Bologna Complete Tour – Part 1: travel itinerary

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X. Porta Galliera

It is one of the ancient gates of the city walls of Bologna, located near the Central Station and Piazza XX Settembre. Built in the 14th century, it played a strategic role in the city’s defense, as one of the main entrances for those arriving from the north.

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A. Scalinata del Pincio

From Porta Galliera, we head towards the majestic Scalinata del Pincio, which connects Piazza XX Settembre with Parco della Montagnola. Built in the 19th century, this staircase is decorated with elegant balustrades and scenic fountains, and is one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

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B. Parco della Montagnola

Continuing on, we immerse ourselves in Parco della Montagnola, the oldest public garden in Bologna, designed during the Napoleonic era. A green oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for a short break before continuing the itinerary.

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C. Piazza VIII Agosto

Just a few steps away opens Piazza VIII Agosto, a symbolic place for the city, named after the historic uprising against the Austrians in 1848. At the center of the square stands the Monumento ai caduti dell’8 agosto 1848, which commemorates the Bolognese who fought for freedom. Here you can also find La Piazzola, one of the largest and oldest markets in Italy, with hundreds of stalls offering clothing, accessories, and handmade products.

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D. La Piccola Venezia

Continuing on, we enter one of the most charming corners of Bologna: La Piccola Venezia. From a small hidden window in Via Piella, we can admire a glimpse of the Canale delle Moline, one of the few remaining visible stretches of water that once crossed the city.

✨ An unexpected moment of surprise in the heart of Bologna: a hidden view that completely changes the perception of the city.

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E. Monumento a Giuseppe Garibaldi

Leaving La Piccola Venezia behind, we reach the Monumento a Giuseppe Garibaldi, located in a strategic area of the historic center. This equestrian statue honors the hero of the Risorgimento, who played a fundamental role in the unification of Italy.

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F. Teatro Arena del Sole

A few steps away is the Teatro Arena del Sole, one of the most important theaters in Bologna, built in 1810 and now home to major theatrical and cultural performances. Its monumental façade and rich program make it an interesting stop for lovers of theater and performing arts.

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G. Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro

We continue towards the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, one of the most important places of worship in Bologna. This imposing church preserves valuable works of art and is flanked by its Campanile, which, at 70 meters high, is the tallest in the city. Inside the cathedral is also the Museo di San Pietro, which houses precious sacred artworks.

📌 the Museo di San Pietro can be visited by reservation. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps card accessible via the link in the table.

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H. Biblioteca Salaborsa

Our penultimate stop is the Biblioteca Salaborsa, a place of culture and gathering located inside Palazzo d’Accursio. In addition to its elegant and modern spaces, Salaborsa hides beneath its glass floor the archaeological excavations of an ancient Roman city, visible to the public.

✨ A striking visual contrast: between modern spaces and transparent flooring, the ancient city emerges beneath your feet.

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I/X. Fontana del Nettuno

The itinerary concludes with one of the most famous symbols of Bologna: the Fontana del Nettuno. This magnificent 16th-century masterpiece, created by Giambologna, dominates the square of the same name and represents the Pope’s power over all seas. It is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a perfect ending to our walk.

I/X. Fontana del Nettuno is a shared stop 🧩 – See final stop of the previous route

⬇️ starting point

A. Palazzo Re Enzo

Our itinerary begins at Palazzo Re Enzo, located in the heart of Piazza del Nettuno. Built in the 13th century, the palace takes its name from King Enzo of Sardinia, son of Emperor Frederick II, who was imprisoned here for over twenty years. Today it is one of the main venues for events and exhibitions in the city, but its history is still clearly visible in its majestic halls.

📌 Palazzo Re Enzo is not open to visitors and can only be accessed during special events.

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B. Palazzo del Podestà

Right next to it we find Palazzo del Podestà, one of the oldest buildings in Bologna. Built in the 13th century as the seat of the city government, it is famous for its acoustic vault: if two people stand at opposite corners and whisper, their voices carry perfectly, creating a surprising sound effect.

📌 Palazzo del Podestà is not open to visitors and can only be accessed during special events.

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C. Piazza Maggiore

We proceed to Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of the city. This magnificent square is surrounded by historic buildings and represents the main meeting point for locals. Events, concerts, and markets are held here, making the atmosphere always lively and dynamic.

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D. Palazzo d’Accursio

Overlooking the square is the majestic Palazzo d’Accursio, once the seat of the city government and today the Bologna City Hall. Inside, you will find the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte, a museum that collects paintings, sculptures, and furnishings illustrating the city’s history through the centuries.

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E. Torre dell’Orologio – Inside Palazzo d’Accursio is the Torre dell’Orologio, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view over Piazza Maggiore and the city rooftops. The climb is worth the effort, especially for those who want to admire Bologna from a privileged viewpoint.

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F. Palazzo dei Notai – In front of the Basilica di San Petronio stands Palazzo dei Notai, a splendid medieval building that was the seat of the powerful notaries’ guild. With its battlements and red-brick façade, it is a perfect example of Bolognese Gothic architecture.

📌 Palazzo dei Notai is not open to visitors.

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G. Basilica di San Petronio

Our next stop is the monumental Basilica di San Petronio. Although its façade remains unfinished, the interior is a Gothic masterpiece that houses the famous Cappella dei Magi, frescoed by Giovanni da Modena, with an impressive Last Judgment cycle. Next to the basilica, the Museo Diocesano di San Petronio preserves relics and artworks connected to the cathedral’s history.

✨ Entering the Basilica di San Petronio means stepping inside one of the largest Gothic churches in Europe, where light and silence enhance every detail.

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H. Museo Civico Archeologico di Bologna

Leaving Piazza Maggiore, we head to the Museo Civico Archeologico, one of the most important museums in Italy. Here you can admire extraordinary Etruscan, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts. A few steps away is the evocative Portico della Morte, once connected to the ancient Hospital of Death, where the sick and pilgrims were received.

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I/X. Teatro Anatomico

We continue to the Archiginnasio, the ancient university building of Bologna. Inside you will find two unmissable spaces:

• The Teatro Anatomico, a 17th-century wooden hall used for anatomy lectures, decorated with Baroque statues and carvings.
• The Sala dello Stabat Mater, named after the performance of Rossini’s work and today housing ancient manuscripts and frescoes.
• The Biblioteca Comunale dell’Archiginnasio, one of the most prestigious libraries in Italy, with an incredible collection of ancient volumes.

✨ The Teatro Anatomico is one of the most scenic and unusual spaces in Italy: wood, science, and anatomy blend into a timeless theatre of knowledge.

📌 visits to the Biblioteca Comunale dell’Archiginnasio require advance booking. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing via the link in the table.

Piazza Galvani

Leaving the Archiginnasio, we arrive in Piazza Galvani, dedicated to the famous Bolognese scientist Luigi Galvani, pioneer in the study of animal electricity. His statue stands at the center of the square.

We pass through the Portico del Pavaglione (UNESCO World Heritage), one of the most elegant arcades in the city, which leads us to Piazza Cavour and its scenic porticoes along Via Farini (UNESCO World Heritage).

Before concluding our itinerary, we make a short stop at the Panchina Lucio Dalla, dedicated to the great Bolognese singer-songwriter who narrated Bologna through his music. Finally, we explore Galleria Cavour, Bologna’s luxury street, home to the most prestigious high-fashion boutiques.

I/X. Teatro Anatomico is a shared stop 🧩 – See final stop of the previous route

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A. Complesso Santa Maria della Vita

Our journey begins in the heart of Bologna with a visit to the Complesso di Santa Maria della Vita, one of the city’s most evocative churches. Here you will find the Oratorio di Santa Maria della Vita, which houses the famous Compianto di Nicolò dell’Arca, a terracotta sculptural group of extraordinary emotional intensity. Just a few steps away, the Museo della Sanità e dell’Assistenza tells the story of historical healthcare in the city, with ancient medical tools and historical documents.

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B. Mercato di Mezzo

After this immersion in art and history, it’s time to discover the authentic flavors of Bologna at the Mercato di Mezzo. This covered market, located in the heart of the Quadrilatero, is the perfect place to taste local specialties, from tortellini to mortadella, in a lively and genuine atmosphere.

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C. Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande

Continuing our walk, we reach Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande, an elegant Baroque building featuring spectacular frescoes. A short distance away is the Museo della Storia di Bologna, an immersive experience that retraces the city’s past, from its Etruscan origins to the present day, through multimedia installations and historical collections.

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D. Palazzo della Mercanzia

A symbol of Bologna’s historical economic importance, the Palazzo della Mercanzia dominates Piazza della Mercanzia with its impressive Gothic architecture. Long the seat of the Chamber of Commerce, it represents the city’s deep connection with trade and craftsmanship.

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E. Basilica di Santo Stefano

One of the most evocative places in the city is the Complesso di Santo Stefano, also known as the Seven Churches. This fascinating religious complex is a true journey through time, with architectural elements ranging from the early Christian period to the Middle Ages. The Museo di Santo Stefano preserves valuable artifacts linked to the history of the complex. The visit ends with a walk in Piazza Santo Stefano (UNESCO World Heritage), one of the most picturesque squares in Bologna, surrounded by historic buildings and characteristic arcades.

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F. Casa Isolani e Le Tre Frecce

We move to Strada Maggiore, where Casa Isolani stands, one of the rare surviving examples of medieval wooden architecture in the city. Here you can find the famous detail of the Tre Frecce, three arrows embedded in the ceiling of the portico, linked to an ancient local tradition and various interpretations that add mystery and charm to the place.

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G. Museo Ottocento Bologna

For art lovers, the Museo Ottocento Bologna is an unmissable stop. Located in an elegant building, it houses a rich collection of 19th-century Bolognese artworks, including paintings and sculptures by local artists who shaped the Romantic and Realist periods.

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H. Museo internazionale e biblioteca della musica

We continue with a visit to the Museo internazionale e biblioteca della musica, housed in the beautiful Palazzo Sanguinetti. This museum preserves ancient musical instruments, rare scores, and documents related to Bologna’s musical tradition, with a special focus on the great composers who left their mark on the city.

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I/X. Chiesa dei Santi Vitale e Agricola in Arena

The itinerary concludes with a visit to the Chiesa dei Santi Vitale e Agricola, the oldest church in Bologna. Located in an area that once hosted a Roman arena, the church preserves architectural and decorative elements from the early Christian period, offering a final fascinating glimpse into the city’s religious origins.

✨ A simple and silent place where the religious origins of the city still feel intact.

I/X. Chiesa dei Santi Vitale e Agricola in Arena is a shared stop 🧩 – See final stop of the previous route

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A. Museo Civico d’Arte Industriale Davia Bargellini

We begin this itinerary with a visit to the Museo Civico d’Arte Industriale Davia Bargellini, housed inside Palazzo Davia Bargellini. This museum offers a precious collection of antique furniture, ceramics, paintings, and musical instruments, showcasing the evolution of applied arts and Bolognese craftsmanship between the 17th and 19th centuries.

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B. Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi

A few steps away, we immerse ourselves in the solemn atmosphere of the Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi, a Gothic masterpiece with an elegant portico facing one of the most characteristic squares in the city. Inside the basilica are valuable works of art, including a Madonna and Child attributed to Cimabue.

✨ The Gothic portico introduces a suspended atmosphere, where the interior light makes every pictorial detail feel remarkably intimate.

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C. Palazzo Hercolani

Continuing along Strada Maggiore, we encounter the majestic Palazzo Hercolani, now the seat of the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Bologna. This 18th-century building is famous for its richly decorated interiors, especially the magnificent Sala degli Specchi, frescoed with mythological and allegorical scenes.

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D. Porta Maggiore

We then reach Porta Maggiore, one of the most important city gates, part of Bologna’s ancient medieval walls. From here began the historic Via Emilia, which connected Bologna to Rimini, making it a strategic point for trade and travel since Roman times.

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E. Casa Carducci

The next stop is Casa Carducci, the home of the famous poet Giosuè Carducci, now turned into a museum. Here we can admire manuscripts, memorabilia, and personal belongings of the poet. Inside the house is also the Museo del Risorgimento di Bologna, which collects documents and testimonies related to Italian unification. Near the house stands the Monumento a Giosuè Carducci, a monumental statue by sculptor Leonardo Bistolfi.

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F. Museo Morandi

Continuing toward the city center, we head to the Museo Morandi, dedicated to Giorgio Morandi, one of the most important Italian painters of the 20th century. The collection includes numerous paintings and etchings by the artist, renowned for his still lifes and his masterful use of light and color.

✨ A quiet and contemplative museum, where Morandi’s still lifes transform simplicity into pure visual poetry.

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G. Chiesa di San Giovanni in Monte

Our itinerary continues with a visit to the Chiesa di San Giovanni in Monte, an elegant Renaissance building known for its refined architecture and the frescoes preserved inside. Next to the church, the Museo di San Giovanni in Monte preserves precious artworks, including paintings and sculptures from ancient Bolognese monasteries.

📌 the Museo di San Giovanni in Monte is visitable by reservation. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing via the link in the table.

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H. Basilica Patriarcale di San Domenico

An unmissable stop of our tour is the Basilica di San Domenico, one of the most important places of worship in the city, housing the remains of Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order. Inside the basilica are sculptural masterpieces by Niccolò dell’Arca and Michelangelo. Attached to the basilica, the Museo di San Domenico preserves liturgical objects, artworks, and documents related to the history of the order.

✨ Here sculpture reaches an almost theatrical level: the works of Michelangelo and Niccolò dell’Arca still seem “alive” within the sacred space.

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I/X. Reale Collegio di Spagna – We conclude our itinerary with a visit to the Reale Collegio di Spagna, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in Bologna. Founded in the 14th century to host Spanish students of the University of Bologna, this college still preserves splendid frescoes and a striking Gothic architecture.

📌 the Reale Collegio di Spagna is visitable on request. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing via the link in the table.