Until 2023 they were one of Bologna’s most striking city monuments. Unfortunately, during the course of the year the increasing inclination of the lowest tower, the Garisenda, became so worrying that it required urgent maintenance. As a result, the area around the towers has been blocked off and it is no longer possible to climb. We hope the work will not take too long and we will still be able to admire them as soon as possible.

Piazza Maggiore is the heart of Bologna and one of the oldest squares in Italy. It is there that the lives of the Bolognese people intersect and it is always where the great events that animate the city take place.

The church of San Petronio is dedicated to the city’s patron and it’s one of the city’s most majestic buildings.

The Neptune statue has been recognized as one of the symbols of the city, and the beautiful fountain on which it rests is a masterpiece of medieval art.

The Quadrilatero is probably the most picturesque district of the historic center. In ancient times this area was dedicated to trade. Since the Middle Ages, the ancient streets have hosted workshops of artisans and headquarters of commercial corporations.

Today the tradition is still present and coexists with modernity. While walking through narrow streets you will see shops of famous brands and small boutiques, delicatessens and restaurants with typical products.

Piazza Santo Stefano is one of the most fascinating places in Bologna, the complex of seven churches overlooking the square is a masterpiece of religious architecture. With its seven shrines woven one inside the other, it is surely one of the most spiritual places for thousands of years.

Maybe only a few people know this, but Bologna has always been a city of water, a little Venice that is now largely hidden.
The most impressive glimpse of this unusual Bologna can be discovered by opening a small window located on Via Piella. Here the view opens onto the Moline Canal, one of many canals used for centuries to power watermills with which wheat was processed. 

The Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca, “San Luca” for the people of Bologna, is a place of worship strongly linked to the city’s tradition. The Sanctuary is located on colle della Guardia at a height of about 600 meters and its imposing structure dominates Bologna from above. It can be easily reached by car, bus, a small train or by walking through the long portico of Via Saragozza. Whichever you choose, a terrace awaits you at the top, from which you can admire the beautiful view.

You can buy tickets for the San Luca Express, the best choice for going up after your car, here: https://cityredbus.com/en/shop/biglietti-san-luca-express/

The Museum of Modern Art of Bologna is considered one of the most important museums of modern and contemporary art in Italy. The permanent collection can be visited through a thematic itinerary divided into nine sections. It often hosts major international exhibitions.

Official website: http://www.mambo-bologna.org/en/

Two stops that lead to the discovery of the history of medicine and its study in the University of Bologna, a journey to learn about progress in the medical field and how the approach to this very important science took place in the past: through the technique of wax artists. The “Luigi Cattaneo” collection is free!

Official website: https://sma.unibo.it/it/en

The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna houses one of Italy’s most important museum collections. The works here trace the entire artistic course of Emilia Romagna and Italy from the 13th to the early 19th century. It features works by Raffaello, Carracci, Reni, Perugino, Parmigianino, Tintoretto, Vasari, Guercino and many others.
It counts thirty exhibition rooms plus a space devoted entirely to temporary exhibitions and educational activities.

Official website: https://www.pinacotecabologna.beniculturali.it

The Margherita Gardens are the largest and most popular public park in Bologna.
They were built in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoia and opened in 1879.
In spring it’s perfect for walking, sports activities or taking children to play in the equipped area. In summer it is the place where many Bolognese people find refreshment in the shade of trees. Within the park there are several refreshment areas: the Chalet is located on a little “island” on the banks of the pond and is connected to the rest of the park by a bridge.