Mercato di Mezzo

Discover the historic sights of Bologna, starting on Piazza Maggiore where landmarks include the Fountain of Neptune and the Palazzo del Podestà. Learn why the city is known as "La Dotta" ("The Learned"), "La Grassa" ("The Fat") and "La Rossa" ("The Red"). See the medieval Torre Galluzzi and look inside the unique anatomical theater at the Archiginnasio. Stroll along Via Farini and walk to the magnificent porticoes of Piazza Santo Stefano. Discover the covered passageway of the Court Isolani on the way to Via Strada Maggiore. Chat to the locals in the Mercato di Mezzo about why food is so important in Bologna.

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.

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!

Explore all the major highlights of the picturesque city of Bologna on a walking tour. See the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere of the city with an expert guide. Discover the central square of Bologna, the Piazza Maggiore with many medieval buildings surrounding it. Visit the iconic Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo d'Accursio and the Palazzo del Podestà. Take a stroll through the lively streets and see remains from the past periods in Bologna. Admire the beauty of the Fountain of Neptune with the precious late Renaissance sculptures by Giambologna. Continue to the university district and see the main buildings like the Aechiginnasio Library and the Palazzo Poggi. Next, stroll through the picturesque alleys of the Mercato di Mezzo, the old market, and its fabulous food shops. Explore the narrow streets admire the tiny windows typical of the houses in this part of the city. Pop into the Quadrilatero, a bustling area of the town, and explore the unique ancient shops of the city. Your guide will tell you about the town's unique way of life. Take advantage of this tour to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of Italy. Enjoy the richness of culture and history of the picturesque town on a walking tour. 

Take an exciting journey through the lively streets of Bologna! Explore Bologna's fascinating history with an audio walking tour that takes you through its most famous landmarks. Discover the city's fascinating history and culture at your own speed as you move from the impressive Two Towers to the lively Mercato di Mezzo and beyond. Every step unveils captivating stories about Bologna's famous landmarks, such as the ancient University of Bologna and the breathtaking Basilica di San Petronio. Whether you're an experienced traveler or exploring Bologna for the first time, this guided audio walk is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the city's energy and charm.

Embark on a unique exploration of Bologna, venturing into its historic bridges, lively neighborhoods, and hidden squares. Gain insights into the local lifestyle and receive personalized tips for an enriching Italian holiday. Visit the iconic Le Due Torri, Torre degli Asinell, dating back to the 12th century, offering panoramic city views. Depending on the chosen route, your guide might lead you to landmarks like Basilica di San Petronio, Biblioteca Salaborsa, Fontana del Nettuno, Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio, Ventana al canal, Altabella Tower, Mercato di Mezzo, and Osteria del Sole.