Bologna: 15 Unmissable Activities

Bologna: 15 unmissable activities

Have you thought of visiting majestic Bologna, Italy?

By Anna Purpurpurpur

Bologna is a world famous city of Italy, and I’m always surprised why many tourists don’t come here.

It is nicknamed ‘La Dotta’ because of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe; ’La Grassa’ because of its hearty grassy cuisine; and ‘la Rossa’ because of the red clay the roofs of the buildings were covered with.

Bologna is one of my favourite cities in Italy: thanks for its convenient location, many trains to Pescara, our Italian hideaway, pass it, so I visited it quite a few times, hence now let me share some of my favourite spots with you.

Last time I was there was for Christmas so I hope that this blog would not pass as a festive one.

1. Start with Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is the main square of the city, and there’s no way you can miss it and its breathtaking mediaeval heritage. It’s adjacent to Neptune square (Piazza di Nettuno, dating to 1564) forming an intermittent space.

This large space is framed with the most important administrative buildings of the past. Spot Palazzo Re Enzo, built for administrative purposes in the 13th century and named after a Sardinian king incarcerated there a few years after the building of this palace. Also spot Palazzo Comunale, consisting of Palazzo d’Accursio, the former seat of the elders, and Palazzo del Legato, acting as the Town Hall (now you can visit some parts of it opened as a museum).

Apart from this you can see Palazzo del Podestà, Biblioteca Salaborsa – the Public Library with the Partisan Wall, or Sacrario dei Partigiani, and the Basilica of San Petronio (see below).

Just to the side of the Piazza Maggiore you’ll find the cobbled streets of Quadrilatero: walk through the arches to access the oldest market in Bologna’s where you can find a great restaurant!

2. Admire Fountain of Neptune

Don’t miss the gorgeous Fountain of Neptune dating to the 16th century here too. It’s located on piazza Nettuno adjacent to Piazza Maggiore.

Usually the main Christmas tree of the city stands right behind it. The artists who created this iconic monument attracting people for centuries are Giambologna (Jean de Boulogne) and Tommaso Laureti The Sicilian.

3. Pop inside the Basilica di San Petronio

Basilica of San Petronio is one of the most prominent buildings on the Piazza Maggiore.

Not only is its facade impressive – come inside to see its dazzling interior. It’s one of the largest Catholic churches in the world: it was founded in 1390 however it is still unfinished (just look at its partly bare facade!).

Moreover, during one of my first visit to Bologna we were blessed to get the most fantastic view over the city from the viewpoint of Basilica di San Petronio (I presume it is closed now).

4. …and don’t miss Saint Peter cathedral

Although the Basilica of San Petronio is probably considered the most important church in Bologna, it’s not the cathedral! Cattedrale di San Pietro dates to 1028 and was rebuilt numerous times after that (the current version is erected in baroque style).

5. Admire the towers of Bologna

The towers of Bologna at the end of Via Rizzoli are probably the most impressive mediaeval symbol of the city. Towers of Asinelli (97 metres) and Garisenda (48 metres) are the surviving remnants of about 125 towers built in Bologna in the past: rich families were trying to showcase their wealth by building one, aiming to make them as tall as possible.

Overall, around two dozen towers remain till today. You can also climb Asinelli Tower for the panorama of the city. I must note that both towers are reclining, and because of that they were shortened a few times each.

6. Learn about Archiginnasio

Università di Bologna is the oldest operating university in Europe dating back to the 11th century (to at least 1088). Petrarka, Durer, Copernicus, Goldoni, Umberto Eco are all linked to it as professors or students. And yes, the Bologna Process harmonising various systems of higher education was developed here too.Now the university consists of many campuses.

Archiginnasio, the main seat of the University of Bologna Archiginnasio from1563 to 1803, is one of the most important museums in Bologna: you’ll be stunned by its painted walls and ceiling! Come here to see the anatomical theatre dating to the 17th century with sculptures showing all the smallest details of human muscles.

Also make sure to study the details of the lecture halls: there were two of those, one for the artists and another for the lawyers, also known as the Sala dello Stabat Mater. The walls of the old school classes are decorated with the coat of arms of the most prominent figures of the University.

The Bologna Archaeological Museum is located there too.

7. Take a photo of Finestrella alla piccola Venezia

Finestrela alla piccola Venezia is exactly what its name suggests: it’s a small window overlooking the Reno canal which is nicknamed the Little Venice. Come to Via Piella and look for a square hall in the wall with a picturesque view! Make sure you take some photos of this unusual site.

8. Shop at flea markets

La Piazzola Market, located on Piazza VIII Agosto close to Montagnola Park, is a place for those who are tired of the standardised shopping malls and high streets usually offer us.

This market is filled with stalls of all kinds, from eateries to selling antiques and vintage goods. Take your time to wander around looking for the treasures destined to be yours!

If you’re still not impressed and haven’t found what you’re looking for, come to the flea market at the Piazza Delle Erbe instead.

9. Visit Chiesa di San Martino

Chiesa di San Martino, or the St Martin’s church is a Carmelite church dating to the 14th century with the first church in this site dating to 1217?? and was founded by the adjacent Carmelite convent. The current gothic facade was added in the late 19th century though.

Come here to admire the Renaissance noble chapels and high altar with Madonna and the Saints – Madonna in trono e Santi – dating to 1548. On a square in front of it you can find a beautiful sculpture depicting Madonna and Child with a Scapular by Andrea Ferreri and dating to 1705.

10. Spot Palazzo della Mercanzia

Palazzo della Mercanzia is a gorgeous building dating to 1384, and, as the title suggests, it has been the merchant court and main regulatory structure for trade. From a small balcony on the facade the sentences of the tribunal were announced. Now it’s the seat of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Crafts, and you can visit a museum there.

11. Buy fruits at Mercato Delle Erbe

Initially held on Piazza de Marchi, Mercato Delle Erbe is located on Via Ugo Bassi and is the largest indoor market in the city centre. Come here to buy some fresh veggies and fruits and of course all other famous Italian produce such as cheese, olive oil, wine, meat and sausages and many more.

12. Have a coffee at Caffè Pasticceria Zanarini

Zanarini cafe at Piazza Galvani is an absolute must when you’re in Bologna! It’s located in the very city centre – basically, by Archiginnasio – and serves fantastic coffees and pastries. It opened in 1930 and welcomes customers for almost a century.

13. Pop inside the Santa Maria dei Servi

Santa Maria dei Servi is a Roman Catholic basilica founded in the middle of the 14th century. Although it doesn’t look very impressive from the outside, come here to see massive vaults supporting the buildings and art pieces including a marble high altar by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli and the organ.

14. Eat local food

Grassa Bologna is a must visit for all food enthusiasts! Think about pasta with ragù bolognese with tomato sauce and minced meat, tortellini (small dumplings with filling, according to legend shaped after the navel of Venus, in Bologna usually served in broth – in brodo), and passatelli in brodo (another type of pasta with Parmesan in broth). Parma and Modena are other two cities very close to Bologna, and their specialities are prosciutto di Parma, parmigiano reggiano, and aceto balsamico di Modena.

And of course, if you’re in Bologna for Christmas, look for seasonal delicacies on the streets Markets di Natale!

15. Walk under the porticos of Bologna

Bologna is famous for its porticos (although you can spot them in other Italian cities such as Padova or Venice). There are around 40 kilometres of them in the city, which is very handy when you hide from rain or summer heat.

Just to name a few locations where you can find them – but don’t worry, porticos are really located all over the city, you won’t miss them – Piazza Maggiore, Via dell’Indipendenza, Strada Maggiore, Piazza Santo Stefano and Via Marsala with the oldest porticos in the city.

What else?

Still have time to explore Bologna? Let me inspire you!

You can visit Bologna National Gallery, Musei di Palazzo Poggi, Salaborsa public library, and shop at FICO food centre! Also there are many other churches to see in Bologna: Monte della Guardia with Santuario di Madonna di San Luca standing on it, Seven Churches of Santo Stefano Basilica, Chiesa San Gaetano e Bartolomeo, Basilica di San Francisco and The Tombs of the Glossators in front of it, chiesa San Donato, Chiesa dei Cavalieri di Malta and many more.

Take a trip from Bologna

Bologna is a very important transportation hub of Italy. Why not to make it benefit you and explore some other cities for a day trip?

I’d recommend you to visit, for instance, Modena, Rimini and Parma in Emilia Romagna region, or Verona, Padua, Vicenza and Venice in the Veneto region, or Florence and Siena in Tuscany, or Milan and Mantua in Lombardy!

Pictures of the floating world