Bologna is a city rich in history, culture, and delicious cuisine. Its historic center is surrounded by medieval walls and is filled with towering towers, historic palaces, and ancient churches. The heart of the city is Piazza Maggiore, a large cobblestone square that houses some of the city’s main buildings, including the Palazzo Comunale and the Basilica of San Petronio.
Starting our tourist journey, we head towards the Asinelli Tower, one of the two twin towers that rise above Bologna’s historic center. The tower is 97 meters high and offers a panoramic view of the city. The climb of 498 steps is steep, but it is worth it for the breathtaking view at the top.
After taking some panoramic photos, we head towards the Mercato delle Erbe, located in the heart of the historic center. Here you can find a wide range of fresh products, including fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meat. It is a great place to buy ingredients to prepare a traditional Bolognese meal.
Once we are satisfied, we head towards the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest churches in Italy and one of the main religious buildings in Bologna. The façade is decorated with mosaics and sculptures, while inside you will find a series of works of art, including a historic organ and a series of frescoes.
We then move on to the Palazzo Comunale, the city government headquarters, located in Piazza Maggiore. The palace houses some of the city’s most beautiful rooms, including the Sala dei Notari with its 15th century frescoes. The palace also offers a panoramic view of the square.
After visiting the Palazzo Comunale, we head towards Piazza del Nettuno, one of the most famous squares in Bologna. The square is dominated by a large statue of Neptune, the god of the sea, and is surrounded by some of the city’s main buildings, including the Palazzo dei Banchi and the Church of San Giovanni in Monte.
The next stop on our tour is the Church of Santa Maria della Vita, one of the oldest churches in Bologna. The church houses some of the city’s most famous works of art, including a 15th century sculpture group known as “La Maddalena Penitente,” considered a masterpiece of Italian sculpture of the era. The church is also famous for its 14th and 15th century frescoes, which decorate the walls and vaults.
After visiting the church, we head towards the Civic Medieval Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of medieval art in Italy. The museum displays a wide collection of artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and metalwork, which tell the story and culture of the city during the Middle Ages.
At this point in the journey, we may be hungry, so we head towards one of Bologna’s traditional restaurants to taste some of the local dishes. Bologna’s cuisine is famous worldwide for its homemade pasta, such as the famous Tagliatelle al ragù, and for its meat dishes, such as the Bollito Misto.
To end our tour in style, we head towards Bologna’s university area, where one of the city’s most iconic places is located: the Archiginnasio. This 16th-century building was the main seat of the University of Bologna for many years and houses some of the university’s most beautiful rooms, including the “Quadrivium” Room and the “Trivium” Room, decorated with frescoes and sculptures from the 16th century. In the Archiginnasio, you can also visit the Archiginnasio Library, which houses one of the largest collections of ancient books in Italy.
In conclusion, Bologna is a city rich in history, culture, and delicious cuisine, with many tourist attractions to discover. From medieval towers to ancient churches, from food markets to works of art, there is always something new to see and do in Bologna. I recommend taking the time to walk through the streets of the historic center, taste the flavors of local cuisine and immerse yourself in the culture and history of the city.