{"id":16713,"date":"2025-12-10T15:33:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T14:33:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/?p=16713"},"modified":"2025-12-03T15:34:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T14:34:02","slug":"what-to-see-in-bologna","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/en\/travel-ideas\/what-to-see-in-bologna\/","title":{"rendered":"What to see in Bologna: the unmissable places in the historic city of towers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where Bologna is located and why visit it<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The city of towers and porticoes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is a strategic city perfectly connected to Italy\u2019s main destinations. It is known as <em>\u201cla dotta, la grassa e la rossa\u201d<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>la dotta<\/strong>, \u201cthe learned one\u201d, for its ancient university, the oldest in the Western world<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>la grassa<\/strong>, \u201cthe fat one\u201d, for its renowned gastronomic traditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>la rossa<\/strong>, \u201cthe red one\u201d, for the warm tones of its rooftops and brick buildings across the historic centre<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Its <strong>porticoes<\/strong>, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretch for over <strong>60 kilometres<\/strong>, making Bologna truly unique. Walking beneath these arcades\u2014lined with artisan workshops, caf\u00e9s and bookstores\u2014feels like stepping back in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.italotreno.com\/en\/destinations-timetable\/bologne-tickets\" style=\"background-color:#a31308\"><strong>Buy your high-speed train ticket to Bologna now<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The main attractions in Bologna<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Bologna-in-un-giorno-Basilica-di-San-Petronio.jpg\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna - Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Piazza Maggiore is Bologna\u2019s beating heart. Surrounded by its most important historic buildings\u2014Palazzo d\u2019Accursio, Palazzo del Podest\u00e0, Palazzo dei Notai and Palazzo dei Banchi\u2014it has been the political and religious centre of the city for centuries.<br>Despite its monumental architecture, the square remains a vibrant place, hosting festivals, concerts and cultural events that keep its spirit alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Towering over the square is the <strong>Basilica of San Petronio<\/strong>, one of the largest churches in Europe. Its striking unfinished fa\u00e7ade\u2014half marble, half brick\u2014is among the city\u2019s most recognisable features. Inside, you\u2019ll find 22 chapels adorned with frescoes and artworks, including the famous <em>Last Judgement<\/em> by Giovanni da Modena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the basilica\u2019s most fascinating treasures is the <strong>solar meridian<\/strong> designed by Gian Domenico Cassini in 1655. At 66 metres long, it is one of the longest in the world and still works perfectly.<br>Nearby stands another city symbol: the <strong>Fountain of Neptune<\/strong>, a Renaissance masterpiece by Giambologna celebrating the power of water and Bologna\u2019s connection to Italian humanism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Bologna-in-un-giorno-Piazza-del-Nettuno.jpg\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna - Fountain of Neptune\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Two Towers: Bologna\u2019s unmistakable landmark<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1082\" height=\"723\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-16.png\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna - The Two Towers: Bologna\u2019s unmistakable landmark\" class=\"wp-image-16720\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the most iconic things to see, the <strong>Two Towers\u2014Asinelli and Garisenda<\/strong>\u2014are the ultimate symbol of the city. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, they represented the power of noble families who commissioned them. Originally, over one hundred towers marked Bologna\u2019s skyline, though only about twenty remain today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Asinelli Tower<\/strong>, standing 97 metres tall, offers breathtaking views over the historic centre and surrounding hills. Climbing its 498 wooden steps is a challenge, but the panorama is worth every effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next to it is the shorter, leaning <strong>Garisenda Tower<\/strong>, whose dramatic tilt\u2014mentioned by Dante in the <em>Divine Comedy<\/em>\u2014makes it one of Bologna\u2019s most intriguing sights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Local tradition says students avoid climbing the Asinelli before graduating\u2026 just to be safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Bologna-in-un-gionro-Torre-degli-Asinelli-e-Garisenda.jpg\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna - Garisenda Tower\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The University of Bologna and the Archiginnasio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1160\" height=\"773\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-18.png\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna - The University of Bologna and the Archiginnasio\" class=\"wp-image-16724\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded in <strong>1088<\/strong>, the University of Bologna is the oldest in the Western world and one of the city\u2019s cultural cornerstones. For centuries it has attracted scholars, writers and scientists, shaping Bologna\u2019s identity as a vibrant academic centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The historic heart of the university is the <strong>Archiginnasio<\/strong>, a 16th-century building created to bring all the city\u2019s schools under one roof. Today it houses the <strong>Archiginnasio Library<\/strong>, one of Italy\u2019s most important collections with over <strong>850,000 volumes and manuscripts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The highlight is the extraordinary <strong>Anatomical Theatre<\/strong> (1637), entirely carved in limewood. Here anatomy lessons once took place, with dissections performed on a central marble table. The room is decorated with statues of flayed figures (<em>gli Spellati<\/em>) and a majestic professor\u2019s chair supported by two wooden Atlases\u2014a unique Baroque masterpiece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting the Archiginnasio means diving into centuries of knowledge and understanding why Bologna\u2019s academic tradition remains so influential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.italotreno.com\/en\/destinations-timetable\/rome-bologna-tickets\" style=\"background-color:#a6160a\"><strong>Travel from Rome to Bologna on Italo high-speed trains<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Quadrilatero and the UNESCO porticoes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-17.png\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna - The Quadrilatero and the UNESCO porticoes\" class=\"wp-image-16723\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just steps from Piazza Maggiore lies the <strong>Quadrilatero<\/strong>, one of Bologna\u2019s most authentic districts. Its medieval network of narrow streets\u2014Via Drapperie, Via Pescherie Vecchie and Via Clavature\u2014is filled with historic shops, delicatessens, wine bars and small osterias where the city\u2019s culinary soul thrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you wander through its alleys, the aroma of fresh tortellini, cured meats and warm bread drifts from shop windows. Covered markets add to the sensory experience, creating an irresistible mix of tradition and flavour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes this area\u2014and Bologna as a whole\u2014truly unique is the presence of its <strong>UNESCO-listed porticoes<\/strong>, more than <strong>62 kilometres<\/strong> of arcades that embody the city\u2019s identity. Originally created to expand medieval living spaces, they now offer beauty, shelter and continuity for pedestrians in every season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1201\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-13.png\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna -UNESCO-listed porticoes\" class=\"wp-image-16716\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Famous examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the lively porticoes of <strong>Via Zamboni<\/strong>, shaped by student life,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the elegant arcades of <strong>Strada Maggiore<\/strong>, lined with Renaissance palaces,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and, above all, the <strong>Portico of San Luca<\/strong>, the world\u2019s longest, with <strong>666 arcades<\/strong> stretching nearly four kilometres up to the sanctuary on the hills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Sanctuary of San Luca and the Bolognese Hills<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-12.png\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna - The Sanctuary of San Luca and the Bolognese Hills\" class=\"wp-image-16714\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of Bologna\u2019s most iconic images is the <strong>Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca<\/strong>, perched atop the Colle della Guardia at about 300 metres above the city. Visible from far across the plain, it has been a beloved spiritual symbol for centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sanctuary is reached by walking the famous <strong>Portico di San Luca<\/strong>, a covered arcade of 666 arches stretching from Porta Saragozza to the hilltop\u2014<strong>the longest portico in the world<\/strong>. Walking it is a unique experience: quiet, atmospheric and full of scenic glimpses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-14.png\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna - Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca\" class=\"wp-image-16718\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside, the sanctuary houses a precious Byzantine icon of the Madonna and Child, venerated since the 13th century. Every May, the icon is carried in procession down to the city in a centuries-old tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the panoramic terrace, the view opens over gentle green hills dotted with vineyards, villas and small villages\u2014a perfect escape for anyone wishing to slow down and enjoy nature, perhaps with a stop in one of the many agriturismi or traditional eateries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.italotreno.com\/en\/destinations-timetable\/bologne-tickets\" style=\"background-color:#a6160a\"><strong>Reach Bologna with Italo\u2014buy your ticket now<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to do in Bologna<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stroll under the porticoes and taste traditional cuisine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-15.png\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna-  Stroll under the porticoes and taste traditional cuisine\" class=\"wp-image-16719\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most enjoyable things to do is simply wandering under Bologna\u2019s porticoes, discovering hidden squares, winding alleys and unexpected viewpoints.<br>Stop in a traditional osteria to try <strong>tortellini in broth<\/strong>, <strong>tagliatelle al rag\u00f9<\/strong>, or <strong>lasagne alla bolognese<\/strong>, paired with a glass of <strong>Sangiovese<\/strong> or <strong>Pignoletto<\/strong>\u2014the flavours that define local cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Museums to visit and curiosities to discover<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Art lovers will enjoy the <strong>Civic Archaeological Museum<\/strong>, home to one of Italy\u2019s richest Etruscan and Roman collections, and the <strong>National Art Gallery<\/strong>, which preserves masterpieces by Giotto, Raphael and the Carracci family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t miss one of Bologna\u2019s most delightful curiosities: the <strong>little window on Via Piella<\/strong>, framing a view of the Moline Canal\u2014Bologna\u2019s very own tiny, hidden \u201cVenice\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Unmissable experiences: markets, artisanal shops and street food<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To experience Bologna like a true local, visit the <strong>Mercato delle Erbe<\/strong> or the <strong>Mercato di Mezzo<\/strong>, where you can sample regional specialties in a lively, convivial setting.<br>And if you\u2019re into street food, try <em>crescentine<\/em> with cold cuts and cheeses, or warm <em>tigelle<\/em> fresh from the oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to see around Bologna<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.italotreno.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Fico-a-Bologna-eataly-agroalimentare-italiano.jpg\" alt=\"What to see in Bologna- FICO Eataly World\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have more time, the surroundings of Bologna offer wonderful excursions.<br>Just a few kilometres away is <strong>Dozza<\/strong>, one of Italy\u2019s most beautiful villages, famous for the colourful murals adorning its houses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Food lovers shouldn\u2019t miss <strong>FICO Eataly World<\/strong>, the large theme park dedicated to Italian food culture, with workshops and sensory experiences celebrating Made in Italy excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, a trip through the <strong>Bolognese hills<\/strong> is perfect for relaxing among vineyards, panoramic viewpoints and charming agriturismi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to reach Bologna with Italo Treno<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to Italo\u2019s high-speed network, reaching Bologna is both quick and effortless from many Italian cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.italotreno.com\/en\/destinations-timetable\/milan-bologna-tickets\">Milan<\/a>, the journey takes around <strong>one hour<\/strong>, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.italotreno.com\/en\/destinations-timetable\/florence-bologna-tickets\">Florence<\/a> just <strong>35 minutes<\/strong>, and from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.italotreno.com\/en\/destinations-timetable\/rome-bologna-tickets\">Rome<\/a> only two hours to bring you right into the heart of Emilia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bologna Centrale station<\/strong> sits just a short walk from the historic centre, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the city\u2019s squares, towers and iconic porticoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Discover Bologna with Italo: a journey into the heart of Emilia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bologna welcomes you with warmth and wins you over with its authenticity. It\u2019s a place where<strong> history blends with everyday life<\/strong>, where every portico tells a story and every dish evokes emotion.<br>Whether you\u2019re spending just a day or an entire weekend, the city will surprise you with its contrasts, its energy and its timeless beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.italotreno.com\/en\/destinations-timetable\/bologne-tickets\" style=\"background-color:#a6160a\"><strong>Reach Bologna comfortably with Italo Treno and enjoy the magic of the city<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Elegant, lively and welcoming, Bologna is a city that instantly captivates you with its perfect blend of art, history and excellent food. Strolling beneath its porticoes, you\u2019ll feel the charm of a medieval city rich in culture, home to one of the world\u2019s oldest universities and full of authentic, atmospheric corners. This guide takes you through the best things to see in Bologna\u2014from iconic landmarks to lesser-known gems\u2014along with a few curiosities that will make your visit even more special.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":14070,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[169],"tags":[190,234,183],"class_list":["post-16713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-ideas","tag-art-cities","tag-best-itineraries-in-italy","tag-bologna"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What to see in Bologna: a complete guide to the must-visit places in the city of towers \u2013 Italo Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover what to see in Bologna: historic squares, medieval towers, UNESCO-listed porticoes and authentic local flavours. 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