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Bologna is a lively place. Home of the first university, steeped in history but also a centre of culture and technology. Nightclubs and porticoes stand side by side, in one of the greatest cities in the world.




Asinelli Tower


The highest tower in Bologna
Piazza di Porta Ravegnana
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40125
Italy
Standing in the center of the Piazza di Porta Ravenna, the highest tower in Bologna, an emblematic symbol of the 'towered city' lofts 97 meters into the sky, undisputed queen of the Bolognese rooftop panorama. Legend says that this tower was built by the Asinelli family at the beginning of the twelfth century. It has strong foundations and it is surrounded by a protective railing. At its summit it displays the Guelf battlements. The 498 steps take you to the very top, from where you can enjoy a really incredible view. Admission: EUR 3.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Asinelli Tower photo by Nigel Ewart
Photo: Nigel Ewart
Asinelli Tower photo by fred lopes
Photo: fred lopes
Asinelli Tower photo by Alfonso Pierantonio
Photo: Alfonso Pierantonio
Asinelli Tower photo by Antonio Scaramuzzino
Photo: Antonio Scaramuzzino
Asinelli Tower photo by Francesco Gasparetti
Photo: Francesco Gasparetti
Asinelli Tower photo by Francesco Dazzi
Photo: Francesco Dazzi
Asinelli Tower photo by Gianluigi Calcaterra
Photo: Gianluigi Calcaterra
Asinelli Tower photo by Larry Ferrante
Photo: Larry Ferrante
Asinelli Tower photo by Cristiano Leoni
Photo: Cristiano Leoni
Asinelli Tower photo by schrepfler
Photo: schrepfler
Asinelli Tower photo by David Galovic
Photo: David Galovic
Asinelli Tower photo by Luca Volpi
Photo: Luca Volpi
Asinelli Tower photo by Gavin Murdock
Photo: Gavin Murdock
Asinelli Tower photo by Daniele Sgarra
Photo: Daniele Sgarra
Asinelli Tower photo by kate_the_archivist
Photo: kate_the_archivist
Asinelli Tower photo by Dan Hartland
Photo: Dan Hartland
Asinelli Tower photo by Alessandra
Photo: Alessandra
Asinelli Tower photo by saintbald
Photo: saintbald
Asinelli Tower photo by lydia nichols
Photo: lydia nichols
Asinelli Tower photo by Patrick StArnaud
Photo: Patrick StArnaud
Asinelli Tower photo by Angela
Photo: Angela
Asinelli Tower photo by christian cueni
Photo: christian cueni
Asinelli Tower photo by Simona Piano
Photo: Simona Piano
Asinelli Tower photo by PaoloBis
Photo: PaoloBis
Asinelli Tower photo by alexfreespirit
Photo: alexfreespirit
Asinelli Tower photo by Andrew_TT
Photo: Andrew_TT
Asinelli Tower photo by Giorgio Tomassetti
Photo: Giorgio Tomassetti
Asinelli Tower photo by Emanuele Noferini
Photo: Emanuele Noferini
Asinelli Tower photo by PirelliLand
Photo: PirelliLand
Asinelli Tower photo by murakawa72
Photo: murakawa72
Asinelli Tower photo by philip hay
Photo: philip hay
Asinelli Tower photo by Paul Romo
Photo: Paul Romo
Asinelli Tower photo by qifei 2.0
Photo: qifei 2.0
Asinelli Tower photo by Dorian P
Photo: Dorian P
Asinelli Tower photo by Jeffrey Pauling
Photo: Jeffrey Pauling
 

 
Certosa


The oldest cemetery in Bologna
Via della Certosa 18
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40133
Italy
+39 51 614 2382
The site of the oldest cemetery in Bologna, the Certosini cemetery sits on top of what was previously an Etrusan necropolis. The necropolis was uncovered in 1869 by archaeological digs carried out by Antonio Zannoni. The cemetery has now become a very special memorial. It is beside the Certosini Monastery (built in 1801). Nowadays, it contains a collection of the most artistic funeral monuments, many of which were carved by some of the best 19th and 20th century artists. There are monuments to famous men like Giosué Carducci, Giorgio Morandi e Ottorino Respighi.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Certosa photo by Massimo Fuligni
Photo: Massimo Fuligni
Certosa photo by Antonella Beccaria
Photo: Antonella Beccaria
Certosa photo by Mattia Belletti
Photo: Mattia Belletti
Certosa photo by Antonella Beccaria
Photo: Antonella Beccaria
Certosa photo by Luigi Anzivino
Photo: Luigi Anzivino
Certosa photo by Linus Van Pelt
Photo: Linus Van Pelt
Certosa photo by Pier Luigi Ricci
Photo: Pier Luigi Ricci
Certosa photo by martina
Photo: martina
Certosa photo by Lorenzo Braca
Photo: Lorenzo Braca
Certosa photo by Jacopo Donati
Photo: Jacopo Donati
Certosa photo by David Palm
Photo: David Palm
Certosa photo by arteborghese
Photo: arteborghese
Certosa photo by Andrea Paolini
Photo: Andrea Paolini
Certosa photo by UNCLEMARK57
Photo: UNCLEMARK57
 

 
Exposition Centre


Temporary exhibitions
Piazza Galvani 1
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124
Italy
Various exhibitions take place periodically (weather permitting) in this courtyard which is enhanced by a beautiful open gallery, decorated with the coats of arms of the noble families of many of the students and professors who attended this university. The courtyard is in the ancient seat of the Bolognese Studio, where the Communal Library is today. If the weather is bad, the exhibitions take place inside, in the upper gallery.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Exposition Centre photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Le 2 Torri


Check mate in Bologna
Via della Grada 9
Bologna 40122
Italy
+39 51 52 2433
http://www.chess.it
An enormous range of chess players accessories, from classic pieces and computerised chess, to books on the game, are on sale in the 2 Towers, on via della Grada. There are over 5 thousand items in sotck for chess fans and experts, and you can also order over the internet.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Le 2 Torri photo by Anna Del Canto
Photo: Anna Del Canto
 

 
Neptune's Fountain


Famous statue
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121
Italy
This fountain is in the middle of Piazza del Nettuno, between Palazzo Re Enzo and the Palazzo Comunale. It was built following the urban renovation project planned by the Legato Pontificio Pierdonato Cesi and commissioned by Pope Pious IV. The work on the magnificent statue of Neptune was assigned to Giambologna, while the base was designed by Tommaso Laureti. It is an excellent example of the Bolognese Renaissance, and incarnates the God Neptune who rules the seas.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Neptune's Fountain photo by Andrew Platt
Photo: Andrew Platt
Neptune's Fountain photo by Luigi De Frenza
Photo: Luigi De Frenza
Neptune's Fountain photo by Anna Maria Simonini
Photo: Anna Maria Simonini
Neptune's Fountain photo by Coralie Mercier
Photo: Coralie Mercier
Neptune's Fountain photo by Carrie Norin
Photo: Carrie Norin
Neptune's Fountain photo by Jonathan Baird
Photo: Jonathan Baird
Neptune's Fountain photo by maxdifermo1
Photo: maxdifermo1
 

 
Passegiata in Via Fondazza


Morandi's street
Via Fondazza
Bologna 40125
Italy
Giorgio Morandi used to teach sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna and he loved this city. He used to like to stroll around the streets, taking in everything around him and then sit in Piazza Maggiore. His studio was on Via Fondazza at No.36; one of the last sidestreets off Strada Maggiore. When he lived there, in the 1920´s, the street was a very different place, full of artisans and prostitutes. Morandi used to go down into the street to paint. He painted with red paints and used straw from the street and the houses in his paintings. He painted public squares and made portraits for ordinary people. He used to buy plain objects in the markets and then paint still lifes from them. It's still a real pleasure to walk down his old street. Much has faded but something of the old magic is still there.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Passegiata in Via Fondazza photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Piazza Maggiore


The most beautiful medieval piazza in Italy
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna 40124
Italy
The buildings, which face onto this beautiful medieval piazza it were all built between 1200 and 1400. The Piazza forms the heart of city and it provides a wonderful backdrop for everyday city life. The streets are full of artists, university students and families with children. When the sun is high, they move from the open areas of the square to the shade of the Basilica di San Petronio. Here they sit and witness the daily life of a city which is famous for its university, architecture, tortellini and the extraordinary vitality of the people who live there.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Piazza Maggiore photo by Fiona Morgan
Photo: Fiona Morgan
Piazza Maggiore photo by Ricky
Photo: Ricky
Piazza Maggiore photo by pat.morrison
Photo: pat.morrison
Piazza Maggiore photo by Emanuele Preda
Photo: Emanuele Preda
Piazza Maggiore photo by Giovanni Sighele
Photo: Giovanni Sighele
Piazza Maggiore photo by Marin Gross
Photo: Marin Gross
Piazza Maggiore photo by Ross Martens
Photo: Ross Martens
Piazza Maggiore photo by Antonio
Photo: Antonio
Piazza Maggiore photo by Vittorio Pastanella
Photo: Vittorio Pastanella
Piazza Maggiore photo by giulia belfiori
Photo: giulia belfiori
Piazza Maggiore photo by atharva80
Photo: atharva80
Piazza Maggiore photo by Cristina Negrini
Photo: Cristina Negrini
Piazza Maggiore photo by krzi
Photo: krzi
Piazza Maggiore photo by iougualeio
Photo: iougualeio
Piazza Maggiore photo by cesar villasante
Photo: cesar villasante
Piazza Maggiore photo by melo
Photo: melo
Piazza Maggiore photo by Enrico Maioli
Photo: Enrico Maioli
Piazza Maggiore photo by Maida Verdugo
Photo: Maida Verdugo
Piazza Maggiore photo by Francesca Marchi
Photo: Francesca Marchi
Piazza Maggiore photo by Mary Becotte
Photo: Mary Becotte
Piazza Maggiore photo by Sabina Fata
Photo: Sabina Fata
Piazza Maggiore photo by Giovanni Ossola
Photo: Giovanni Ossola
Piazza Maggiore photo by Marina
Photo: Marina
Piazza Maggiore photo by gabrielgovoni
Photo: gabrielgovoni
Piazza Maggiore photo by Tony Schofield
Photo: Tony Schofield
Piazza Maggiore photo by linda bull
Photo: linda bull
Piazza Maggiore photo by Amie Lawless
Photo: Amie Lawless
 

 
Prison of King Enzo


Palatium Novum, prison of King Enzo.
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121
Italy
The palazzo Merlato was originally known as the Palatium Novum. It was built in 1244 as the assembly building for the city council. They used to keep their weapons on the lower floors, including the famous carroccio, which played a major role in many of the city's field campaigns. The Bolognese captured King Enzo, son of Frederic II, in 1242 at the important Battle of Fossalta. They imprisoned him here until his death in 1272. This famous prisoner left a legacy to the city in that from thenceforth the building was known as Palazzo Re Enzo.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Prison of King Enzo photo by Pietro Izzo
Photo: Pietro Izzo
Prison of King Enzo photo by Michele Mazzoli
Photo: Michele Mazzoli
Prison of King Enzo photo by Federico Foschi
Photo: Federico Foschi
Prison of King Enzo photo by foxpenguin
Photo: foxpenguin
Prison of King Enzo photo by StefyCerbino
Photo: StefyCerbino
 

 
San Petronio Basilica


The magnificent Basilica of Bologna's patron saint
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna 40124
Italy
+39 51 22 5442
In Bologna's very famous medieval Piazza Maggiore, we find the majestic Basilica di San Petronio, which is unique in the world, because its façade has been left unfinished. It was designed by the architect Antonio di Vincenzo. It was unanimously decided by all parties involved that construction work would begin, with the first stone being laid, in 1390. The holy building was entrusted with Bologna's religious and civil powers, and was dedicated to Saint Petronio, the city's patron. The building works were finished in 1659, but the front of the church remained incomplete, as it still does today. On the marble base of the facade, the beautiful main portal, or Porta Magna, sculptured by Jacopo della Quercia was interrupted by the artist's death whilst the smaller doors were sculptured by other sculptors including Alfonso Lombardi, Amico Aspertini, Givanni di da Modena, and il Parmigianino. Inside the Basilica, with its Italian Gothic influences, are large and surprisingly well-lit, with red hues and tall, rarefied pillars. A number of important historical events have taken place in the Basilica: Pope Clement VII crowned the emperor Carlo V here in 1530 and several sessions of the Council of Trent were held here. In the 22 side chapels, closed off by some beautiful wrought iron, brass and marble barriers, a huge artistic heritage consisting of paintings and sculptures, has been conserved. Also of great importance is the Meridian line that has been traced on the ground by the astronomer Gian Domenico Cassini in 1655. At the end of the left hand nave is the small but delightful San Petronio museum.

Review © 2007, Wcities
San Petronio Basilica photo by Giuseppe Zeta
Photo: Giuseppe Zeta
San Petronio Basilica photo by Diegocentrico
Photo: Diegocentrico
San Petronio Basilica photo by bragus
Photo: bragus
San Petronio Basilica photo by tony_miniscalco
Photo: tony_miniscalco
San Petronio Basilica photo by Dimitra Blana
Photo: Dimitra Blana
San Petronio Basilica photo by Luiz De Aquino
Photo: Luiz De Aquino
San Petronio Basilica photo by andrea silvestri
Photo: andrea silvestri
San Petronio Basilica photo by emilyprovansal
Photo: emilyprovansal
San Petronio Basilica photo by Andrea Pierleoni
Photo: Andrea Pierleoni
San Petronio Basilica photo by nixio72
Photo: nixio72
San Petronio Basilica photo by OdioCubico
Photo: OdioCubico
San Petronio Basilica photo by Marc Johnson
Photo: Marc Johnson
San Petronio Basilica photo by Amanda Nichols
Photo: Amanda Nichols
San Petronio Basilica photo by Sloane Pretto
Photo: Sloane Pretto
San Petronio Basilica photo by hillie1947
Photo: hillie1947
San Petronio Basilica photo by Lollyman
Photo: Lollyman
 

 
Santa Maria della Pietà Church


Seventeenth century church with extraordinary works of art.
Via San Vitale 112
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40125
Italy
This seventeenth century church was built with donations from the city´s guilds and administrative bodies. It has a single nave with side altars which are decorated with valuable masterpieces. There is the Flight to Egypt by Andrea Donducci known as the "Mastellatta", the 'Crucifix' by Bartolomeo Cesi, the 'Miracle of the bread loaves' by Lavinia Fontana, the 'Death of San Francesco' by Ercole Graziani and 'St.Orsola with his disciples' by Bartolomeo Passerotti.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Santa Maria della Pietà Church photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Santo Stefano Basilica and Sanctuary


5th largest church in the world
Piazza Santo Stefano
Bologna 40125
Italy
The most well-known and legendary place of worship in the city comprises several holy buildings, built and renovated at various times. The complex consists of: The Chiesa del Crocifisso, the Chiesa del San Sepolcro, the Chiesa dei Santi Vitale and Agricola, the Chiesa della Trinita, the Benedictine Cloisters, the Chiesetta della Madonna del Loreto (protector of avaiators), the Chapel of Santa Giuliana and the Chapel of the Cross. The Romanesque cloister, with its loggia columns topped with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic capitals, is the ideal place to reflect on the beautiful mystique of this legendary place. Admission: Free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Santo Stefano Basilica and Sanctuary photo by buldra
Photo: buldra
Santo Stefano Basilica and Sanctuary photo by aaroscape
Photo: aaroscape
Santo Stefano Basilica and Sanctuary photo by Trudy Graham
Photo: Trudy Graham
Santo Stefano Basilica and Sanctuary photo by Mauro
Photo: Mauro
 

 
Santuario del Sacro Cuore Church


Church with large dome
Via Matteotti 27
Bologna 40064
Italy
This building dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and was designed by Edoardo Collamarini for Cardinal Svampa who handed it over to the adjacent Salesian college. The church was consacrated by Cardinal Giacomo della Chiesa in 1912. The majestic dome, which is 60 metres high, has collapsed twice and was definitively rebuilt in 1929. The church contains paintings by Alessandro Franchi, Augusto Majani, and Renato Pasqui. The body of the founder of the church, Domenico Svampa, is buried in the crypt.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Santuario del Sacro Cuore Church photo by Ambra Galassi
Photo: Ambra Galassi
 

 
Saragozza Gate


Impressive city gate
Porta Saragozza
Bologna 40123
Italy
The impressive Porta Saragozza was built in 1860 upon the remains of its medieval precursor. It was designed by Enrico Brunetti Rodati. The gate is made up of two large towers topped with battlements. Between the two towers there are three arcades. One of the two tower contains the "Cassero". This is home to Bologna's gay association. The Cassero has a beautiful terrace which is open throughout the summer.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Saragozza Gate photo by Alex
Photo: Alex
Saragozza Gate photo by Alex
Photo: Alex
Saragozza Gate photo by Corrado
Photo: Corrado
Saragozza Gate photo by WBeasley
Photo: WBeasley
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Bologna"
Bologna - Historical Background
Bologna - Neighborhood Guide
Bologna - Where to Stay
Bologna - Dining & Drinking
Bologna - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Florence (94 miles)
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Genoa (191 miles)
Milan (203 miles)
Trieste (231 miles)
Turin (297 miles)
Rome (304 miles)
Nice (339 miles)
Cannes (359 miles)

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