Biggest Sundial in the World
The biggest sundial in the world is located inside the church of San Petronio in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna. Piazza Maggiore is in the center of Bologna and is dominated by the massive unfinished Basilica of San Petronio. It’s the tenth biggest and the largest brick gothic-style church in the world. Construction commenced in 1388 and ground to a halt sometime in the 16th century.
This post contains affiliate links that help keep this website running. By purchasing through our links, we make a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you for your support!
The Sundial
Look up at the sun-like symbol found more than 27 meters high in the ceiling of the left nave of the Basilica (photo below). The hole allows midday sunlight to shine through the small camera-like hole, down onto the meridian line running the entire length of the floor.
The sundial accurately tells noontime every day of the year but it can also suggest what day of the year it is in the Gregorian calendar. It is pretty accurate, give, or take about 10 minutes. Most noteworthy, it is said that during the middle ages, it was used by the Vatican to determine the date for Easter Sunday.
During different times of the year, the sun, of course, is at various heights and the circle of light appears at different places and sizes along the line. While during wintertime, the beam of light can be found closer to the front of the Basilica. Yet during summertime, it is projected almost directly below the hole in the ceiling.
Take a Trip to Italy!
Join others who have purchased and read our book – leaving heartwarming reviews!
Join our journey – we’d love to have you along for the ride!
The Meridian Line
Created in the year 1655!
The length of the Bologna meridian line is the longest internal functioning one in the world. The sundial is used for the study of the sun and is about 220 feet in length.
The meridian line was created in 1655 by the astronomer Gian Domenico Cassini who was a teacher of Astronomy at Bologna University. In 1776, it was rebuilt by Eustachio Zanotti to probably ensure accuracy. As a result, accuracy has only diminished slightly due to the Basilica foundation settling and changes in the earth’s orbit.
Any meridian line must run exactly north and south. Most churches are aligned in the opposite direction (east and west) but this Basilica luckily is aligned correctly. It is amazing to me that the meridian line was achievable and avoided the Basilica’s many columns!
Our Visit
Unfortunately, we did not visit the Basilica during the noonday to witness the beam of light. As I always say, “Something to return to see.” As a result, we will be returning to the Basilica one day and the biggest sundial in the world! However, it was quite awesome to stand on the Meridian line. Yup… those are my black flats in the photo above.
Conclusion
If you are in Bologna, visiting this Basilica and the biggest sundial in the world is a must. You can find the church at Piazza Galvani, 5, 40124 Bologna, Italy. They are open from 9-12 pm and from 3-6 pm but check before you go as changes are made frequently.
Editor’s Note: This article was initially published in January 2017 and was updated in May 2020 for additional information and accuracy.
