Basilica di Santo Stefano

Join a private tour of Bologna’s historic center, one of the best-preserved in Europe: you'll walk through the fascinating squares and characteristic arcades, and visit the stunning historical churches and ancient palaces. Your experience will start in Piazza Maggiore where you'll discover its civic medieval palaces: Palazzo di Re Enzo, Palazzo of the Notaries and Palazzo dei Banchi. In the square, you'll also find the Fountain of Neptune with the precious late Renaissance sculptures by Giambologna. You'll then head to the gothic Basilica of San Petronio: inside you'll find the late gothic paintings of Cappella Bolognini and the sun-dial designed by the astronomer Cassini. You'll then walk along the Pavaglione Portico and its elegant shops until you reach the 16th-century Archiginnasio Palace, the old university building decorated with about 6000 student coat of arms. You'll stroll through the picturesque alleys of the Mercato di Mezzo and its unique food shops to get to the enchanting Square of Santo Stefano with the complex of Santo Stefano where your tour will end. Through the picturesque alleys of the Mercato di Mezzo, the old market, and its fabulous food shops you'll get to the lovely Square of Santo Stefano, with the complex of Santo Stefano also called the “Jerusalem of Bologna” or “The Seven Churches”, a group of small Romanesque churches.

Important the tour have to been booked 24 hours in advance or you have to call us for a definitive confirmation. Did you know that there is a network of underground canals running below the city? And that the oldest university in the world was founded right here in 1088? Get on your bike and follow us to discover Bologna’s highlights with our 2.5-hour bike tour! The first stop is Piazza Maggiore, in the heart of the city, overlooked by some of Bologna’s most famous buildings and monuments: the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo Re Enzo and the Neptune Fountain. Follow our guide to the Archiginnasio, once home to the University of Bologna, the Two Towers as well as the Prendiparte Tower, one of the few towers still standing in the historical centre. In the Manifattura delle Arti district you can find out about the origins of the ancient port of Bologna and the canals that still flow under the road surface, so important for the economic development of the city in the Middle Ages. Speaking of canals, another must-see place is via Piella, where you can see the water of the Moline Canal flowing open-air from a little window. The last stops of our Bologna bike tour are the wonderful Basilica di Santo Stefano, also called Sette Chiese (Seven Churches), and the Basilica San Domenico, which houses a work by Michelangelo. The tour will start with a minimum of 4 partecipants

Welcome to the enchanting city of Bologna, a place where history, culture, and culinary delights seamlessly intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. This self-guided tour is your passport to explore the rich tapestry of Bologna's past, discover its architectural marvels, and savor the flavors that have earned it the title of Italy's culinary capital. As you embark on this journey, you'll stroll through the narrow medieval streets, where ancient secrets whisper from the timeworn buildings. Bologna, often referred to as "La Dotta" (The Learned), "La Grassa" (The Fat), and "La Rossa" (The Red), is a city that proudly wears its titles. Each nickname reflects a facet of its character – the wealth of knowledge accumulated in its prestigious university, the sumptuousness of its gastronomy, and the warm hues of its historic architecture. This self-guided tour is meticulously crafted to lead you through Bologna's most iconic landmarks, providing historical insights, anecdotes, and recommendations along the way. From the iconic Two Towers that dominate the skyline to the bustling markets, where the aroma of fresh produce and local specialties fills the air, you'll discover the essence of this captivating city at your own pace. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply someone eager to immerse yourself in the unique charm of Bologna, this self-guided tour is designed to cater to all interests. Learn more about the top 14 tourist attractions in Bologna. Its history, culture, myths, architecture, and other important facts are in this audio commentary which starts from the city's central station then the itinerary gradually moves one by one. 1. Bologna Centrale 2. Via dell'Indipendenza 3. Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro 4. Biblioteca Salaborsa 5. Fountain of Neptune 6. Piazza Maggiore 7. Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita 8. Mercato di Mezzo 9. Basilica di San Petronio 10. Teatro Anatomico 11. Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio 12. Basilica of San Domenico 13. Basilica Santo Stefano 14. Two Towers of Bologna So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your map, and get ready to uncover the hidden gems and vibrant culture that make Bologna a true gem in the heart of Italy. Enjoy the journey!

Discover Bologna's hidden gems with our audiotour. In addition to the well-known attractions, our audio guide will unveil the city's hidden treasures as you take a delightful stroll, showcasing why Bologna is a destination worth exploring. Your walk through the historic center of Bologna Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Bologna's center with the CityAppTour app, where you'll encounter the city's key highlights along with some hidden gems. Opting for the self-guided audio tour in Bologna through the app allows you to delve into the narrative of Piazza Maggiore and explore sights like the San Petronio Basilica. The tour also unveils lesser-known stories and highlights, including the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di Santo Stefano, offering a comprehensive exploration of Bologna and its rich history.

Discover Bologna with a guided walking tour of the old town. This 2-hour visit, accompanied by a specialized Spanish-speaking guide, will lead you to discover the secrets of the city, its medieval center, its porticoes and towers. Enter the imposing church of San Petronio, admire the palace of the oldest university in the world and experience the atmosphere of Santo Stefano square.

With this tour you will the basilica of Santo Stefano (also known as "The seven churches"), one of Bologna's most iconic monument, well known for its beauty. Learn about it's long and interesting history as you take in the beauty of the building. Admire Corte Isolani, a covered walkway that connects two of the main streets in the historic center of Bologna: Strada Maggiore and via Santo Stefano. At the end of the tour, treat yourself with a little tasting of traditional products and discover our culinary tradition.

This experience is essential to anyone who is serious about exploring the best of Bologna. With your savvy local host you can rediscover the original charm and lively character of this extremely vibrant city. You could start the day with a short and strong espresso in one of the bars under the “portici," just how the locals like it. Walk up one of the main streets and past one of the most important theatres to end up at the Montagnola Market. Explore the narrow streets of the Jewish ghetto, where you can admire the tiny windows typical of the houses in this part of the city and come out right under the two towers, which are the icons of Bologna. Stop for a quick pizza by the slice in one of the places which normally get busy with the students from the university, which is the oldest university in the world. Take the afternoon to breathe in the culture and discover the Santo Stefano area, where contemporary and ancient art meet. There are many hidden gems which the locals love and are difficult to find on a map. If the weather allows, treat yourself to a refreshing gelato. Pop in to some of the nicest independent antique shops to see unique items and discover curiosities, then join one of the many local favorite bars for aperitivo and sip a nice glass of Prosecco while you get recommendations for restaurants and maybe note down a couple of traditional recipes. Book this meet-up with a Bolognese and you will be contacted within 24-hours with questions about your preferences and interests. You'll be paired with guides that are passionate about the place they call home and who choose to spend their free time sharing it with like-minded travelers matched to them. Replicate the experience of spending time in a city with a friend who lives there as the best travel moments come from going beneath the surface of a destination and discovering it through local lens.  Based on the things that you would like to see and do, a personalized and bespoke itinerary will be built just for you. Please note that this will be outlined but flexible. During the exploration, if you feel like changing direction, or if your local host believes that you'd enjoy a sight or different experience, they will suggest and discuss with you changes to the itinerary. You will be able to arrange a meeting point and time with your host in the most convenient place for you.  Enjoy discovering amazing spots in Bologna that you don't know about and are difficult to find in any guidebook or on the internet as they are lesser-known to the crowd but loved by locals. Let your private local host show you the Bologna you will love.