THE BEST Sights and Attractions in Bologna

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems — explore the best sights and attractions in Bologna with curated picks, local tips, and free itinerary planning tools.

Bologna, Italy

🏛️ Sights and Attractions in Bologna

  • Piazza Maggiore — is a central square in Bologna, region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, a hub within the city since medieval times. The Northwest corner opens into Piazza del Nettuno with its Fontana del Nettuno, while the Northeast corner opens into the narrower Piazza Re Enzo, running
  • Two Towers (Torre degli Asinelli and Garisenda) — Leaning medieval towers built by rival families in the 12th century; climb Asinelli's 498 steps for citywide views.
  • Basilica di San Petronio — The Basilica of San Domenico is one of the major churches in Bologna, Italy. The remains of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), are buried inside the exquisite shrine Arca di San Domenico, made by Nicola Pisano and his workshop, Arnolfo di Cambio and wi
  • Archiginnasio of Bologna — The Archiginnasio of Bologna is one of the most important buildings in the city of Bologna; once the main building of the University of Bologna, it currently houses the Archiginnasio Municipal Library and the Anatomical Theatre.
  • Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno) — 16th-century bronze fountain by Giambologna in Piazza del Nettuno, featuring Neptune above cherubs and water nymphs.
  • Santuario di Madonna di San Luca — Hilltop sanctuary with a panoramic dome, reached via a 3.8km porticoed walkway of 666 arches.
  • Santo Stefano (Seven Churches) — Complex of seven interconnected medieval churches built on a Roman temple site, with cloisters and atmospheric courtyards.
  • Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna — National art gallery in a 17th-century Jesuit college, housing works by Raphael, the Carracci, and Giotto.
  • Palazzo d'Accursio — is a palace once formulated to house major administrative offices of the city of Bologna, region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It is located on the Piazza Maggiore, and is the city's Town Hall. The palace is also home to the Civic Art Collection, with paintings fro
  • Basilica di San Domenico — The Basilica of San Domenico is one of the major churches in Bologna, Italy. The remains of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), are buried inside the exquisite shrine Arca di San Domenico, made by Nicola Pisano and his workshop, Arnolfo di Cambio and wi
  • MAMbo (Museum of Modern Art) — Contemporary art museum in a former bakery, showcasing Italian post-war art and rotating modern exhibitions.
  • Finestrella di Via Piella (Hidden Canal Window) — Small window on Via Piella revealing one of Bologna's hidden canals, a reminder of the city's buried waterways.
  • b.u.c.o. — is an arts centre in Bologna. It is located in the San Donato-San Vitale neighborhood.
  • TPO - Teatro polivalente occupato — is an arts centre in Bologna. It is located in the Saffi neighborhood. More info: http://www.tpo.bo.it/

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