Choose from 14 Fun Things to Do in Bologna
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Basilica di San Domenico
Behind its understated Romanesque façade and distinctive rose window, the Basilica di San Domenico is teeming with Renaissance treasures, as well as ranking among Bologna’s most important churches. The church was built in 1221 to house the tomb of San Domenico, Founder of the Dominican Order of Preachers, and the Ark of St. Dominic remains the church’s grand centerpiece – a magnificent marble shrine created by Nicola Pisano and Niccolò dell’Arca.
The church’s elaborate interiors also include colorful frescoes and paintings by Michelangelo, Filippino Lippi, Guido Reni, Ludovico Carracci, and il Guercino, while one of its three grand organs was once played by Mozart. Other priceless artifacts are on display in the basilica’s small museum, including a terracotta bust of St. Dominic by Niccolò dell’Arca and a gothic-style reliquary once belonging to French King Louis IX.
Practical Info
The Basilica di San Domenico is located on Piazza San Domenico in Bologna and opening times are: Mon-Fri 9am-12pm & 3.30 6pm; Sat: 9am-12pm & 3.30-5pm; Sun: 3.30-5pm. Entrance is free.
Address: Piazza S. Domenico, 13, 40124, Bologna, Italy
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-12pm & 3.30-6pm; Sat: 9am-12pm & 3.30-5pm; Sun: 3.30-5pm
From $ 83
Two Towers (Due Torri)
More than 100 towers pierced the sky above Bologna in the Middle Ages, but only 20 still stand today. The most famous are the city center’s Two Towers (Due Torri), which lean at a gravity-defying angle that rivals Pisa’s Leaning Tower. Climb to the top of the taller one for fabulous views over the city and surrounding countryside.
The Basics
The Two Towers are among the unique sights in Bologna, reminding visitors of the city’s bellicose history and offering the best scenic overlook in the center. The landmark Garisenda and Asinelli towers were constructed to provide defensive protection and to represent the wealth and power of the noble families who commissioned them. You can climb 498 steps to the top of the Asinelli tower, built by the Asinelli family in 1119 and soaring 318 feet (97 meters) above the city’s rooftops; the shorter Garisenda tower leans too steeply to be climbed.
Join a walking tour, or a tour by bike or Segway, to see the Two Towers and other top Bologna attractions like the Basilica of San Petronio, Piazza Maggiore, and the churches of Santo Stefano and San Domenico. Bologna is famous for its wonderful cuisine, so you can also opt for a food tour to combine sightseeing with samples of the city’s traditional food and wine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kids love the thrilling climb to the top of the tower, but be sure to keep a close watch over younger children on the steep stairs and rooftop.
- The rooftop platform is outdoors, so dress for the weather and bring your camera.
- The tower is not wheelchair accessible, and the stairs are narrow and steep.
- Tickets must be reserved in advance for a specific day and time; entrance times are scheduled every 45 minutes.
How to Get There
The Two Towers stand over Piazza di Porta Ravegnana in the heart of Bologna’s historic center, just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Maggiore and the Bologna Centrale train station.
When to Get There
The best light for photography from the top of the Asinelli Tower is during the early morning or late afternoon. The rooftop observation deck is outdoors, so choose to visit on a clear day.
A Romantic Legend
Legend says that a bricklayer’s small donkeys (asinelli) unearthed a buried chest of golden coins with their hooves. Years later, the bricklayer gave the treasure to his son, who was in love with a noble lady. The lady’s father declared that he would let his daughter marry the poor boy only if the boy built the highest tower Bologna. The treasure paid for the tower, and the bricklayer’s son married his true love.
Address: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, Bologna 40126, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Oratory of Santa Cecilia (Oratorio Di Santa Cecilia)
Tucked away in Via Zamboni Portico, just moments from the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore, the Oratory of Santa Cecilia (Oratorio Di Santa Cecilia) hides a wealth of artistic treasures behind its simple façade.
The Romanesque church was built as a family chapel for Bologna Lord Giovanni II Bentivoglio, and is most renowned for its exquisite series of frescos. Dating back to 1505, the frescos showcase the mastery of some of Bologna’s most important Renaissance artists, including Lorenzo Costa, Francesco Francia, Amico Aspertini and Raffaello Sanzio. Stretching over ten panels, the elaborate scenes depict the life of Saint Cecilia and her husband Valentine, while the church’s main altarpiece was so impressive, it’s now on display in the National Art Gallery of Bologna.
Practical Info
The Oratory of Santa Cecilia is located on Via Zamboni in central Bologna and is open daily from 10am to 1pm, and 2pm to 6pm (October to May) or 3pm-7pm (June to September). Admission is free.
Address: Via Zamboni, 15, Bologna, Italy
Hours: Oct-May 10am-1pm, 2-6pm; June-Sept 10am-1pm, 3-7pm
From $ 83
Basilica di San Petronio
Dedicated to the fifth-century bishop Petronius, who became Bologna’s patron saint, the Basilica di San Petronio dominates Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city. One of the largest churches in the world and a soaring example of Gothic grandeur, the basilica Is a highlight of any Bologna city tour.
The Basics
Construction of the Basilica di San Petronio began in 1390, but renovations to enlarge the building were interrupted in the 1500s when its size threatened to overshadow St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The basilica’s façade was unfortunately left unfinished, but the interiors are beautifully realized, including the Cappella dei Magi, with sumptuous frescoes by Giovanni da Modena, rich stained glass, elegant carved marble, and the astronomer Cassini’s brass meridian line embedded in the floor of the eastern aisle. Visitors also enjoy panoramic views over the city from the terrace on the church roof, and stroll through the basilica’s museum to see precious artifacts, illuminated manuscripts, and vestments belonging to the church.
Basilica di San Petronio is the most important church in Bologna, and a highlight of any city walking or bike tour, along with attractions like Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the churches of Santo Stefano and San Domenico. Some travelers visit as part of a multi-day trip from Rome.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bologna tours on foot or by bike are mostly outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
- Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the church.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside, though not in the Cappella dei Magi.
- The basilica is wheelchair accessible, but the rooftop terrace is not.
- Visitors are required to wear modest attire that covers shoulders and knees.
How to Get There
The Basilica di San Petronio is located on Piazza Maggiore, the main square in the center of Bologna. The square is an easy walk from the Bologna Centrale train station and most of the major attractions in the city center.
When to Get There
Bologna is known for its extreme weather, with wet winters and hot summers. The basilica interiors offer a welcome respite from the elements in both winter and summer, though the church does close at midday on weekdays.
San Petronio’s Controversial Chapel
Giovanni da Modena’s 15th-century fresco cycle depicting heaven and hell is the most famous work of art in the Basilica of San Petronio, in part because of its near-pristine state and in part because it shows the prophet Muhammad being devoured by demons, an image that is considered sacrilegious by many of the Islamic faith.
Address: Piazza Maggiore, Bologna 40124, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 6
Bologna Piazza Maggiore
Bologna’s beating heart is Piazza Maggiore, in the city’s old center. A classic example of Renaissance town planning, it is one of the most graceful public squares in Italy.
The pedestrianised square is surrounded by the Basilica di San Petronio, the Palazzo Communale (city hall), palatial public buildings and Bologna’s trademark covered walkways ringed by arches.
Sit at an outdoor cafe to enjoy people watching in the sunshine during the day, and visit in the early evening to see the beautifully floodlit Fountain of Neptune, sculpted in 1566.
Practical Info
To get here from the station, take a stroll south down Via dell'Indipendenza.
Address: Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Ferrari Museum (Museo Ferrari)
The most evocative name in Italian sports cars is Ferrari, and this dedicated museum in Maranello, Italy, focuses on the auto manufacturer’s history and production. It features 25 cars, including road cars and prototypes, a section devoted to the historic Formula 1 racing team, and fascinating automotive artifacts and memorabilia.
The Basics
With about 27,000 square feet (2,500 square meters) of floor space devoted to Ferrari’s history and design, a visit to this unique museum is an unforgettable day trip from nearby Bologna, or cities as far afield as Verona, Florence, or Milan. For a full-immersion experience, combine your visit with a stop at the Fiorano Test Track at the nearby Ferrari factory, a visit to the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, or even a thrilling test drive. The Ferrari Museum is one of several world-renowned car manufacturers in Emilia-Romagna’s famed Motor Valley, so consider booking a full-day tour that also includes visits to the Lamborghini, Pagani, and Ducati museums and showrooms.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ferrari Museum is located in Maranello, and the Enzo Ferrari Museum is located in Modena about 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) away; free shuttle buses run between the two museums every 90 minutes.
- The museum includes a Ferrari store selling official branded clothing, toys, and other memorabilia.
- Kids will particularly enjoy the multimedia exhibits, Formula 1 simulators, and interactive activities like pit-stop trials and photo ops in a Ferrari.
- Ferrari does not offer factory tours; the nearest visitors get to the factory is the Fiorano track, accessible by a dedicated shuttle bus.
How to Get There
The Ferrari Museum is located in Maranello, about 31 miles (50 kilometers) west of Bologna. It’s not easy to reach the museum by public transportation—you must take a train to Modena, then a bus or taxi to Maranello—so booking a private bus tour is the most convenient option.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9:30am to 6pm from November through March and until 7pm from April to October. It makes an unforgettable way to spend a rainy day, as the collection and store are indoors.
Cars and Food: Two Passions
Emilia-Romagna is famous for its iconic automotive design and its unrivaled cuisine. Parmesan cheese, prosciutto ham, and balsamic vinegar all hail from this region, so combine a Ferrari Museum visit with a food tour to experience the best of Emilia-Romagna in a single day.
Address: Via Alfredo Dino Ferrari, Maranello, Emilia-Romagna 41053, Italy
Hours: Daily Nov–March 9:30am–6pm; April–Oct 9.30am–7pm
Admission: Adult €16, child (under 19) €6
From $ 156
Enzo Ferrari Museum (Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari)
In the center of Modena, a historical brick factory building is dwarfed by the adjacent contemporary glass-and-steel hangar topped with a bright yellow car hood–shaped roof. Together, these two structures and their contents tell the story of Enzo Ferrari, race car driver and founder of one of the most famous car brands in the world.
The Basics
Visitors to the Enzo Ferrari Museum complex can trace the timeline of events that brought the "prancing horse" to be. The beautifully renovated former factory—where Enzo Ferrari’s father once worked—now houses the Museum of Ferrari Engines (Museo dei Motori). This display showcases various race car models as well as their powerful engines and gives context to how the unique cars were developed. Just next door, the strikingly futuristic automotive design gallery houses temporary exhibitions of Ferrari’s classic road cars and racers.
You can book tours that include tickets to both these structures, to these two structures in combination with the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, or combine a visit to the Enzo Ferrari Museum complex with a gourmet tour featuring some of Modena's most famous products, such as balsamic vinegar and fresh pasta. True aficionados can book a tour that includes a test drive.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to this museum complex is a must for car and racing enthusiasts.
- There are two Ferrari museums: The Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena and the Ferrari Museum (Museo Ferrari) and Ferrari factory in nearby Maranello. The two are linked by a shuttle bus that runs every 90 minutes.
- The Enzo Ferrari Museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Enzo Ferrari Museum is located at Via Paolo Ferrari 85 in Modena, just a 5-minute walk from the Modena train station. The same shuttle that runs between the two Ferrari museums also brings visitors here from the train station; it departs from gate 4.
When to Get There
Open daily all year, the museum is the perfect indoor activity on wet days or hot summer afternoons. Not often overrun with visitors, it’s a good bet for a middle-of-the-day visit.
Emilia-Romagna's Automotive Museums
Due to the concentration of iconic Italian car manufacturers based here, the area of Emilia-Romagna between Bologna and Modena is known as "Motor Valley." In addition to Ferrari’s two museums, a number of other manufacturers have museums that can be visited here, including Maserati, Lamborghini, and Pagani, as well as motorcycle company Ducati.
Address: Via Paolo Ferrari, 85, Modena, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 290
Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio
Bologna is home to the world’s oldest university in continuous operation - founded in 1088 - and one of the many schools in the university is a medical school. You might not think that a medical school would be an attraction worth seeking out, but the historic Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio alone is worth the trip.
The Archiginnasio is a university building, originally constructed in the 16th century, that served for many years as the primary university building. Today, it houses the largest municipal library in the region, but the main attraction is the Anatomical Theatre. Built in 1637, it’s a gorgeous room paneled entirely in spruce with a coffered ceiling. The seating is amphitheatre-style, and the seat from which a professor would deliver lectures more closely resembles a throne or a preacher’s pulpit than a teacher’s desk.
There are niches in the walls of the Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio, in which you’ll see carved wooden statues of historic physicians. Of particular note are the carved statues on each side of the professor’s chair - they’re carved as if they have no skin, to make their muscles visible. The enormous table in the center of the theatre’s floor may look pristine now, but this is where the dissections of both human and animal bodies took place during lessons.
The Archiginnasio building is on one side of the Piazza Maggiore, right in central Bologna, and it’s free to visit, making it a perfect - if slightly off-beat - addition to your itinerary in this lovely city.
The Archiginnasio is a university building, originally constructed in the 16th century, that served for many years as the primary university building. Today, it houses the largest municipal library in the region, but the main attraction is the Anatomical Theatre. Built in 1637, it’s a gorgeous room paneled entirely in spruce with a coffered ceiling. The seating is amphitheatre-style, and the seat from which a professor would deliver lectures more closely resembles a throne or a preacher’s pulpit than a teacher’s desk.
There are niches in the walls of the Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio, in which you’ll see carved wooden statues of historic physicians. Of particular note are the carved statues on each side of the professor’s chair - they’re carved as if they have no skin, to make their muscles visible. The enormous table in the center of the theatre’s floor may look pristine now, but this is where the dissections of both human and animal bodies took place during lessons.
The Archiginnasio building is on one side of the Piazza Maggiore, right in central Bologna, and it’s free to visit, making it a perfect - if slightly off-beat - addition to your itinerary in this lovely city.
Address: Piazza Galvani, 1, Bologna 40124, Italy
From $ 17
Santuario de Madonna di San Luca
Perched on Colle della Guardia 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) southwest of Bologna’s historic center, the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca was built to house a Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. Its portico, running from the city’s Porta Saragozza to the hilltop sanctuary, is the longest covered arcade in the world.
The Basics
There has been a church on this spot since the 12th century, though the current Santuario della Madonna di San Luca dates from the 1700s. San Luca’s roofed arcade, consisting of 666 elegant arches and 15 chapels, was built between 1674 and 1793 to protect the sanctuary’s precious icon during religious processions; today it’s a pretty uphill route climbing the over 900 feet (300 meters) in altitude between the historic center and the church. Once at the church, you can admire a number of important works by artists, including Guido Reni and Guercino, in addition to the famed Madonna and Child icon.
The Santuario della Madonna di San Luca is one of the most important churches in Bologna, and city walking or bike tours often include the trip uphill under its famous covered portico, along with attractions like Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio, the Two Towers, and the churches of Santo Stefano and San Domenico.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bologna walking and cycling tours require significant time outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Visitors are required to wear modest attire that covers shoulders and knees to enter the sanctuary.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside, though the sanctuary is a pilgrimage site, so taking photographs during Mass or other religious services is discouraged.
- The Portico di San Luca and the entrance to the sanctuary church have a number of steps—they’re not accessible to wheelchair users.
- Though the ascent is gradual, the route along the portico from Bologna’s center to the sanctuary is uphill and should only be undertaken by those in good physical condition.
How to Get There
The Santuario della Madonna di San Luca is located about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) outside the historic center of Bologna. On foot or bike, follow the covered Portico di San Luca from Porta Saragozza to the church; by car, drive up Colle della Guardia, the road that skirts the portico.
When to Get There
The walk from the Bologna’s center to the outlying sanctuary is one of the prettiest in the city, one that’s especially pleasant on clear, mild days. The church closes at midday on weekdays and Saturdays, but stays open all day on Sundays and Catholic holidays.
The Miraculous Madonna
The sanctuary’s 12th-century icon depicting Mother and Child is one of the most precious religious objects in Bologna, said to have saved the city from torrential rain in 1433. Since then, an annual procession, held on the Saturday preceding the fifth Sunday after Easter, celebrates the miraculous Madonna. The icon is taken from the sanctuary and transported under the covered portico first to the Cathedral of San Pietro and then to the Basilica of San Petronio, where it stays for a week before returning to its home up the hill.
Address: 36 Via di San Luca, Bologna 40135, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 6
Bologna University Quarter
Bologna is home to the oldest university in Europe, and the city owes much of its youthful vibrancy and thriving cultural life to the formidable student population, concentrated in the lively University Quarter. Tour this area to discover its cache of cafes and clubs, along with fascinating historic museums and university buildings.
The Basics
Bologna’s university was established in 1088, and has hosted some of Europe’s finest minds over the centuries, including Renaissance scholars Mirandola and Alberti, astronomer Copernicus, and the artists Durer and Borromeo. The university houses a number of museums, including an Anatomy Museum, Herbarium, Physics Museum, Museum of Anthropology, Wax Museum, Museum of Zoology, and the excellent Astronomy Museum. Most are located inside the elegantly frescoed Palazzo Poggi, the university’s seat after 1803. The University Quarter is one of Bologna’s most fascinating neighborhoods, and it’s a highlight of any city walking or bike tours. Combine a visit to the University Quarter with a tour of Bologna’s historic center to visit top sights like Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di San Petronio, and the Two Towers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A tour of the University Quarter requires some walking, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- Kids especially enjoy the eclectic museums and informal atmosphere in this area.
- Some university museums aren’t wheelchair accessible; confirm in advance.
- The area is thick with cafés and restaurants, perfect for a quick snack or meal.
How to Get There
The University Quarter centers around Via Zamboni, a 10- to 15-minute walk east of Bologna’s historic center. You can easily reach the area on foot from the Bologna Centrale train station or Piazza Maggiore in the city center.
When to Get There
This student-dominated neighborhood is especially vibrant during the academic year, which runs from October through May.
Highlights of Bologna’s University Quarter
Palazzo Poggi is the heart of Bologna’s university, but there are a number of historic buildings linked to the university. The Collegio di Spagna and the Collegio dei Fiamminghi Jean Jacobs are testimony to the various colleges that once housed students from across Europe. Next to the churches of San Francesco and San Domenico, the Glossators’ Tombs demonstrate the social prestige university professors historically held; the Museo Medievale holds a collection of depictions of professors with students from centuries ago. In front of the Church of Santa Maria della Vita, the arcades of the Ospedale della Morte is where students of medicine would find corpses to study anatomy in the Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio next door. Finally, the Biblioteca Universitaria has been a public library since 1756.
Address: Via Zamboni, Bologna 40126, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 83
Lamborghini Museum (Museo Lamborghini)
The Lamborghini Museum and factory is a tribute to the passion and life’s work of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini. It showcases Italy’s most famous luxury vehicles in a journey through the past, present, and future of the coveted car brand.
The Basics
Visitors can see a range of vehicles—from the first 350 GT model built in 1964 through race cars and concept cars—and get a sense of the passion behind the manufacturing process. The museum displays the famed Lamborghini Murciélago, Miura supercar, Countach, Sesto Elemento, and Diablo, along with the new Urus. Many of the older cars come from Ferruccio Lamborghini's personal collection, and the museum offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into Automobili Lamborghini's evolution, including scale models and parts of cars that were never made. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a prototype out for testing.
A visit to the museum includes a factory tour to see models coming off the production line; aficionados can even take a test drive with a Lamborghini dream car. Consider joining a complete Motor Valley tour, which includes visits to other famous car museums and factories nearby.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Lamborghini Museum is a must-see for supercar enthusiasts and luxury lovers.
- The beautiful cars on display make for great photos, so be sure to bring your camera to the museum. No photos or videos are allowed during the factory and production line tour, however.
- The museum and factory tour are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Lamborghini Museum is located in Sant’Agata Bolognese, between Bologna and Modena, Italy. There is one public bus from Bologna to Sant'Agata (bus 576 to Crevalcore), but the best way by far to reach the factory is by car or on a private tour including transportation from Venice, Bologna, Florence, or Milan.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily all year, except on select holidays, and is the perfect indoor activity on wet winter days or hot summer afternoons.
Emilia-Romagna's Automotive Museums
The tiny triangle of land between Bologna and Modena is known as "Motor Valley" due to the concentration of Italian car manufacturers based there. If you're a true gearhead, consider taking a private Motor Valley tour to visit the Ferrari Museum, the Pagani factory, and Ducati motorcycle headquarters.
Address: Via Modena, 12, 40019, Bologna, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 284
Fontana del Nettuno
Giambologna’s 16th-century Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno), also known as Il Zigànt, or The Giant, is one of the most famous landmarks in Bologna. A bronze Neptune stands watch from atop the ornate Renaissance fountain in Piazza Maggiore, a popular and picturesque gathering spot for locals and visitors.
The Basics
Sitting in the center of the side of Piazza Maggiore known as Piazza del Nettuno, this marble-and-bronze fountain features a muscular statue of Neptune holding aloft a trident—the inspiration for the logo of the Maserati car manufacturer, which was founded in Bologna—set on a base with circular pools, four spouting sirens representing the four continents, and four cherubs representing the winds. The Fountain of Neptune is a top sight in city walking or bike tours that include Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square and home to the massive Basilica di San Petronio. Bologna is also known for its excellent cuisine, so opt for a food tour if you’d like to combine sightseeing with samples of local dishes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Piazza Maggiore is pedestrian only, so children can explore without the danger of traffic.
- Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes if joining a bike or walking tour.
- The square and fountain are wheelchair accessible.
- Cafés and restaurants line the square around the fountain, so you can stop for a snack or meal.
How to Get There
The Fountain of Neptune is located in Piazza Maggiore, the main square in Bologna’s historic center. You can easily reach the square on foot from the Bologna Centrale train station or the most important attractions in the city center.
When to Get There
Although it’s lovely during the day, the fountain is particularly beautiful at night, when it’s dramatically illuminated along with the basilica and palaces lining the square.
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s Beating Heart
In addition to the Fountain of Neptune, Piazza Maggiore is home to the Basilica di San Petronio and a number of historic porticoed palaces, now filled with bustling restaurant and cafés. Experience Bologna’s vibrant atmosphere with a visit to the square to linger with locals and students over lunch or afternoon drinks.
Address: Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna 40124, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Basilica di Santo Stefano
Only four churches of the original seven that once made up this stylistic jumble of buildings remain, but a visit to the Bologna’s Basilica di Santo Stefano is still a fascinating stroll through centuries of religious architecture. With winding passageways linking chapels and cloisters, this is one of the city’s most captivating churches.
The Basics
The Basilica of Santo Stefano (known locally as the Sette Chiese, or Seven Churches), set on the large, triangular Piazza di Santo Stefano, is among Bologna’s top attractions, and a highlight of any city walking, bike, or Segway tour. Visitors enter the 11th-century Chiesa del Crocifisso, where the remains of Bologna’s patron saint, St. Petronius, lay until it was moved to the Basilica di San Petronio in 2000. The route then passes through a maze of pretty courtyards to the Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro, the Chiesa della Trinitá, and the Chiesa Santi Vitale e Agricola, Bologna’s oldest church, which was constructed with fragments of pilfered Roman flooring and masonry. The complex also houses a museum with a collection of religious paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts. In addition to the Basilica of Santo Stefano, guided tours of Bologna generally include other famous landmarks, including Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio, the Two Towers, and the Church of San Domenico.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Basilica visitors are required to wear modest attire that covers their shoulders and knees.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside.
- Parts of the complex have uneven flooring and low steps, and may not be accessible to wheelchair users.
- A visit to the basilica complex is especially interesting for architecture enthusiasts.
How to Get There
The basilica is located in the center of Bologna’s historic center, just a short walk east from Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers.
When to Get There
Bologna is notoriously hot in the summer and blustery in winter, which is why the city is home to miles of covered porticoes. A visit to the basilica is the perfect respite from the heat and cold, especially since it stays open all day.
The Legend of the Courtyard of Pontius Pilate
Sandwiched between the Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro and the Chiesa della Trinità, the quiet Courtyard of Pontius Pilate (Cortile di Pilato) gets its name from the central marble basin, said to be where Pontius Pilate washed his hands after condemning Christ to death. Studies have shown that the basin is a Lombard work dating from the 8th century, but the courtyard’s name has stuck.
Address: Via Santo Stefano, Bologna 40125, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 44
Museo Ducati
Emilia-Romagna’s Motor Valley is legendary among fans of luxury Italian cars and motorcycles, and the Ducati Museum is one of the area’s most impressive attractions. Housed in the Ducati factory headquarters outside of Bologna, this museum is a must for motorcycle enthusiasts.
The Basics
A visit to the Ducati Museum is a popular stop on Motor Valley tours from Bologna. Visitors can learn about the origins of Italy’s famed Ducati motorcycles, which were introduced in 1926; marvel over the impressive collection of vintage and modern motorcycles; admire the large display of trophies, photos, and memorabilia; discover key engineering milestones such as the introduction of the Desmodromic system, the L-twin engine, and the Trellis frame; and hear about iconic Ducati riders such as Troy Bayliss and Casey Stoner. One particularly interesting highlight is the illuminated race track featuring 33 iconic bikes. Visits to the Ducati Museum are often part of full-day tours that also include the nearby Ferrari Museum, the Fiorano Test Track, and the Lamborghini factory.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ducati Museum was completely renovated in 2016; today, a gift shop sells official branded clothing, toys, and other memorabilia.
- You can pair a museum visit with a guided tour of the Ducati factory—just be sure to book in advance.
- Museum visitors can download the Ducati Museum app for a multimedia guide with audio, images, text, and video further explaining the history and technical information of the motorcycles on display.
- A visit to the Ducati Museum is especially fun for kids and motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages.
How to Get There
The Ducati Museum, located at the Ducati factory on the outskirts of Bologna, isn’t easy to reach by public transportation. Consider booking a private Motor Valley tour, which offers transportation to the museum along with other automobile museums in the area.
When to Get There
The museum and factory are both closed on Wednesdays year round and on Sundays in winter; the factory is also closed on Saturdays year round. A visit to the museum and factory is an unforgettable way to spend a rainy day—both the collection and shop are indoors.
Cars and Food: Emilia-Romagna’s Two Passions
Emilia-Romagna is famous for two things: timeless automotive design and unrivaled cuisine. This region is home to Parmesan cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham, and balsamic vinegar from Modena; to really experience Emilia-Romagna’s crown jewels in a single day, combine a Ducati Museum visit with a food tour.
Address: Via Antonio Cavalieri Ducati, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna 40132, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 284