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The 10 Must-See Places in Bologna and Surroundings
Bologna, known as “La Dotta”(The Learned) “La Grassa”(The Fat) and “La Rossa”(The Red) is a city that enchants visitors with its extraordinary blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, this vibrant city not only boasts the world’s oldest university but also a cuisine that has captured the palates of people around the globe. Its terracotta-colored streets and shaded arcades invite pleasant walks, revealing corners rich in history and urban wonders. Exploring Bologna leads to a mosaic of cultural, architectural, and culinary experiences, making each visit a unique adventure. In this article, we will guide you through the ten most unmissable places in this captivating city, a selection designed to make you fall in love with Bologna, just as we did.

Piazza Maggiore

This is Bologna’s main square and is surrounded by some of the city’s major historic buildings, such as the Palazzo Comunale and the Basilica of San Petronio. It is the bustling heart of Bologna and is always alive with events and performances.
History
Piazza Maggiore is the historic heart of Bologna and has been the center of public life since the 13th century. Ceremonies, markets, and festivals took place here. It is surrounded by important historical buildings, including the Palazzo Comunale, known as Palazzo d’Accursio.
Description
The square is large and imposing, with a pavement of red bricks. It is surrounded by cafes and outdoor restaurants, making it an ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding architecture.

Due Torri (Tower of the Asinelli and Tower of the Garisenda)

These two medieval towers are an icon of Bologna and offer a spectacular panoramic view of the city. The Tower of the Asinelli is open to the public and provides the opportunity to climb to the top.
History
Built in the 12th century, these two towers were originally part of a complex of over 180 towers that dotted Bologna’s skyline. The towers had defensive and symbolic purposes.
Description
The Tower of the Asinelli is the taller of the two, standing at 97 meters, and is open to visitors. Climbing to the top offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city. The Tower of the Garisenda is slightly inclined and is visible from the square.

Basilica of San Petronio

This is one of the largest Gothic churches in the world and one of Bologna’s main attractions. The interior is sumptuous and contains numerous artistic treasures.
History
Construction of the basilica began in the 14th century but was never completed according to the original plan. It is dedicated to San Petronio, the patron saint of Bologna.
Description
The interior of the basilica is majestic, with frescoes, sculptures, and an imposing central nave. Its main feature is its unfinished facade, which is one of the architectural mysteries of the city.

Archiginnasio of Bologna

This historic building served as the seat of the University of Bologna for centuries. Today, you can visit the magnificent library and the Anatomical Theatre, where anatomical dissections were performed.
History
The building was constructed in the 16th century and served as the University of Bologna’s headquarters until the 19th century. It is one of the oldest university buildings in the world.
Description
The Archiginnasio houses the Municipal Library and the impressive Anatomical Theatre, where anatomical dissections were performed for medical education.
Photos credits @wikipedia

Piazza Santo Stefano

This charming square is surrounded by seven churches, including the Church of Santo Stefano, one of the city’s oldest. The atmosphere is magical, especially in the evening.
History
The square takes its name from the Church of Santo Stefano, dating back to the 5th century and one of Bologna’s oldest places of worship.
Description
The square is characterized by the seven churches that surround it, creating a magical atmosphere. The Church of Santo Stefano is the focal point and is also known as “the Seven Churches.”

Civic Archaeological Museum

This museum houses a vast collection of archaeological artifacts, including Etruscan and Roman artifacts. It is an ideal place to explore the ancient history of the region.
History
The museum was founded in 1881 and houses a vast collection of archaeological artifacts from the Emilia-Romagna region.
Description
Inside the museum, you can admire Etruscan, Roman, and Greek artifacts, including mosaics, sculptures, and ancient coins.
Photos credits @wikipedia

Mercato di Mezzo

This covered market is a paradise for food lovers. You will find a wide selection of fresh produce, cheeses, cold cuts, and local specialties. It’s the perfect place to taste authentic Bolognese cuisine.
History
This market has a long tradition and has been offering fresh food products for centuries.
Description
The market is an ideal place to savor authentic Bolognese cuisine. You will find cheeses, cold cuts, fresh pasta, and many other local products.

Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca

This sanctuary is located on top of a hill and is connected to the city center by a roughly 4-kilometer-long arcade. The panoramic view from the top is breathtaking.
History
The sanctuary was built in the 17th century to house an icon of the Madonna revered by the people of Bologna. The arcade connecting the sanctuary to the city center was completed in the 18th century.
Description
The ascent to the sanctuary through the long arcade offers a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Museum of Modern Art of Bologna (MAMbo)

This museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art and houses a vast collection of contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
History
The museum was inaugurated in 2007 and is dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
Description
MAMbo hosts a permanent collection of contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. Temporary exhibitions feature prominent national and international artists.

Giardini Margherita

This public park is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. It features lakes, a playground for children, and picnic areas. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
History
The gardens were designed in the 19th century as a green space for the citizens of Bologna.
Description
This public park is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. It offers spacious lawns, centuries-old trees, a lake, and a playground for children, making it perfect for a relaxing break.

Conclusion

Bologna is a city that reveals itself slowly, unveiling its treasures to those who take the time to explore it with curiosity and attention. From its medieval towers to hidden canals, endless arcades to artistic treasures, every corner of this city tells a story, a fragment of Italy’s rich cultural history. We hope this brief guide to the ten must-see places has inspired you to visit Bologna and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. Whether you seek art, history, gastronomy, or simply an authentic Italian experience, Bologna will surprise and enchant you at every step. Happy travels and enjoy exploring the magnificent Bologna!
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