Saint Petronio

Take a classic walking tour through the streets of the Bologna city center. With this guided tour, discover the history of Bologna and its major cultural attractions. Make stops at the Asinelli tower, Neptune fountain, and the Basilica of San Petronio. Meet your guide and walk through the city streets admiring the architecture and discovering the most-famous cultural attraction. See the towers of Bologna and marvel at their height and significance. Then, stroll through the Quadrilatero Market, and learn important historical facts. Make a wish at the Neptune fountain and see if it comes true. Then, gaze at the Basilica of San Petronio, as your guide shares its story and welcomes you into the city of Bologna.

Discover Bologna in comfort via an open top bus, enabling you to admire and photograph all the major attractions of the city.  Upon arriving at the meeting point, staff will welcome you onboard. Choose from an audioguide available in 10 different languages to learn more about the specific landmarks as well as the general history of the city. You will then journey across the city, capturing views of some of the most famous points of interest. Hop on and off at your leisure at some popular spots such as: • Basilica San Petronio • Palazzo dei Notai • Palazzo Comunale • Palazzo di Re Enzo • Palazzo del Podestà, • Tower of Asinelli and Garisenda • Museo Civico Archeologico • Archiginnasio • Palazzo Bevilacqua • Porta Saragozza • Palazzo Bentivoglio • Fontana del Nettuno • Teatro Comunale. After the tour, enjoy a food tour in a historical market in Bologna, where you will try local delicacies.

Explore the reasons behind the many names of Bologna. Admire the red roofs of the city that are the reason for it being called "the red city." Feast on the delectable cuisine that gives Bologna the name "the fat city." Marvel at the forest of over 100 towers that once dotted the landscape of the city, also known as "the towered." Walk the ground of the world's oldest university, the reason that Bologna is sometimes referred to as "the cultured". Learn about each facet of the city on this walking tour, as well as its history and stories, like how the rebellious Bolognese stopped the city from becoming the Vatican. Discover how the Fountain of Neptune's sculptor got away with making Neptune seem particularly well-endowed despite prohibition from the church while at the Piazza del Nettuno. Gaze up at the Whispering Gallery under the Torre dell Arengo while being told about how star-crossed lovers were able to murmur sweet nothings to each other without their other romantic partners knowing. Hear about the legends of Le Tre Frecce and catch a glimpse of how Bologna once resembled Venice with its network of canals and rivers while passing Canale delle Moline. Then, walk down Via Indipendenza and see what it would have been like in the post-Risorgimento period. Have the opportunity to see San Petronio, the largest and most important church of the city before strolling down Via Rizzoli, named after a 19th-century physician. Hear about Giuseppe Garibaldi, the hero of two countries. Pass by Il Pincio, the entrance to Parco della Montagnola, a French style garden commissioned by Napoleon. Take in Garisenda and Asinelli, Bologna’s Two Towers. Stand beside Porta Galliera, where a retreating Austrian army left the city following a rebellion by the Bolognese in 1848. Learn about the city’s history from the Etruscans and the Lombards, including the chaotic factional fighting between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Discover the Quadrilatero neighbourhood with its cafes and restaurants, and find out about the seven churches of Santo Stefano. Finally, explore the culinary wonders of the city responsible for iconic dishes like lasagna, ragu, and tagliatelle. These recipes were born and fiercely guarded in the chamber of commerce. Then see the cafés, restaurants and shops where you can allow your tummy and taste buds to be tempted by these culinary marvels.

Discover Bologna’s hidden secrets by following clues and solving puzzles on this murder mystery exploration game played on your phone. Discover new places and amazing stories with an app as your guide. Start at Porta Galliera. From there, simply follow the game route and instructions. Explore at your own pace: pause the game and resume anytime from any location where you paused it. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and directions on your phone will guide you to the next stop. Explore Via dell'Indipendenza and Santa Maria della Vita along with lesser-known places. Discover the city’s most famous marketplace. As you explore, learn about the stories behind the city, including the puzzling history of the Old University, founded in 1088 by an organized guild of students. Choose to play on your own, in a large group, or in several smaller groups to compete against each other and race to the final stop of the game. Enjoy an experience that’s the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. The entire game will take around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

Experience the vibrant historic center of Bologna on this walking tour. Admire sights like the Basilica of San Petronio and the Loggia of Merchants. Stop to try specialties at three establishments and enjoy a glass of delectable local wine. Start your tour in Piazza del Nettuno, where your guide will share insights into Bolognese culture with you. See an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture at the Basilica of San Petronio. Admire the two towers that are the symbol of Bologna. View the Loggia of Merchants, where commercial and trading activities have been overseen in Bologna for hundreds of years. Walk to the vibrant Quadrilatero Market. Wander through the sights and smells in this market that has been around since the middle ages.

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.

Bologna is home to some of the best food, the most sublime beauty, and the richest history in all of Italy. Yet it’s rarely on the tourist radar. On this walking tour, award-winning author Frank Bures will give you a taste of authentic Italian culture, show you the city’s many historical sites, and tell you the stories most travelers don’t hear. Throughout the walk, he’ll share anecdotes from the time he spent in Bologna as an exchange student in the 1990s, where he came of age as a global citizen. Starting at the Neptune Fountain, you’ll walk through Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio Basilica where you’ll see the world’s largest sundial. You’ll then make your way to the Two Towers, one of which garnered a mention in Dante’s Inferno, and stroll beneath the famous porticos that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021. En route to the city’s culinary epicenter, the Quadrilatero, he’ll show you where the 1902 murder that dominated world headlines for three years took place. He’ll also tell you about the case of a 1980 train station bombing by right-wing terrorists that killed 85 people, before you walk back to San Petronio to learn about Michelangelo’s lost statue of Pope Julius II. Finally, you’ll loop past Piazza Galvani to hear about scientific experiments that electrified frogs before heading back where you started. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to: • Hear about the different Italian dialects Frank encountered while studying here, including Bolognese • See the Roxy Bar, which was featured in the Italian superstar Vasco Rossi’s song Vita Spericolata (The Reckless Life) • Discover how the world’s oldest university got its start • Take in the “Seven Churches” of Santo Stefano • Find out how an ancient painting once saved the city • Learn the secret to cooking good Italian food • Be transported back to the time Aerosmith visited the city • Relive the glory of Bologna’s canals which once rivaled Venice’s • Understand why the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio called Niccolò dell’Arca’s Lamentation for the Dead Christ sculpture a “scream in stone” Join Frank Bures for this lighthearted 60-minute stroll through the ancient – and more recent – past of Bologna, a place that art critic John Berger once called “an improbable city.” PHOTO CREDITS: Photos of San Luca, Piazza Maggiore, Piazza Maggiore at night, Neptune at night, Santo Stefano and “Speaking Bolognese" courtesy of Bologna Welcome. All other photos by the author.

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!

The Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to the patron saint of the city, is the largest church in Bologna. It dominates Piazza Maggiore and, despite being largely unfinished, its imposing dimensions make it the 4th largest church in Italy and the largest Gothic brick church in the world. In the Basilica of San Petronio it is impossible not to know what time it is. Instead of a clock, the structure houses the longest sundial in the world. It measures 67 meters and crosses the floor of the church since 1657. It was Domenico Cassini who built it; an astronomy professor, who believed that the motion of the planets depended on the sun. With this guided tour, you will learn about the art and history of this church. Afterwards, together with your expert guide, you will visit the famous Archiginnasio Library located next to San Petronio. Here you can admire the history of the oldest university and visit the famous Anatomical Hall

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Bologna with a 2-hour private walking tour through its historic center. Your journey commences at Palazzo d'Accursio, steeped in centuries of history as the city's town hall. Traverse through the enchanting alleys to reach Piazza Maggiore, an emblematic square adorned with architectural marvels from the Medieval and Renaissance eras, bustling cafes, and the harmonious tunes of street musicians. Saint Petronio awaits, its grandeur reflecting in its vast dimensions and intricate interiors. Moving forward, you'll discover the quaint charm of Piazza della Mercanzia, pulsating with life at its heart, and Piazza Santo Stefano, ensconced by elegant edifices exuding timeless grace. As the tour draws to a close, behold the iconic Two Towers, stalwart symbols of Bologna's medieval legacy, standing tall against the sky. Each step unveils a piece of Bologna's captivating narrative, weaving history, art, and culture seamlessly into an unforgettable exploration. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the essence of one of Italy's most enchanting cities. Meet your guide at the designated point, Via dell'Indipendenza, 1/5, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy, in front of B & B MiaVia, to embark on this captivating journey through Bologna's heart.