Discover Bologna

HALF-DAY tour (2.5 hours)

A walking itinerary that will allow you to discover the many treasures of a modern city with a medieval heart: Bologna, unique and special, home to the oldest university in Europe, a town rich in culture and food tradition.

The tour starts from Piazza Maggiore, the ancient square and hustling and bustling heart of the city. This large square is surrounded by historical buildings (the City Hall, the Podestà Palace, King Enzo’s Palace, Palazzo dei Banchi, Palazzo dei Notai, Accursio Palace) and we will visit inside the huge Basilica of S.Petronio (according to opening hours and services) and get a glimpse of the Roman Bononia inside the building of the library Sala Borsa.
Walking along the Pavaglione, the ancient portico lined with elegant shops, we will reach the Archiginnasio, the oldest seat of the university with its 16th century amazing anatomical theater.

Sala Borsa in Bologna City Centre

Then, you will admire the Mourning over the Dead Christ, by Nicolò dell’Arca a 15th century terracotta group on display in the Baroque Church of S. Maria della Vita, a masterwork with six life-size figures embodying grief, forever frozen in the spasm of desperation.

You can’t miss a stroll in the streets of the “Quadrilatero“, a historical, colorful market area with narrow alleys filled with traditional outdoor market stands, wine shops, and food shops selling locally made specialties and where you will have the possibility to get a taste of typical products. The alleys of the old market will led us to the ancient Building, seat of the Merchants and the tour will end at the foot of the Two Towers, the landmark of the city.

A FULL DAY tour (5 hours)

will allow you to visit sights that far fewer visitors discover, as the early Reinassance Cappella Bentivoglio in the church of S. Giacomo and  the Oratory of S. Cecilia, which the Bolognesi call their little Cappella Sistina as it contains a fresco cycle painted by the two masters who set the tone for the Bolognese Reinassance school, Francesco Francia and Amico Aspertini.

A pleasant walk through the center will take us to the quite and secluded square of Santo Stefano with its complex of churches, after which the square is named (can be visited inside according to opening hours and services).

Or – as an alternative to the Church of S.Giacomo and its chaples,  you will visit the Basilica of S. Domenico, built in 1251, which houses the relics of the Saint in a tomb that is a sculpture masterwork resulting from the contributes of  different masters in different periods, as  Nicola Pisano, Alfonso Lombardi, Niccolò Da Puglia and Michelangelo.

FEES:

Anatomical Theater & Stabat Mater Hall: € 3.00, free admission for schools and young people up to 18 years old.

San Domenico Chapel and Choir: € 1.00.

The Mourning on Dead Christ inside the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita: € 4.00, reduced admission for schools and groups of at leat 15 people: € 2.0

Headsets (required for a group of more than 6) €1,50 half-day, 2 full day