7 Things Not to Miss in Bologna, Italy
Bologna – the birthplace of bolognese sauce and the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Bolognese… a perfectly simmered meat sauce done to perfection for pasta. It can take hours, depending on the recipe. We’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy this regional delight when visiting. You should, too. But Bologna is more than just a culinary experience, it is steeped in history.
Did you know that Bologna’s university dates back to 1088 and is one of the oldest in the world? When you arrive in Bologna, you will immediately notice its beautiful porticoes. These porticoes have protected people as far back as ancient times from the sun and rain, while also creating an extension of the house above. Take your time walking the streets. Look at all the different colors of each portico, the architecture, and most of all, the beautiful floors.
This post contains more than seven things that you shouldn’t miss… so don’t stop reading.
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1. Casa Isolani
One of the most famous porticoes (picture below) is The portico of Casa Isolani in Strada Maggiore. This is the original wooden portico of Palazzo Grassi. This small section of portico dates back to the 13th century. The very high oak beams bear the third floor of a palace. The beautiful porticoes have such history, find out more.
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2. Archiginnasio Palace
The Archiginnasio Palace is one of Bologna’s most significant buildings. Located in the heart of its historic center, it has housed the Municipal Library since 1838.
The palace was severely damaged by bombings in 1944 and later rebuilt. Two large staircases lead to the upper floor, which has classrooms (only for students) and two lecture halls.
The Teatro Anatomico is very well known. Antonio Levante built it in 1637 in carved wood for the teaching of anatomy. Inside are the famous statues of the Spellati by Ercole Lelli.
Walking up the stairs into this square hallway are beautiful frescoes and sculputres from the past. It stops you in your tracks and you can’t help by wonder how many have walked these halls before you. View our post.
3. Sundial in San Petronio
The largest sundial in the world is located inside the San Petronio Church in Piazza Maggiore. It measures 67 meters (about 220 feet) in length and is used to study the sun’s revolutions. The astronomer Gian Domenico Cassini, who taught astronomy at Bologna University, created it in 1655. It is truly worth seeing!
4. Basilica of San Petronio
The enormous Basilica of San Petronio is the largest Gothic church built in bricks in the world. It is also the tenth-largest by volume, about 433 feet long by 216 feet wide. Needless to say, you feel tiny standing inside. It is the city’s main church, constructed between the 14th and 17th centuries. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Bologna. Its façade remaines unfinished, as can be seen by the absence of marble toward the top,
5. The Two Towers
The Asinelli Tower (97m high) is the tallest of the remaining two dozen – out of 100 or so – towers built in the Middle Ages by families as status symbols. Torri Garisenda Tower (shorter one), along with its sidekick, is a defining symbol of Bologna. Climb the 498 steps to the top for views over the city and the hills beyond. We did it once, and the views were incredible. They both stand in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana.
6. Hidden Canals
This city has 37.29 miles or (60 km) of mostly covered canals. The city provided itself with a hydraulic system consisting of locks, canals, and underground pipes that distributed the water, which was used mainly as an energy source for trade. Finding these hidden canals is like participating in a scavenger hunt… and it’s worth it to see!
7. Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is a great spot to enjoy a panoramic city view. From two vantage points, you can overlook Piazza Maggiore. If you visit the City Art Collections, a network of twenty-six frescoed rooms housing artworks owned by the City of Bologna, entry to this tower should be free.
Other Worthy Bologna Attractions:
Gelato Museum Carpigiani
Although it’s about a 25-minute drive outside of Bologna, it’s a great visit if you have the time. Located in Anzola dell’Emilia, it is the first museum to illustrate the history and technology of artisanal gelato, a fresh, high-quality product that represents Italian excellence and creativity all over the world. Next the museum, the Carpigiani Gelato University was established in 2003 and is the first gelato school in Italy and the world. A great place for gelato-makers and entrepreneurs.
Quadrilatero
Close to Piazza Maggiore is the Quadrilatero, a market in one of Bologna’s oldest areas. This area boasts a long tradition of specialized handicraft and commercial activities. Shops that have been handed down through the generations- still selling the same merchandise. It’s a bustling area with cafés, gourmet shops, and a great place to enjoy traditional dishes or in an aperitif with friends.
Museums
There are more than 50 museums in Bologna. For a cost-effective visit, purchase the Bologna Welcome Card, the city’s tourist pass that grants access to most museums, the Clock Tower, and the city-guided tour. It also includes discounts on all temporary exhibitions.
In Conclusion
There are many wonderful sites to see in this beautiful city. These are just a few of our favorite things we did that might not be on a list you have of city sights. I think my favorite thing by far was looking for the secret canals. They were not as easy to find as you might think. It was also fun to see other people look for them too! You know they were looking because their maps were in hand and heads searching as if they were saying, “It has to be right around here someplace!”
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published in March 2018 and updated in February 2025 for accuracy and additional information.
Seems like a lovely location. So far I have only been to Rome and Milan but would love to visit more of Italy, especially those less tourist areas.
I couldnt agree with you more. It’s the small towns we love so much. Traveling by train makes it easy and affordable! Thanks for your comment!
We love Bologna!
Be sure to check out the “whispering walls” right near the fountain of Neptune. You stand in one corner and another person stands in the opposite corner. You can hear each other’s whispers. Crazy!
We also took a tour of the Ducati factory which was a short taxi ride from town. If anyone is into sporty motorcycles, they’ll love it.
Our favorite spot is what my husband calls “Jesus’ Bar” because it seems old enough that He could’ve stopped by. The official name is Osteria del Sole and it’s been there since 1465.
I didn’t know that Dawn! Thanks so much for sharing – this is why we think comments from our readers is so important. Appreciate the comment!
We loved Bologna but we didn’t spend enough time there. We also want to visit Modena which is a few minutes from Bologna by train…maybe this upcoming trip🙏🏼
Modena is fabulous and Marenello (15 minutes away) is the home of the Ferrari factory. The Ristorante Cavallino is close and superb. Bologna…one of our favorites, too!!
I agree about Modena. Loved the Ferrari museum there! Appreciate the restaurant recommendation for our readers too! Thanks so much for commenting!
Two great places to spend more time, Giovanna! Thanks for commenting!!
Sounds like a plan – and if you are going to Modena and like Balsamic… search for our post on a very special family owned place. It’s a must stop!!
Enjoyed our one day in Bologna (not enough time!) and I love bolognese! I’m pinning your post for our next trip! Thank you!
Isn’t that the case most times? Not enough time- it’s sad. Thanks for commenting. You must find the hidden canals – its quite fun!!
Good point on the Bologna Welcome Card – it is certainly a great benefit to visitors.
One weekly thing not to miss is when Via Indepenza is closed to vehicle traffic on Saturday and Sunday. It is like a neighborhood block party.
For a suggestion, could you note the distance from Lucca and how you traveled to your destinations? For those of us who are challenged in our planning, it might give us a better idea of what to expect on the back-and-forth.
Thanks for the additional information Angelo! A good suggestion but not everyone would be going to places from Lucca. But I certainly can include that tidbit for upcoming posts! Grazie!
We have not been to this city yet. And canals! Who knew? Seems like a great city to add to our list!
Wow- you didn’t know about the hidden canals? I’m thrilled to hear our post helped you for your next visit!!