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Bologna Tourist Attractions: Top 15 Best Places to visit in Bologna, Italy
Bologna is well known for being a historic, vibrant city; it is located in northern Italy and is the capital of the well-known Emilia-Romagna region. The stunning city has a spectacular renaissance structure, artistic medieval towers, beautiful cafes, and many other ancient and spectacular features that adorn it.
Have a stunning view of Bologna from San Petronio
This is an immense structure and the 10th largest church in the world by its volume. It has a domineering presence in the center of the Piazza Maggiore. The church was dedicated to Saint Petronius, the patron saint of Bologna. The church is still incomplete, and its front façade is quite bizarre. The inside of the church is truly epic. The large brick columns are decorated, and the main altar will catch your attention as you walk down the central aisle. The highlight of the church is the stunning and mind-blowing views of the beautiful Italian city at the top of the Church.
Visit the leaning towers of Bologna
Bologna has numerous towers, but the two tall examples in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana are the most legendary. Garisenda and Asinelli are two tall towers that stand next to each other, and they are both named after important Italian families. Asinelli was used as a prison and stronghold, standing at 97.2m, while Garisenda is 48m and has an extremely noticeable tilt and an overhang of 3.2m. The highlight of this tower is that you should climb the towers for a spectacular view of Bologna and also see the epic landscapes that stretch a mile around.
Discover the 7 secrets of Bologna
One of the things to do in Bologna is to look for its seven secrets. You will have a nice time doing this as you will try an enjoyable, interactive way to learn about the Italian city and its rich history. You can explore some of the interesting secrets of Bologna, like the hidden canal, a broken vase at the top of Asinelli tower, whispering corners at the intersection in Palazzo del Podesta, and others.
Go sightseeing in Piazza Maggiore
This is at the city’s center and is an important historical place. This is a lively place, and you would think everybody is meeting friends simultaneously in this heart of the city. You will like the vibe here as the conversation and laughter blend with the sound of water splashing in the stunning Neptune fountain. You would love coming here as there are major attractions in the city within a few minutes walk, you will surely have many things to do here.
Go for a walk around Porticoes.
There are numerous porticoes, and this is one of the things that you should try while you are in Bologna. There are many beautiful arches everywhere in the city center, going all the way to San Luca. Many porticoes are about 1000 years old, and they are also regarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porticoes are one of the main attractions of Bologna, and they have extensive shelter and shade in bad weather.
Visit Archiginnasio
This is among the most important buildings in Bologna, and it is one of the main buildings of the University of Bologna, and it is home to the famous Anatomical Theatre. The stunning building was created in the 16th century and is found on the Piazza Galvani. The Anatomical theatre is the centerpiece of the Archiginnasio. The building is completely built with wood, and there are carved statues of famous medical practitioners. At the center of the room is an ornate anatomical table surrounded by seating platforms.
Go sightseeing at Museo Civico Archeologico (Archeological Museum)
This is a fine museum at the heart of Bologna, and you will get a spectacular insight into the city’s history throughout the ages. The museum is found on the Piazza Maggiore, and it is easily accessible and one of the things to do in Bologna. The museum has a wide range of collections, and it is split into 9 different sections, which include the Prehistoric, Celtic, Etruscan, Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and Numismatic. The museum’s highlight is the magnificent display of different artifacts like Bronze age tools, pottery, skeletal remains, china wares, weaponry, and marble statues.
Explore Oratory of Battuti
This is one of Bologna’s unsung treasures and is found above the church. You will see a small oration decorated in Baroque paintings, gilded carvings, and frescoes. You can stretch out and look up at the perfectly stunning ceiling from one of the benches to avoid a stiff neck. The room’s highlight is the 15 terracotta statues, Death of the Virgin, created by Alfonso Lombardi in the early 16th century.
Visit Bologna National Gallery
This is one of the things to do in Bologna if you want to know more about the city’s history. The gallery contains works related to the Emilian region and the city, and the paintings in the gallery range in age, dating back to the 13th century to the 18th century. You will find the museum in the confines of the old university complex, which is easy to locate. The museum is split into two main sections: Accademia Clementina and the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery. The museum’s highlight is Raphael’s Ecstasy of St. Cecilia and so on.
Visit Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro
This cathedral has undergone many changes since it was founded in 910 and remodeled in the 17th century to the Baroque style. You will see a collection of artistic treasures donated over the centuries to use in religious celebrations.
See the Ancient Roman Road
Bologna was a part of the popular Roman Empire, and you can see the ruins of the ancient Roman road. At Sala Borsa Library, there is a glass floor where you will see stunning Roman ruins which are conserved. You can still see the track marks of the ancient Roman carts.
Try out traditional food.
You cannot leave Italy without trying out Italian delicacies. There are many delicious regional cuisines that you can try out in Bologna. While walking through the pleasant city, you can try out Tortellini in Brodo and Tagliatelle al ragu Bolognese.
Ride to San Luca
You can see the massive 18th-century Basilica of San Luca, found on the outskirts of the center of Bologna on the top of a hill. The highlight of this attraction is that you will get to see the Virgin Mary’s icon that St. Luke painted. You can get here by either walking, a bus or San Luca Express. You will also get to see the great views of the city of Bologna from here.
Escape the city by going to Monte Della Guardia
The longest portico in the world leads to the top of Monte Della Guardia. If you are tired of the city, this is the right place to escape, and the hill is up to 300m high. The hill is located southwest of Bologna and close to the Reno River. You will be greeted by unrivaled panoramic views of Bologna and the surrounding regions. You will also see the delightful Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca at the top of the hill, and you should try and visit it here.
Go shopping at La Piazzola Market
This is a historic market that has been held for hundreds of years, and it still continues to be popular with both the tourists and the locals. It is located in the Piazza dell Agosto, north of the city center. There are over 400 different stalls, which is a sight to behold. You can find up to anything here, from shoes, clothes, fashion accessories, pottery, flowers, and jewelry.
Bologna has served as a major cultural and economic hub in Italy and was ruled by the Celts, Etruscans, and Romans. Bologna has a stunning array of cultural sights, stunning architecture, and high-quality museums; you will enjoy your stay here.
Do you have other recommended fun and interesting things to do in Bologna? Please feel free to share by posting a comment below.
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