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 The Torreggiani palace |
Via Galliera 8 Bologna 40121 Italy |
This monumental palace was initiated by F.M. Angelini in 1725 under the orders of Cardinal Pompeo Aldrovandi. The façade however was created in 1744 by Alfonso Torregiani to whom the beautiful internal staircase is also attributed. The palace houses the local library, the film library and the Printing Circle; the walls of the rooms are adorned with magnificent frescoes, by Oralndi and Bigari that depict glorious events in the lives of the prestigious Aldrovendi family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rocco Damiano |
 Photo: tartatart |
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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 |
 Photo: Nigel Ewart |
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Inaugurated by Pope John Paul II |
Via Castiglione Bologna 40124 Italy +39 51 1209 9111 |
In what used to be the Church of Santa Lucia you can now find the Aula Magna of the Bolognese Alma Mater Studiorum. The church passed into the hands of the Jesuits in 1562 and was rebuilt following the design of the architect Girolamo Rainaldi. Enlargement work which was planned by Francesco Maria Angelini took place later but was interrupted in 1732, only to be partially finished in the 19th century. With the façade incomplete, it was fitted out as a gym and workshop for the Aldini Institute after its deconsacration. It was later transformed into the Aula Magna and was inaugurated by Pope John Paul II in 1988 on the occasion of the 9th centenary of the university. The interior is divided into three naves and now hosts concerts, conferences, and cultural shows. The ex-convent annex still has its portico dating back to 1676 which was built by Agostino Barelli, and the library which was constructed in 1742 by the architect, G. Ambrosi. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Beatrice Yang |
 Photo: Bruce Nelson |
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Racing Mecca |
Via Fratelli Rosselli 2 Bologna, BO 40026 Italy +39 54 263 4511 / Tickets: +39 54 234 116 http://www.autodromoimola.com/ |
Enzo and Dino Ferrari are two names practically synonymous with racing. It is fitting, then, that said names grace this world-class race facility just outside of Bologna. The track hosts a nearly year-round program of races, showcases and other events. Whether your passion is classic racers, futuristic new concept cars, motorbikes or anything else, this facility will likely host an event in which you'll be interested. From time to time, they'll even hold concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Once a post office |
Via Parigi 2 Bologna 40121 Italy |
The building was probably constructed in the mid-15th century. It has brick decorations and two-light mullioned windows in its façade, typical of medieval and Renaissance architecture. It was once the home of the post office and still has a stone letter box below the portico. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Famous attraction |
Piazza Galvani 2 Bologna, Bologna 40124 Italy +39 (0)51 27 6811 |
This theatre was built in 1638 by the architect A. Levanti in the Archginnasio, the former University site. It is said that it was reduced to rubble by bombing in 1944, and was minutely rebuilt so as to resume its original beauty. It is infact very beautiful, and upon entering it seems as if time is standing still...built entirely out of wood, the Doctor's cathedral still retains the two "Scorticati" designed by Ercole Leilli, but scuplted by S. Giannaotti, who also made the other statues. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Once used to house orphan girls |
Via Santo stefano 119 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40125 Italy |
The façade, portico and quadriportico were built for the Bentivoglio family at the end of the 15th century. The capitals are worth taking a look at. Today the building is the administrative base for the Santo Stefano district. It was used to house pilgrims during the 15th century, and was later turned into an orphanage for young girls - a sort of conservatory to keep them "honest". It could house up to 75 girls who were then expected to work up to 12 hours per day, sewing, embroidering, and making fabrics. The façade was redone in 1779. The interiors have recently been rennovated and display some frescoes by Bagnacavallo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Saint Francesco Saverio lived here |
Via Santo Stefano 38 Bologna 40125 Italy |
The Ospedale di San Biagio, also known as the Ospedale di Santa Maria dei Servi, stood on this spot in front of Via Cartoleria until the end of the 18th century. San Francesco Saverio lived here. The statue of the Virgin on the façade was sculpted by Andrea Ferreri, one of Mazza's pupils. The complex included such services as reception of pilgrims, health services, and a spice shop. The building still houses the Antica Farmacia del Corso. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Conservatory of Rossini and Donizzeti |
Piazza Rossini 2 Bologna 40126 Italy +39 51 22 1483 / +39 51 23 3975 |
From 1805 the Conservatory took place in the 14th century ex-Agostinian convent which faces onto Piazza Rossini. Inside, a magnificent stairway built by Alfonso Torreggiani in 1752 leads to the upper floors where around 300 portraits of famous musicians are exhibited. The paintings of the Quadreris were collected by G. B. Martini, who was enamored of music and had the portraits sent to him by the artists. Many of these works adorn the Sala Bossi, famous for its classical concerts and mangificent organ. Well known musicians such as Rossini, Donizzeti and Martucci used to teach in the Conservatory. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Baroque city gate |
Porta Galliera Bologna 40126 Italy |
The Galliera city-gate was built in 1661 on the remains of its 12th century predecessor. It was designed in a typically Baroque style by Bartolomeo Provaglia. In the gardens opposite there is a statue of Ugo Bassi which was cast by Carlo Parmeggiani in 1888. Nearby, you can see the remains of the old Rocca di Galliera. This was the old castle once owned by the Pontiff´s legation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nicola Poluzzi |
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The famous leaning tower of Bologna |
Piazza di Porta Ravegnana Bologna 40125 Italy |
Built around the 12th Century, probably at the same time as the Asinelli tower was built, the leaning Garisenda tower is about 48m high. It is also called the Mozzata (Docked) tower, because it is said to have been hight than it now is. Dante Alighieri supports this hypothesis in the 31st canto of his 'Inferno' (v136-138) when he said: "...Qual pare a riguardar la Garisenda sotto 'l chinato, quando un nuvol vada sovr'essa sì, che ella incontro penda..." ("It seems that I am looking at the Garisenda tower under its incline, and when a cloud passes over, it leans a little..."). We can also deduce that the tower acquired its lean quite quickly, perhaps due to a subsidence in the ground. There is a plaque inscribed with Dante's verses on the leaning side of the tower. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Francesco Cilione |
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Monument commemorating Carducci |
Piazza Giosuè Carducci Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40125 Italy |
This vast monument made out of Carrara marble was sculpted at the beginning of the 20th century by Leonardo Bistolfi to commemorate Giosué Carducci. There is a figure of the poet in a thoughtful pose at the centre of the sculptural complex, behind the sculpture is a majestic triptych on which Bistolfi carved some poetical themes taken from Carducci's early works. The sculpture on the right represents the "sorrel steed of the song", while the one on the left represents nature. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Poet's room |
Via Zamboni 33 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy |
"The dark, many-towered Bologna rises up through the clear Winter..." ...so felt Giosué Carducci as he wrote about the city in which he lived for over forty years. In 1860 the Ministry of Public Instruction offered him the post of Italian Literature in Europe's oldest university which he only left in 1867 when he was sent to Naples for having founded a Masonic lodge in Bologna. The "Aula del Poeta" remained as it always had been at the Palazzo Poggi, and it became a monument of scholar and of the reconsacrate literatire of the Bolognese Alma Mater Studiorem. The Aula is preceded by the "Sala d'Ercole" (Hercules' Room), which has this name because of the statue of Hercules which was sculpted in 1730 by Angelo Pió. A copy of this statue can be seen in the centure of Palazzo Poggi's magnificent courtyard. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A 13th century residence |
Strada Maggiore 19 Bologna 40125 Italy |
Casa Isolani was built during the 13th c. and is one of the rare surviving examples of civil construction of that period in Bologna. It is characterised by the tall gallery with wooden columns in Romanesque-Gothic style. It was last restored in 1877 when three arrows became lodged in the ceiling of the gallery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Antonio Savorelli |
 Photo: Juliette Hauville |
 Photo: thekaratrail |
 Photo: Joël REMAUD |
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City gate and monument to the Partisans. |
Porta Lame Bologna 40122 Italy |
This Baroque city gate was built in 1676. It was designed by Agostino Barelli. There are two partisans standing proud and strong on one side of the Gate. These were cast by Luciano Minguzzi in 1952. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: benny marco |
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A Palazzo with a beautiful staircase. |
Via Barberia 4 Bologna 40123 Italy |
This beautiful sixteenth century palazzo was restored in 1680 by Gian Giacomo Monti. This architect was also responsible for the lovely internal staircase which leads up to the upper floors. The rooms contain some wonderful paintings which were painted by Caccioli. These show tales from history and mythology and were dedicated to the Marescotti family. The family was also immortalised in frescoes by Giuseppe and Antonio Rolli. The palazzo is currently the location of the Alma Mater Studiorum and it hosts important cultural events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Baroque arch |
Via Saragozza Bologna 40135 Italy |
This arch was built by Carlo Francesco Dotti in 1732 to link Via Saragoza's portico with the porticoes which lead towards the Santuario di San Luca. It is raised high above the street and will enable you to walk to the Sanctuary undercover in case of bad weather. The Baroque style of this arch creates a beautiful background. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The old Arts guild building. |
Piazza della Mercanzia Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40125 Italy |
The Merchant Palazzo was once the main trading area for the Bolognese merchants. It was designed by Antonio di Vincenzo in 1382. The building has a beautful crenellated façade which is made up of red terracotta bricks contrasting with the carved white mullioned windows and the baldachin spire. The colour contrast is made more evident by the small statues in their niches and the vaulted loggia with its pointed arches supported by robust pillars. The attractive loggia contains portals which are decorated with an inlaid lunette from 1490. Above the portals, there is a clock which was made by Alfonso Rubbiani and Alfredo Tartarini in 1889. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Beautiful steps leading into the Parco della Montagnola |
Via Indipendenza Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121 Italy |
Bologna's "Parco della Montagnola" is located in Via Indipendenza. To enter the park you have to climb one of the two scenic flights of steps which were built at the end of the 19th century by the architects Tito Azzolini and Attilio Muggia. The sculptures and reliefs which decorate the stairs are taken from some historical stories of the city, and were sculpted by Ettore Sabbioni, Arturo Colombarini, Arturo Orsoni, and Pietro Veronesi. The beautiful fountain depicting the horse and virgin in the grasp of an octopus is by Diego Sarti. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Music Museum |
Strada Maggiore 34 Palazzo Sanguinetti Bologna 40125 Italy +39 51 2757711 http://www.museomusicabologna.it/ |
In 2004 the Museum moved to its new seat in the beautifully frescoed and newly restored neo classical Palazzo Sanguinetti. Situated in the historical centre of Bologna, the Museum displays over three hundred paintings of characters related to the music world, ancient music instruments (including a 17th century harpsichord and Rossini's piano), as well as a wide selection of documents, manuscripts and autographed music scores. On the ground floor, there is a reconstruction of a famous lute maker's workshop, complete with all the equipment, forms and paints necessary for instrument production. -Maria Frullini Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: Andrew Platt |
 Photo: Luigi De Frenza |
 Photo: Anna Maria Simonini |
 Photo: Coralie Mercier |
 Photo: Carrie Norin |
 Photo: Jonathan Baird |
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Place popular with Bolognese society |
Via dell'Archiginnasio Bologna 40124 Italy |
This long portico (139 metres) has taken its name from a word in Bolognese dialect "pavaian". This means a silk scarf market. This important market used to take place in the square opposite the portico. It attracted people (and their money) from everywhere. Pope Pius IV had the portico built in 1562 by Antonio Morandi. Ever since it has been one of the main places for Bolognese society to go out walking. Often there are strains of beautiful melodies resonating along the porticoes since it has become popular with romantic musicians. The entrances to the city's archeology museum and the Archiginnasio building are both under these porticoes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: Fiona Morgan |
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The crossroads |
Piazza della Mercanzia Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40125 Italy |
The Piazza is actually formed by a crossroads between four streets (hence its old name "il Carrobbio"). The square is particularly beautiful due to the medieval noble buildings which face onto it. The most impressive of these is the Palazzo della Mercanzia which was the old meeting place for the city's merchants. Via S.Stefano goes from the left hand side of the building and there you can find the twelfth century Torre Alberici at N.4 and the beautiful sixteenth century Palazzo Bolognini at n.9-11. The latter was built by Formigini and has a series of carved stones which were sculpted by Alfonso Lombardi and Niccolò da Volterra. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ricardo Fernandez Fe |
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The University musuem |
Via Zamboni 33 Bologna 40126 Italy +39 51 209 9398 |
This palazzo was built in 1549 and is thought to have been designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi. The Torre della Specola is built on top of the palazzo and dates back to 1725. It was built by Carlo Francesco Dotti. The university of Bologna has used the building since 1802 as an Institute for Science and as a museum for the university. They has visiting times every day. It's possible to visit the historic room where Giosué Carducci taught and see the beautiful courtyard which contains a sandstone statue of Hercules by Angelo Grabiello Piò. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mari Bland |
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The Archiginnasio's library, former home of the studio... |
Piazza Galvani 1 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124 Italy |
Located in the attractive piazza dell'Archiginnasio, former home to the Bolognese studio, this library was established at the beginning of the 1800's. The large, bright reading room, decorated with the coats of arms of its noble students and lecturers, is equipped with long and capacious wooden tables, where you can read quietly, is really pleasant. The bibliographic archives contain more than 600,000 volumes, thousands of manuscripts, prints, engravings and old geographical maps. Linked to the Library and collection of designs and prints. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The house of the famous composer |
Strada Maggiore 26 Bologna 40125 Italy |
The famous composer Gioacchino Rossini studied literature and music in Bologna and was trained by his father in singing, solfeggio and the harpsichord. Rossini soon showed his musical talent and, once he had found success and fame, left Bologna to travel in Italy and Europe. He returned to Bologna where he had a house built (1824-27) at number 26, Strada Maggiore where he lived for about 20 years, this time was fulfilling for Rossini artistically speaking and was also a very difficult period of his life. This being a private property it can be viewed from outside only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Attractive Church on the Bolognese hills |
Via dell'Osservanza 88 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40136 Italy +39 51 58 0597 |
Amongst the many hill walks which lead off Via San Mammolo across Via dell'Osservanza you can reach the beautiful Villa Aldini behind which is located the convent and Church of San Paolo in Monte. The Church was founded by the Frati Minori Osservanti at the beginning of 1400 and was rebuilt in a neoclassical style in 1828 by Vincenzo Vannini. Many valuable works of art adorn the Church's interior, and it also contains a very interesting museum, the Missionaries' Museum of Chinese art which can be visited by appointment only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Surrounded by beautiful residences |
Piazza Santo Stefano Bologna 40125 Italy |
Piazza Santo Stefano is a charming cobbled piazza, one of the most magical historical places in the city. It is surrounded by beautiful old noble family palazzos and seems to be an entity in itself. Stories abound about the origins of the Santo Stefano complex but it seems probable that it was first a Roman temple which was dedicated to the worship of Isis. It is also said that St.Ambrose buried here the remains of the protomartyrs, Vitale and Agricola. It was conquered by the Lombards and visited by Charlemagne. Leopardi and Giorgio Morandi used to love coming here as part of their afternoon walks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nicola Praderio |
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The meeting place for the Council of Trent |
Via D'Azeglio 31 Bologna 40017 Italy |
This palazzo was built in the 15th century. It has a beautiful gateway which leads into a lovely courtyard with two open galleries above. The galleries have columns carved by Tommaso Filippi. The Council of Trent was held here and made many important decisions here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bruce Nelson |
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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 |
 Photo: Alex |
 Photo: Alex |
 Photo: Corrado |
 Photo: WBeasley |
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Unique example of a gothic house with two floors |
Via Castiglione 3 Bologna 40124 Italy |
This complex, dating back to the 13th century, was destined to be used as the Gabella offices. As Zucchini writes, we are faced with the only example of a Gothic house with two floors here. The façades are mainly original. The restoration work, carried out for the Comitato per Bologna Storica e Artistica in 1924, restored the wooden supports (which once upheld the roof) to their original glory and the balcony was added. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Asinelli and Garisneda, the familiar Bolognese towers |
Piazza di Porta Ravegnana Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40125 Italy |
A symbol of the Emilian county town, the two towers dominate the Bolognese skyline unchallenged. They date from the twelfth century and were almost certainly built as much to symbolize the power of the the noble families as to act as a military defense. This was a period of great wealth for Bologna, and there was hardly a noble household which did not build its own family tower. The Torre degli Asinelli, which has remained untouched by the centuries, was the highest of all and is distinguishable by its slight incline, while the Torre della Garisenda is about half the height of the Asinelli, with a very distinct lean and is not open to the public. Admission to the Torre degli Asinelli: EUR 3. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pablo Chiesa |
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 Photo: Mark Brennan |
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A river in the centre of the city |
Via Piella Bologna 40126 Italy |
At the beginning of via Piella, on the right, set into what appears to be a great solid wall there is a little window through which you can see something really unusual...a river running beneath Bologna. On this road the waters emerge briefly in the Canale delle Moline, named after the 18th century mills which stood here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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University library established by Pope Benedetto XIV |
Via Zamboni 35 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy +39 51 24 3420 |
Desired by Pope Benedetto XIV, the magnificent University library was built in 1741, having been designed by Carlo Francesco Dotti. It became part of the Science Institute and contained the collections of Pope Benedetto XIV, the naturalist researcher Ulisse Aldrovandi, Cardinal Monti and others. Today it contains over 900,000 volimes, almost 3000 letters and autographs and thousands of manuscripts such as the Paolo Diacono from the 12th century, an Avicenza in Hebrew from the 15th century etc, among the many illustrated works. The inside has been decorated with frescos by many of Bologna's famous artists. Review © 2007, Wcities |