If you are planning a vacation in Bologna, but you do not know what you could visit in the capital of the Emilia Romagna region, we put together a list of the tourist attractions that we also visited during the 24 hours spent in the Italian town.
1. Piazza Maggiore- The heart of Bologna
Choose as a starting point the famous Piazza Maggiore – around it; you will find most of the sights of Bologna: from the Basilica that dominates the Italian square and palazzo to the lively streets where you can try dishes typical of the Emilia Romagna region. Now let’s discover Bologna!
2. Basilica di San Pentronio
The incursion begins with the Basilica di San Petronio, the third-largest church in Italy, after the Domes of Milan and Florence, and the 15th largest church in the world. The construction of the church began in 1390, and over time it faced a lack of funds, and the exterior has remained unfinished to this day, is only half-covered with marble. This detail makes it so much more loved by the tourits and gives it an unique look that no other building has ever had.
3. Pallaso D'arcusio
To the left of the church, you will find the Palazzo d’Arcusio (or Palazzo Comunale) – the building is now the town hall but dates back to the 14th century and also houses a chapel and a museum of fine arts. Admire its impressive façade, but also the inner courtyard. Do not hesitate to climb the stairs (more of a ramp, in fact) – when we were here, there was an exhibition of 2 local painters, with free access.
4. Palazzo Re Enzo
Opposite the Basilica di San Petronio, you can admire Palazzo Re Enzo – the building built in 1245 to house the public administration was for 23 years and the residence of King Enzo of Sardinia (after which it took its name). Various exhibitions, conferences, and other cultural events are currently taking place in Pallazo Re Enzo. When we were there was a photo exhibition – access is free and is on the side with the fountain of Neptune.
5. Piazza Del Nettuno
After leaving Pallazo, you will meet the Fontana del Nettuno – the fountain of Neptune. The statue was made by order of Pope Pius IV, and it is said that when it was built, it was ordered that the intimate parts of Neptune be as small as possible so as not to harm the pride of the inhabitants.
6. Salaborsa
In Piazza del Nettuno, you will find the entrance to the Salaborsa Library – it is the public library of the city, here discovered and preserved ruins from Roman times.
7. Garisenda and Delgi Asinelli towers- Symbols from Bologna
I think it’s time to head to the city’s two famous towers: Garisenda and Delgi Asinelli. The towers were built in the Middle Ages and had a military function, representing at the same time the prestige of the family that built them through their grandeur. With a ticket reservation, you can even climb up the taller one and dive into the most beautiful panoramic view of the city of orange and yellow- Bologna.
8. La Finestrella
Last but not least, the place we loved the most- La Finestrella. The window in via Piella is one of the gems of the city of Bologna kept in a secondary alley, parallel to via Indipendenza. The window of Bologna looks like a small Polaroid surrounded by murals, and when you look into it you seem to look inside a camera from which you can see a small stream of water flowing between the ancient buildings of the city. Moving to the other side instead, via Piella offers us another nice glimpse of the Moline canal, before it goes back to hiding, veering between the houses.
