What to see in Bologna

What to see in Bologna, the city of arcades and university students

The city of Bologna is known for being one of the youngest cities in Italy, rich in culture and entertainment.

In the past, the expression "the learned, red, and fat city" was used to describe Bologna. Learned because it is the seat of the famous University of Bologna - one of the best known nationally - red for the typical color of its buildings, and greasy for its rich culinary tradition.

Today, these same three elements define the city of Bologna and make it absolutely one of a kind.

Together we will discover which are the main attractions to visit, so you will know how to move and how to get from one portico to another.

The 5 most beautiful attractions in Bologna

In this short guide, we will pause to analyze the monumental and architectural attractions, but it is also important to mention the culture and culinary tradition of Bologna.

Some of the typical dishes of the place were born in the city, hundreds of years ago. It is worth stopping for a taste and to watch the real Bolognese tortellini being made.

But now let's move on and let's focus on the beauties of this interesting Italian province, so you can visit it in the best way.

Piazza Maggiore

The beautiful Piazza Maggiore, the real beating heart of Bologna, is known for the song by Lucio Dalla, who calls it “Piazza Grande”. A magical and immense place, where it is possible to observe two of the most interesting monuments of the city: the Palazzo del Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio. Both buildings reflect the Bolognese tradition and the typical colors of the place, giving tourists something to observe with admiration. The square is the main meeting place for citizens, who use it as a means of reference to orient themselves within the city.

Fountain of Neptune

A short distance from Piazza Maggiore, just a few meters, is the imposing fountain of Neptune.

As it is easy to guess, the fountain is characterized by the presence of a specific statue, the statue of Neptune. Citizens call this monument "the Giant", precisely because Neptune is presented in all its beauty and majesty.

According to a local legend, by positioning yourself in a specific point of the square - marked on the floor - you can see something unusual along the profile of the statue. To find out what it is, you will have to reach the city and wade with your eyes!

Basilica of San Petronio

Speaking of Piazza Maggiore we mentioned the beautiful Basilica of San Petronio, without dwelling too much on describing its details.

The Cathedral is one of the latest works of Gothic architecture made in Italy. The works for its construction began in 1390 and continued for many years.

The impressive size of the Basilica makes it the fifth largest church in all of Italy, with large and richly decorated interiors.

Not to be missed is the visit inside. The Bolognini Chapel and the "Last Judgment, Hell" fresco are spectacular and reflect tradition in all its splendor.

Archiginnasio

From the most beautiful Cathedral, we pass to the most beautiful building in Bologna, the Archiginnasio. The Palace was built around 500, at the behest of Carlo Borromeo.

Initially, the Archiginnasio served as the main seat of the University of Bologna but was later transformed into a library.

The most interesting feature of the building is the exterior. A long portico with more than 30 arches constitutes its profile, decorated thanks to the presence of hundreds of coats of arms of noble families.

The coats of arms are also found inside the place, as a symbol of the greatness of Bologna.

Basilica of San Domenico

We conclude with the precious Basilica of San Domenico, built by the friars to house the remains of San Domenico da Guzman. Its construction dates back to the thirteenth century, while the architecture is in perfect Romanesque style.

The front rose window is high and painted through the addition of the windows, which allows the entry of natural light.

Inside, there are works by important artists, both painters and sculptors. Among the various works, the central arch is especially worthy of note, embellished with sculptures by Michelangelo and Nicola Pisano.