Must Visit Tourist Attractions in Bologna, Italy

Slight drizzle gave me company during my tour of Tourist Attractions of Bologna. Standing before the Bologna Cathedral, peering through a screen of tiny rain drops I admired the mighty monument which rose like phoenix each time after a calamity struck! Isn’t this the same city where the Miracle of Rain took place way back in the year 1433! Thankfully it is not raining that hard today like it did on that day, I smiled at the thought as I adjusted my lens cap. I had lined up a long list of tourist attractions in Bologna to frame in my lens.

The rain drops added a touch of mystique to the historic monuments and streets of the city, creating a different atmosphere and giving me a fresh perspective on its beauty.

Road Trip Modena to Bologna

How to reach Bologna?

After walking tour of Modena, we had set off for Bologna. This was our 11th day of road tripping through Italy in hired self driven car. Bologna is almost next door to Modena, a distance of 46 km via A1.

Bologna is a well-connected city in Italy, other common transportation options are:

By Air: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport: The city has its own international airport, located about 6 km northwest of the city center.
By Train: Bologna Centrale Railway Station: Bologna is a major railway hub in Italy, and the Bologna Centrale station is one of the busiest in the country. It is well-connected to various Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and others. High-speed trains, such as the Frecciarossa and Italo, provide fast and comfortable connections.
By Bus: Bologna Bus Station: The bus station is centrally located and well-served by several bus companies. They operate routes to Bologna from different cities in Italy and Europe.

Why Bologna? Is Bologna worth visiting?

Italy is home to some of the largest churches in the world. Milan has the third largest one and now I was standing in front of the fifth largest one of Italy. Not only that, this cathedral is the tenth largest church in the world, the Basilica has the area exceeding 250,000 meters and is the largest religious establishment built of bricks. Isn’t that a reason good enough to feature Bologna in our Italy itinerary!

Well, it was raining that day, nevertheless we walked the streets of Bologna to get to San Pietro Bologna. The incomplete facade of San Pietro Bologna, lower half with pink marble and top half with bare bricks! It was a unique sight to behold. Not exactly beautiful as Milan’s Duomo but definitely Bologna Cathedral had a grand aura around it.

Getting Around in Bologna

On arriving in Bologna we left the car at the hotel and took bus ride to city centre. From there we started our walking tour of tourist attractions of Bologna.  There are various transportation options to navigate the city:

Walking: Bologna’s city center is compact and easily explored on foot. It is as if all the attractions are lined up serially, allowing us to enjoy the historic streets, arcades, and landmarks.

Public Transportation: Bologna has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and a metro line (Bologna Metro), very useful for reaching distant attractions.

Bicycles: Bologna is a bicycle-friendly city, and you can easily rent bicycles to explore the city at your own pace. The city offers bike-sharing services and has dedicated bike lanes.

Taxis and Ridesharing: Taxis are available in Bologna, and ridesharing services like Uber also operate in the city.

Segway: For the first time I saw tourists using Segway here (this is in 2010) to visit the tourist attractions of Bologna. How cool!

Segway Tours

Like me, the rains didn’t deter a group of students there. As I navigated the rain-soaked streets, I encountered students of history and architecture who, despite the weather, were determined to explore and learn about Bologna tourist attractions. Clad in raincoats, they were seen diligently scanning through their books, seeking to match the scenes they were witnessing with the knowledge they had acquired.

History of Bologna – Highlights

Bologna has a rich and significant history that spans over two millennia. Bologna was once the most populous cities of Europe. Bologna was founded by the Etruscans in the 6th century BC and later became a Roman colony known as Bononia. It thrived as a strategic trading center during the reign of Roman Empire.

During the Middle Ages, Bologna emerged as a powerful and prosperous city-state. It developed a unique form of government based on guilds and became known for its strong universities and legal institutions. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in Europe. The silk trade flourishing here made it one of the richest during 14^th century.

All richness of the city was expressed by constructing tall towers giving it a unique outline. The citizens then wanted the Church San Pietro would be dedicated to the 5^th century patron of the city, Petronius. Add to that they, the citizens, wanted to own it and didn’t want the church to own it.

Unification of Italy: Bologna played a significant role in the unification of Italy. In the 19th century, it became a center of revolutionary activities and a stronghold of the Italian nationalist movement. Bologna was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

World War II: During World War II, Bologna suffered heavy bombings, particularly in 1943 and 1944. The city was a target due to its railway connections and its role as a center for the Italian Resistance. Reconstruction efforts after the war focused on preserving Bologna’s historic character.

The “Sacrario” in Piazza Nettuno

Must See Tourist Attractions of Bologna Italy

Bologna, the capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Here are some places to visit and things to do when visiting Bologna:

Piazza Maggiore: Start your exploration of Bologna at the heart of the city, Piazza Maggiore. This bustling square is surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings, including the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo d’Accursio, and the Fountain of Neptune.

Two Towers (Due Torri): Bologna’s skyline was once dotted with approximately 180 towers, which were built by noble families as symbols of their wealth and power. While most towers have since been demolished, a few notable ones, including the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, still remain. Climb the iconic Asinelli Tower for a panoramic view of the city. The Two Towers are the symbols of Bologna and offer a glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

Basilica di San Petronio: This magnificent Gothic basilica is one of the largest (10th) in the world. Its unfinished facade hides impressive interior features, including beautiful frescoes and an astronomical sundial.

San Pietro Cathedral Bologna

Archiginnasio: Visit the historic Archiginnasio, which was once the main building of the University of Bologna. It houses the Anatomical Theatre, a stunning wooden amphitheater where anatomy lessons were held.

Santo Stefano Basilica: Explore the Basilica di Santo Stefano, a complex of several interconnected churches dating back to the 5th century. It’s known as “the Seven Churches” and offers a unique spiritual atmosphere.

Discover Bologna’s Porticoes: Take a stroll through Bologna’s historic center and explore the city’s famous porticoes. These covered walkways stretch for over 38 km. I took shelter from rain here for a brief period. The porticoes add a unique charm to the city’s streetscape.

Bologna Towers: Besides the Two Towers, Bologna is famous for its numerous medieval towers. Take a stroll through the city streets to spot some of these leaning towers, such as the Garisenda Tower and the Prendiparte Tower.

Bologna Towers

Places to Visit in Bologna

Museums in Bologna

• Museo della Storia di Bologna: Themed on history of Bologna at the Museum of Bologna. Located in the Palazzo Pepoli, the museum exhibits archaeological artifacts, multimedia installations, and interactive displays that bring the city’s past to life.
• Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna: Art enthusiasts should visit the National Gallery of Bologna, which houses a remarkable collection of Italian masterpieces from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Works by artists like Giotto, Raphael, and Titian can be admired here.
• Day Trip from Bologna – Visit the Ferrari Museum in nearby Maranello for an automotive experience. It is at a distance of 44.1 km via SP569. Open every day from 9 AM to 7 PM. Tickets approx. 2000 INR per adult.

Museums of Bologna

Parks and Gardens in Bologna

Looking for a place to relax, enjoy nature, and recharge while exploring the city? Here are a couple of gardens in Bologna

Giardini Margherita: Take a break from sightseeing and relax in the picturesque Giardini Margherita. This large park offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a lake where you can rent paddleboats.

Parco della Montagnola: Situated near the central train station, Parco della Montagnola is a lovely park with lush greenery, shaded areas, and tree-lined paths. It’s a popular spot for jogging, picnicking, or simply enjoying some downtime.

Grand Interiors of Santa Maria Della Vita

A striking work of art is a sculptured group in terracotta. The scene depicts the Lament over the Dead Christ, by a famous sculptor of 16^th century, Alfonso Lombardi.

Lament over the Dead Christ – Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita in Bologna

More Interesting Things to Do in Bologna Italy

If you are looking out for some interesting things to do in Bologna do indulge in the culinary heritage of Bologna.

Culinary Heritage: Bologna’s culinary traditions are deeply ingrained in its history. The city is renowned for its iconic dishes such as tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese sauce), and mortadella. Bologna’s culinary contributions have had a lasting impact on Italian gastronomy.

Quadrilatero Market: By chance I stepped into the lively food market filled with local vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and traditional delicacies. Worth visiting if you wish to explore Bologna’s culinary delights at the Quadrilatero Market.

Bologna Quadrilatero market

Parting Thoughts

A short and quick tour of Bologna tour was worthwhile captivating and enriching experience for us. We enjoyed every turn we took to step back in time in this vibrant Italian city, a treasure trove of history, culture, and gastronomy. From its medieval towers and stunning architecture to its lively squares and bustling markets, Bologna offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vitality. In spite of the damp weather of Bologna that we got to see I strongly feel Bologna is a wonderful destination that truly captures the essence of Italy.

You may like these:

• San Gimignano Twin Towers
• Turin Italy – Tourist Attractions and Things to Do
• Highlights of Florence Cathedral

Pin this for later