) in the complete world. It weighs effectively over 3000kg and is big!
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10.) Porticoes of Bologna
A part of the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the Porticoes of Bologna are literally fairly exhausting to overlook! Dotted all throughout town, you’ll little question stroll by a lot of them that survive to today.
Traditionally, these have been arrange as public walkways and areas the place folks can at all times freely use. This has gone on for hundreds of years and Bologna is characterised by the porticoes that crisscross the entire metropolis.
A number of the most notable is the wood porticoes at casa Isolani (Strada Maggiore) and the vaulted excessive porticoes of “Dei Bastardini” (on Through D’Azeglio). Yep, the latter has fairly a reputation! Apparently, we discovered, that this was as a consequence of an outdated orphanage that was as soon as based mostly right here centuries in the past.
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11.) Quadrilatero
The Quadrilatero Neighbourhood of Bologna is simply shy of Piazza Maggiore and a completely simple space to go to when staying within the centre of Bologna.
Relationship again centuries, that is the historic buying and selling space of town, full of little craft shops, cafes and now, some extra fashionable additions, too.
Simply hold an eye fixed out for a number of the stalls promoting crescentine fritte. They’re little pillows of deliciousness.
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12.) Basilica of San Domenico
Just a bit additional past Piazza Cavour, seeing the Basilica of San Domenico is likely one of the finest issues to do in Bologna. Now, I do know what you’re considering; I’m mentioning a number of church buildings, proper? However belief me, you’ll be able to’t miss them in Bologna, they’re stunning.
Inside, you’ll discover the attractive Michelangelo sculptures and the tomb of Santo Domenico himself. It’s a kind of locations that’s much more spectacular on the within!
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