Bologna Complete Tour – Part 2: travel itinerary

I/X. Reale Collegio di Spagna is a shared stop 🧩 – See final stop of the previous route.

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A. Basilica di San Francesco

The itinerary begins with a visit to the Basilica di San Francesco, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. This church, built in the 13th century, houses important works of art and is characterized by imposing apses and an elegant cloister.

In the nearby Piazza Malpighi, we find the Tombe dei Glossatori, medieval funerary monuments that preserve the remains of 13th-century Bolognese jurists, testifying to the central role of the University of Bologna in the European legal landscape.

✨ A surprising medieval fragment, where Bologna’s legal history emerges almost theatrically in the heart of the city.

Also in the square, the majestic Platano secolare deserves attention, a centuries-old tree that adds a touch of nature to the urban landscape.

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B. Via del Pratello

Continuing on, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Via del Pratello, one of Bologna’s most characteristic and alternative streets. Once a working-class and popular area, today it is famous for its lively nightlife, historic venues, and bohemian atmosphere.

✨ Walking along this street means discovering the most authentic and youthful Bologna.

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C. Palazzo Pallavicini

We now head to Palazzo Pallavicini, an elegant 18th-century building that hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. This palace has an important history: it was here that Mozart, still a child, performed a memorable concert during his stay in Bologna in 1770.

📌 Palazzo Pallavicini can be visited by appointment. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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D. MAMbo – Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna

The next stop is the MAMbo – Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna, the beating heart of the city’s contemporary art scene. It hosts works ranging from the post-war period to the present day, with a strong focus on 20th-century Italian art.
Outside the museum extends the evocative Portico del MAMbo (UNESCO World Heritage), a regenerated urban area that combines culture and modern architecture.

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E. La Quadreria – Palazzo Rossi Poggi Marsili

We continue to La Quadreria, located inside Palazzo Rossi Poggi Marsili. This exhibition space houses an extraordinary collection of paintings from the 16th to the 18th century, featuring artists such as Guido Reni and Guercino. La Quadreria is a hidden gem in the heart of Bologna, perfect for lovers of classical painting.

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F. Palazzo Fava

A short walk takes us to Palazzo Fava, an architectural jewel hosting high-level temporary exhibitions. Inside, visitors can admire the frescoes by the Carracci family, one of the most important examples of Bolognese Mannerism.

Next door, the Museo Civico Medievale is an unmissable stop for anyone interested in Bologna’s medieval history. It houses armor, manuscripts, sculptures, and precious artifacts that illustrate the city’s political and daily life in the Middle Ages.

📌 Palazzo Fava can be visited by appointment. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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G. Chiesa di San Colombano

We continue with a visit to the Chiesa di San Colombano, an ancient religious complex that now hosts the Collezione Tagliavini, an incredible collection of historical musical instruments. The interior of the church, decorated with beautiful frescoes, makes the experience even more atmospheric.

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H. Mercato delle Erbe

For a gastronomic break, we head to the Mercato delle Erbe, one of the city’s most lively and authentic markets. Here you can find fresh produce, local specialties, and small eateries perfect for tasting the best of Bolognese cuisine.

✨ A concentration of Bolognese life, among aromas, colors, and the city’s daily rhythm.

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I/X. Fontana Vecchia

We conclude our route with a visit to the Fontana Vecchia, a historic fountain located in a small hidden square, offering a peaceful corner away from the city center’s bustle.

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

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A. Il Quadrilatero

We begin our itinerary in the Quadrilatero, the oldest and most fascinating district of the city, famous for its medieval alleyways and historic shops. Here you can feel the commercial soul of Bologna, with markets, delicatessens, and traditional shops offering local products such as mortadella, parmesan, and fresh pasta.

✨ Walking through Via Clavature, Via Pescherie Vecchie and Via Drapperie means immersing yourself in the aromas and flavors of Bolognese tradition.

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B. Torre degli Asinelli, Torre della Garisenda

Continuing on, we reach the Due Torri, the undisputed symbol of the city.

• The Torre degli Asinelli, 97 meters high, is the tallest leaning tower in Italy. Climbing its 498 steps offers a spectacular view over Bologna and its hills.
• The Torre della Garisenda, shorter and visibly leaning, was even mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy.

These medieval towers are a testament to ancient Bologna, when the city was dotted with many noble towers.

📌 This stop corresponds to the famous 2 towers of Bologna, but the visit to Torre degli Asinelli is currently not available due to stability issues of Garisenda. To enjoy Bologna’s skyline, we included Torre Prendiparte instead (stop E of the following itinerary).

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C. MEB Museo Ebraico di Bologna

A short walk from the towers brings us to the MEB – Museo Ebraico di Bologna, located in the heart of the former Jewish ghetto. The museum tells the story of the Jewish community in Bologna from the Middle Ages to today, with documents, artifacts, and interactive exhibits exploring Jewish culture and traditions.

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D. Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore

We now head towards Via Zamboni, the heart of the university district.

• The Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore, one of Bologna’s most important religious buildings, houses the stunning Cappella Bentivoglio, decorated with frescoes by Lorenzo Costa.
• The Oratorio di Santa Cecilia, next to the basilica, is a small gem featuring a Renaissance fresco cycle from the Bolognese school.
• Walking along the Portici accademici di Via Zamboni (UNESCO World Heritage), you feel the lively atmosphere of university life, with students filling the area between libraries, cafés, and historic bookshops.

📌 The visit to Cappella Bentivoglio requires advance booking. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing via the link in the table.

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E. Teatro Comunale di Bologna

Not far away stands the Teatro Comunale di Bologna, one of the most prestigious opera houses in Italy. Built in 1763 to a design by Antonio Galli Bibiena, it hosted world premieres of operas by Rossini and Verdi. Today, the theatre still offers a rich program of opera and concerts.

📌 The visit to the Teatro Comunale di Bologna requires advance booking. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing via the link in the table.

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F. Collezione di Antropologia

Our route continues with a visit to the Collezione di Antropologia and the Collezione di Zoologia di Bologna, part of the University Museum System.

• The Collezione di Antropologia displays artifacts illustrating human evolution and the cultural diversity of populations around the world.
• The Collezione di Zoologia preserves thousands of terrestrial and marine specimens, including skeletons, models, and taxidermy animals.

An interesting stop for lovers of science and nature.

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G. Museo di Palazzo Poggi

We are now in one of the city’s most important cultural hubs: Palazzo Poggi.

• The Museo di Palazzo Poggi hosts collections dedicated to science, cartography, and anatomy, featuring ancient instruments and anatomical wax models.
• The Biblioteca Universitaria di Bologna (BUB), founded in the 18th century, preserves over one million books and manuscripts of immense historical value.
• The Museo della Specola, located in the historic astronomical observatory tower, allows visitors to discover ancient astronomical instruments and enjoy a panoramic view over the city.

📌 The Biblioteca Universitaria di Bologna (BUB) can be visited by appointment. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing via the link in the table.

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H. Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna

Art lovers should not miss the Pinacoteca Nazionale, which houses one of the most important art collections in Italy. Here you can admire masterpieces by Raphael, Guido Reni, Carracci, and Guercino, spanning from medieval paintings to Renaissance works.

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I/X. Museo Geologico “G. Capellini” is a shared stop 🧩 – See starting stop of the following itinerary.

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I/X. Museo Geologico “G. Capellini”

Our tour begins at the Museo Geologico “Giovanni Capellini”, one of the most important geology and paleontology museums in Italy. Here you can admire collections of fossils, minerals, and geological finds that tell the story of the Earth’s evolution. Among the most spectacular pieces is the gigantic skeleton of a Diplodocus, over 20 meters long, which fascinates both adults and children.

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A. Porta San Donato

Continuing on, we reach Porta San Donato, one of the ancient gates of the city. Built in the 13th century, it was part of Bologna’s third defensive wall and marked the entrance to the city for those arriving from Via Emilia. Today, the gate is an important landmark in the university district.

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B. Museo delle Cere Anatomiche Cattaneo

A short walk away is the Museo delle Cere Anatomiche Cattaneo, a fascinating and unusual museum displaying a collection of 19th-century anatomical wax models. These models were used for educational purposes and show the human body with extraordinary realism, making it a unique museum in Italy.

✨ The anatomical wax models are striking for their almost unsettling realism: the human body reconstructed in extraordinary detail looks alive.

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C. Orto Botanico ed Erbario di Bologna

We continue to the Orto Botanico ed Erbario di Bologna, founded in 1568 and one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. It hosts over 5,000 plant species, including centuries-old trees, medicinal plants, and rare carnivorous plants. It is the perfect place for a relaxing break surrounded by nature in the heart of the city.

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D. Basilica di San Martino

We move on to the Basilica di San Martino, a Gothic church rich in history and art.

• Inside, the famous work Lezione di San Pier Tommaso stands out, a fresco of great artistic value.
• The Chiostro dei Morti, attached to the basilica, is a evocative space where silence and history transport visitors back in time.

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E. Torre Prendiparte (Sky Experience)

We continue to the Torre Prendiparte, one of the best-preserved medieval towers in Bologna. Standing at 60 meters, it offers a unique Sky Experience, allowing visitors to climb to the top and enjoy a spectacular view over the city. During the ascent, you pass through historic rooms that once served as prisons and clerical lodgings.

✨ A breathtaking view of Bologna: red rooftops, towers, and hills unfold in a 360° panorama.

📌 The visit to Torre Prendiparte (Sky Experience) requires advance booking. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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F. Torre degli Azzoguidi

We conclude our tour at the Torre degli Azzoguidi, another medieval tower of Bologna, standing about 61 meters tall. It is part of the group known as the “sister towers,” together with Torre Prendiparte and Torre Galluzzi. Its slender profile and central location make it an icon of Bologna’s medieval architecture.

📌 The Torre degli Azzoguidi can be visited by request. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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X. Museo del Patrimonio Industriale

The itinerary begins at the Museo del Patrimonio Industriale, located in the former Galotti brickworks. This museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of Bologna’s industry, from ancient textile manufacturing to modern technological innovation. A wide collection of machinery, tools, and documents highlights the city’s economic importance over the centuries.

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A. Museo per la Memoria di Ustica

We move on to the Museo per la Memoria di Ustica, a deeply emotional site preserving the remains of the Itavia DC-9 aircraft shot down in 1980. Christian Boltanski’s artistic installation, with mirrors and intermittent lights, pays tribute to the 81 victims and creates a powerful space for reflection and collective memory.

✨ An intense and silent experience that leaves a profound emotional impact.

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B. Villa Aldrovandi Mazzacorati

We arrive at Villa Aldrovandi Mazzacorati, a stunning 18th-century residence known for its elegant Teatro Mazzacorati 1763, a jewel of Rococo theatre architecture. Inside the villa is also the National Museum of Toy Soldiers, featuring a rich collection of historical figurines and military miniatures.

📌 The Teatro Mazzacorati 1763 can be visited by reservation. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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C. Chiusa di San Ruffillo

Continuing on, we reach the Chiusa di San Ruffillo, one of Bologna’s most important hydraulic structures. Here the Canale di Savena plays a crucial role in the city’s water system, showcasing medieval hydraulic engineering ingenuity.

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D. Cenobio di San Vittore

Next is the evocative Cenobio di San Vittore, an ancient monastery immersed in nature. Its charm lies in its architectural simplicity and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a contemplative break.

📌 The Cenobio di San Vittore can be visited by request. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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E. Chiesa di San Michele in Bosco

We climb up to the Chiesa di San Michele in Bosco, one of the most panoramic churches in the city. In addition to the beauty of the religious building and its cloister, it offers a breathtaking view over Bologna’s historic center.

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F. Cisterna di Valverde

Descending, we reach the Cisterna di Valverde, an ancient water cistern used for water collection. This hidden and little-known site is another testimony to Bologna’s sophisticated water management system.

📌 The Cisterna di Valverde can be visited by request. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.

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G. Chiesa di San Girolamo della Certosa

We enter the Chiesa di San Girolamo della Certosa, part of the monastery overlooking the Cimitero Monumentale della Certosa. This cemetery is an open-air museum filled with sculptures and monuments of great artistic and historical value. It also contains the Monument to the martyrs of the fascist revolution, a powerful historical work. The stunning Portico della Certosa (UNESCO World Heritage) connects the cemetery to the city center.

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H. Portico devozionale di San Luca

We walk along the famous Portico devozionale di San Luca (UNESCO World Heritage), the longest portico in the world with its 666 arches. Along the way, we pass the Arco del Meloncello, an elegant Baroque structure marking the start of the climb. At the top, we reach the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, Bologna’s iconic sanctuary, offering a spectacular panoramic view over the city and surrounding hills.

✨ Walking under the 666 arches to the sanctuary is a meditative experience, blending effort, silence, and gradually unfolding views over the city.

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I. Museo Ducati

We conclude the itinerary with a visit to the Museo Ducati, a true paradise for motorbike enthusiasts. Here you can retrace the history of the legendary Bologna-based motorcycle brand through iconic models, trophies, and technological innovations that have made Ducati a global symbol of two-wheel excellence.

📌 The Museo Ducati can be visited by reservation. You will find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the link in the table.