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 Home to the Diocesan administration |
Via Altabella 2-6 Bologna 40126 Italy |
The Palazzo Arcivescovile was built at the beginning of the 13th century, and is currently the home of the diocesan administration. It has a characteristic large portico, the tallest in the city and one of the first to be built in stone (not wood). The building's façade faces onto the courtyard. It was designed by Domenico Tebaldi and dates back to 1575. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 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 |
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Palace of the heads |
Via Santo stefano 9-11-18 Bologna 40125 Italy |
This magnificent palace which began being built in 1521 to the plans of Andrea Formigine, owes its uniquness to the 177 heads that decorate the façade, and led to the nickname 'Palace of heads.' The stone heads are attributed to the work of Alfonso Lombardi and Nicola da Volterra. At one point, in the rooms on the ground floor, the Casino society, popular among famous names in the Arts and from the nobility, organised evenings dedicated to music and poetry, in which the poet Giacomo Leopardi took part. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Built in 1877 |
Via Luigi Carlo Farini 22 Bologna 40124 Italy |
The Palazzo della Cassa di Risparmio was built in 1877 and is one of the most eclectic buildings in Bologna. It can be found at Via Farini 22, and was designed by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni, author of Palazzo Poggi-Cavazza (also in Bologna) and designer of the porticoes in Piazza Duomo. He also designed the audacious and innovative glass and iron vaults in the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Antique medical equipment |
Via Clavature 8 Bologna 40124 Italy +39 51 23 0260 |
The entrance to this museum can be reached by walking through the Santuario. The Museum exhibits tell the story of the Confraternita dei Battuti a Bologna, the founders of the Santa Maria della Vita Hospital. The exhibition includes medical equipment, dating back to the 18th century, and various works of art. Visitors can also see the Oratory, which contains a valuable group of statues sculpted by Alfonso Lombardi in 1522 and entitled Il Transito della Vergine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Archeological museum |
Via dell'Archiginnasio 2 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124 Italy +39 51 23 3849 http://www.comune.bologna.it/m... |
This important museum institution is located inside the old Santa Maria della Morte Hospital, and was opened in 1881. The conspicuous repertory of materials on display has reached such enormous proportions thanks to the Palagi donations and the archaeological excavations carried out by Giovanni Gozzadini in 1853 and by Antonio Zannoni in 1869. By studying these precious artifacts with villanoviana and felisinea origins (both ancient civilizations from this area) it is possible to learn more about the phases of cultural evolution in Bologna from its origins right up to the Etruscan period, a period in which the city acquired the name of Felsina. The Museum contains a lot of lapidary monuments, grave goods, Greek and Roman amphorae, ceramics, and votive bronzes. The most important exhibits include an Etruscan bronze truncated cone shaped urn, and a unique example of an ivory stool dating back to the 5th century B.C. An important section of the Museum is dedicated to a precious Egyptian collection, the second biggest in Italy, which contains sarcophagi, mummies, bronzes, ushebti (small funerary statues), beautiful statues in black granite, and precious jewels. The architecture of the interior courtyard is very beautiful and worth taking a look at, the cloisters and the Santa Maria della Morte Church face onto this courtyard. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: 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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The palace of the 'Corporazione dei Drapieri' |
Piazza di Porta Ravegnana Bologna 40125 Italy |
Also known as the Palazzo degli Strozzaroli, this crennellated building opposite Bologna's two towers, was built in 1486 by Giovanni Piccinini by the 'Corporazioni dei Drappieri'. The façade is decorated with beautiful mullioned windows and a balcony, which was added in 1620 and is dominated by a niche where there a statue of the Madonna stands, protecting the Corporation. Story has it that in Bologna, it was customary to have a light as a sign of devotion and as protection against adverse weather conditions; this light was close to the sacred images and statues of the virgin. Even today on the old streets you will find small altars dedicated to the Madonna decorated with fresh flowers and candles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Methodist Church |
Via Giacomo Venezian 1 Bologna 40123 Italy +39 51 23 9227 |
There is a religious service at 11a on Sundays. Sunday school takes place every other Sunday (1-2-5) at 10:45a. The church also has interdenominational bible readings which take place at 8:30p every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: wcities |
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Fantuzzi building with its impressive facade by Formigine |
Via San Vitale 23 Bologna 40125 Italy |
This majestic palazzo was built for the Fantuzzi family. They needed to have the entire portico knocked down in order to have it built. The building's magnificent façade is made up of ashlar work and there are strong contrasts between the light and dark areas due to the patterns of stone slabs. These were organised by Formigine to give the building depth and perspective. Inside, there is a beautiful Baroque staircase which was built for the Canali in 1680. There are also some wonderful statues which were sculpted by Gabriello Brunelli and which are based on scenes from the myths of Atlanta. Review © 2007, 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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Spectacular baroque flight of stairs |
Strada Maggiore 22 Bologna 40125 Italy |
Palazzo Garagnani was built in the 16th century and was probably designed by Andrea Marchesi, also known as Il Formigine, an architect and engraver from Modena who mainly worked in Bologna. The palazzo contains a spectacular baroque staircase, which dates back to 1750 and was designed by Giovanni Carlo Bibiena. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
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 The Glossatori tombs |
Piazza San Domenico e Piazza Malpighi Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124 Italy |
Bolognese lawyers, to whom the foundation of the Alma Mater Studiorum is owed, were called Glossatori, because they used to add glosses, notes and postscripts to the legal texts and manuscripts from which they completed their studies. In their honour, while memory retains the vestiges of their actions as regards legal texts, the city keeps their remains inside an important funeral monument still visible today from the Piazza San Domenico, as well as in Piazza Malpighi, in the shadow of St. Francis' Basilica. These are monumental arches covered with shrines, supported by columns decorated with enamelled tiles, within which are the coffins of hundreds of famous scholars from the Studium. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: 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 |
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Multimedia Jewish museum |
Via Valdonica 1/5 Bologna 40126 Italy +39 51 291 1280 http://www.museoebraicobo.it |
The very modern Jewish Museum in Bologna is housed in the Palazzo Pannolini in the heart of Bologna's old Jewish quarter. A fascinating journey through the narrow streets and alleys of the ghetto will introduce you to an even more interesting itinerary: 500 sq m of exhibitions devoted to the history of the Jewish population. The museum is divided into three sections: the first features historical events and the problem of Jewish identity, the second is dedicated to temporary activities and in the third there is a delightful center for data transmission. There is also a specialized library where meetings, debates, and initiatives involving young people are also held here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Frescoes by Carracci |
Via Zamboni 20 Bologna 40126 Italy |
The Palazzo was built by the architect Domenico Tibaldi in 1577. Nowadays it contains the headquarters of a company called Credito Romagnolo. There are beautiful frescoes inside by Luca Giordano, Giuseppe Maria Crespi, Alessandro Tiarini, Ludovico Carracci and Alessandro Magnasco. It is also worth taking a look at the wonderful frieze which was completed Carracci between 1590 and 1592. The frieze narrates the history of the beginning of Rome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A Palazzo with a statue of Hercules |
Via Zamboni 22 Bologna 40126 Italy |
This 16th century palazzo is attributed to Formigine due to its characteristic carved stone facade. There is a pretty courtyard made up of two open air galleries with a powerful statue of Hercules which was sculpted by Giuseppe Mazza. The upstairs rooms were frescoed by Antonio Rossi, Paolazzi, Bigari and Carlo Lodi. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The gargoyle that spouted wine |
Via Zamboni 14-16 Bologna 40126 Italy |
Palazzo Manzoli-Malvasia was built in 1760 over the remains of a 13th century house with the façade designed by Francesco Tadolini. The vault that leads to Via del Carro - the entrance to the Ghetto - is on the left side of the building. The gargoyle above the vault was sometimes used to spout wine for guests at the sumptuous parties given by the Malvasia family while food was thrown from the balconies. Drawings made during the period show a crowd waiting with containers to collect the wine and nets for the food. The interiors are decorated with frescoes by Gandolfi and Minozzi. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dotti Palace. |
Via d'Azeglio 48 Bologna 40017 Italy |
This impressive stately home can be found directly opposite the magnificent Palazzo Sanuti Bevilacqua. It was redecorated by the Dotti family in 1735. They added sandstone ashlar-work to the façade and gave it a wonderful iron balcony. The entrance is made from carved stone. 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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Imposing cathedral built over the site of a Romanesque cathedral |
Via Indipendenza 7 Bologna 40121 Italy +39 51 22 2112 |
This was built over the site of a Romanesque cathedral, destroyed by fire in 1141. The architect Domenico Tibaldi designed the presbytery in 1575 and restored the Romanesque crypt, which can still be visited today. It was redesigned at the beginning of the 17th Century by Ambrosini and Donati, and the 60 m wide vault was also built during this period. This building's special features are contained in the two concentric belltowers - in the 13th Century the oldest Romanesque style belltower was enclosed by a taller belltower. The interior is extraordinarily large and is made up of a nave with adjoining side chapels. There are two red marble holy water containers, decorated with lions, which belonged to the original Romanesque-Gothic basilica. The building includes paintings by Creti, Fontana, Carracci, and Tiarini. In the first chapel on the right there is a Pietà made up of eight terracotta statues by Alfonso Lombardi. The crypt was renovated in 1965 and is decorated with two cedar wood statues dating back to the 13th Century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The most important Morandi collection |
Piazza Maggiore 6 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121 Italy +39 51 20 3332 http://www.museomorandi.it/ |
In the hall of the Palazzo d'Acursio, the Museo Morandi is the most important collection of works of the Bolognese maestro Giorgio Morandi (1890-1964). This came into being thanks to the donations that the famous painter's sister made to the council and was opened in 1993, putting over 200 works on show placed side by side with a rich collection of volumes and numerous works of art belonging to Morandi himself. Inside the museum there is even a reconstruction of the studio in which the artist worked. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Twenty magnificent rooms |
Piazza Maggiore 6 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121 Italy +39 51 20 3526 |
Within the Accursio palace, the seat of the City's Administration, reached via the charming Piazza Maggiore, you can visit the twenty magnificent rooms which currently hold the city's prestigious art collection. These sumptuous rooms, adorned with decoration and frescoes painted between the sixteenth and the nineteenth centuries, constituted, until 1859, the main seat of pontifical justice in Bolgna. The collection of works exhibited, which has been on show since 1935, was built up through private purchases and conspicuous donations to the community of Bologna by several wealthy families: the Palagi, Baruzzi, Pepoli, Verzaglia and Pizzardi families. The collection are worth visiting since they include several master works by famous Bolognese artists, such as Simone dei Crocifissi, Jacopo di Paolo, Vitale da Bologna, Francesco Francia, Bartolomeo Passerotti, Jacopo Tintoretto, Ludovico Carracci, Giuseppe Maria Crespi, Gaetano Gandolfi, Angelo Michele Colonna. 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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The 17th century Bolognese school of art |
Via Castiglione 7 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124 Italy |
The museum is a separate section of the Pinacoteca Nazionale housed in the Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande in the lovely Via Castiglione. You can admire a collection of works by the 17th century Bolognese school, frescoes by Giuseppe Maria Crespi, Canuti and Creti, and a collection of drawings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of the most important music libraries in Europe |
Piazza Rossini 2 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy +39 51 22 1117 http://www.comune.bologna.it/c... |
Music has always played a fundamental role in the city of Bologna. The Conservatory and Music Library were made famous by some illustrious masters of the European musical tradition, for example, in 1770, the young Mozart took the entrance exam for Bologna's Philharmonic Orchestra in the Conservatory. The Library contains some musical scripts signed by Rossini, and Donizetti, etc, such as the "Barber of Seville", and some rare musical prints from the 16th and 17th centuries. Portraits of famous musicians are hung on the walls, these include two magnificent canvases by G. M. Crespi which depict a library which is painted so well that it actually seems real. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The Notary guild |
Via de' Pignattari Bologna 40124 Italy +39 51 20 3401 |
This is the old site of the Notary guild. It was built at the end of the 13th century. It is no accident that it is alongside the Basilisa di San Petronio; indeed, the building´s position shows just how powerful the Bolognese lawyers' guild was at one time. The building was enlarged using plans based on designs by Antonio di Vincenzo and Bartolomeo Fioravanti. The top of the building has been given a battlement effect and there are six mullioned windows which break up the main facade. These were also probably designed by Antonio di Vincenzo who was the architect of the Basilica di San Petronio. Recent restoration work has brought to light some fabulous frescoes inside the building. The most substantial building alterations in recent years were made in 1908 by Alfonso Rubbiani. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Façade decorated with relief sculptures |
Via Val d'Aposa Bologna 40123 Italy |
Walking down the narrow streets in the city centre between Piazza Maggiore and Via Barberia, you will come across this unusual building in Via Val d'Aposa: the Oratorio Santo Spirito. It was built at the end of the 15th century. It is exceedingly small and the façade is completely covered with relief sculptures and terracotta figures. Excavations under the building uncovered the remains of an ancient Roman arch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Designed by Antonio Morandi, also known as the Terribilia |
Via San Vitale 28-30 Bologna 40125 Italy |
The Palazzo Orsi was constructed halfway through the 16th century, and was designed by Antonio Morandi, also known as Terribilia. The building's exterior demonstrates the predomination of horizontal forms over vertical lines, and a very complicated decorative system. A large terracotta statue representing Hercules (1775) stands in the courtyard. Many of the rooms are decorated with frescoes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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Frescoes by Giuseppe Maria Crespi |
Via Castiglione 7 Bologna 40124 Italy |
Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande was built in the 17th century by two famous architects: G.B. Albertoni and G.A. Torri (who also designed the Palazzo Isolani and one of the university buildings). The interiors of the palazzo are decorated with early frescoes by Giuseppe Maria Crespi, also known as Lo Spagnolo and by other 17th and 18th century artists of the Bolognese school. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Built for Taddeo Pepoli, Lord of Bologna |
Via Castiglione 4-6-8-10 Bologna 40124 Italy |
The Palazzo Pepoli Vecchio was really a series of buildings. Those at numbers 4 and 6 were built for Taddeo Pepoli, Lord of Bologna, in 1344. The ancient Pepoli residence contained around 200 rooms, and the ring nut on the rounded arch portal of number six recalls to mind the family crest. The buildings at numbers 8 and 10 are 18th century, and were built for Count Gero Pepoli. Restoration work took place in 1925 and again in 1939. This work restored the original architecture to Palazzo Pepoli Vecchio which displayed characteristic 14th century mullioned windows.Call for Updated Hours. Review © 2007, 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 |
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Tourist information in Piazza Maggiore |
Piazza Maggiore 6 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124 Italy +39 (0)51 23 9660 / +39 (0)51 25 1947 / +39 (0)51 647 2113 http://urp.comune.bologna.it/W... |
This tourist information office is located inside the Palazzo Comunale, and offers an excellent service in the promotion of everything to do with Bologna and the surrounding area. It has leaflets and pamphlets regarding all the many local initiatives. It offers information on public transport, restaurants, hotels, and events. The office also holds information on guided tours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kristin |
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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 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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Church behind the two towers |
Strada Maggiore 4 Bologna 40125 Italy |
At the Piazza di Porta Raveganana, dominated by the two famous towers, at the beginning of Strada Maggiore, you come across this church. It is erected on the site of the former priory of which now only a sandstone portal, sculpted by Andrea da Formigine, remains. Three naves separate the interior decorated by famous works: Madonna with child by Guido Reni, Visions of San Gaetano by Angelo Michele Colonna, Christ's Nativity by A Burrini and M. Chiarini. The cupola has beautiful frescoes, by Antonio Rolli, dating from the 17th century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nadia Raimondi |
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Religious reliquaries and sacred vestments |
Piazza San Domenico 13 Bologna 40124 Italy +39 51 640 0411 |
The fourteenth century Church of San Domenico, which looks the way it does today due to the work of C. F. Dotti in the 18th century, contains many magnificent works of art and also a museum. The museum contains a terracotta bust of San Domenico by Niccolò dell'Arca, dating back to 1474, a Madonna with Child by Lippo di Dalmasio, some notable frescoes by Ludovico Carracci, the remains of a Pietà in terracotta by Baccio da Montelupo, reliquaries, vestments, and a canopy with the insignia of the Bolognese Compagnie delle Arti (Arts Associations). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bruce Nelson |
 Photo: Jon Winstanley |
 Photo: Eloise Rapp |
 Photo: Jessica Spiegel |
 Photo: Gabriele Cardu |
 Photo: Reinis Priednieks |
 Photo: Rob Sansom |
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 Photo: geoffnag |
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Beautiful Church with Romanesque facade |
Piazza Rossini Bologna 40126 Italy +39 51 22 5970 |
This church was built by the Augustine Fathers in 1267. In the 15th century the Bentivoglio chapel was added, and was probably designed by Pago di Lapo Portigiani. The church's façade is monocuspidate, and has a Romanesque portal decorated with carved lions which is crowned by a niche containing a statue of Saint Giacomo. To the sides of the entrance you can see four mortuary niches. There is a beautiful renaissance style portico which runs along the lefthand side of the church. The portico was built in 1477 on the request of Giovanni Bentivoglio. Even Goethe became speechless when he saw this magnificent place of worship . Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mauro mattarelli |
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Church filled with lots of valuable works of art |
Piazza Celestini 2/a Bologna 40123 Italy |
San Giovanni Battista dei Celestini was built for the Celestine monks following the wish of Sir Antonio Galluzzi. Once the monks had settled in, they repeatedly had the building rearranged. They first assigned the building work to the 'Triachino' and then to Tommaso Marelli. In 1770, the task of designing the prospect of the church and monastery was given to Tadolini. The interior is in the shape of a cross with a nave and vaults, and was greatly enhanced during the 17th and 18th centuries with some works of art by important artists of the period. One of the most important paintings is Noli Me Tangere by Lucio Massari (on the first altar on the right). The sculptures around the altar are by Mazza, and the frescoes on the vault are by Burrini. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Holy works of art in a magnificent church |
Piazza San Giovanni in Monte 3 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124 Italy +39 51 263894 |
Construction of the church of San Giovanni in Monte began in the 13th century and was completed in the 16th. It contains many works of art, splendid windows and a small museum of holy works of art that have been collected over its centuries of history. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: babas63 |
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Church built over the ancient Ghisilieri houses |
Via Monte Grappa 15 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121 Italy |
This church was designed by Andrea da Valle and building began on it at the beginning of 1532. The church was damaged by an earthquake, and the facade and the vault were rebuilt by Angelo Venturoli. The façade is very linear and sobre. The coat of arms above the portal belongs to the Ghisilieri family who owned the houses where the church was built. This church's most unusual feature is to be seen in its belltower which was built in the 16th century from the 13th century tower from the houses of the aforementioned family. The nave in the church contains many valuable works of art by Carracci, as well as the funeral monument of the anatomist, Marcello Malpighi. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church decorated with beautiful frescoes |
Via Carbonesi 18 Bologna 40123 Italy +39 51 33 1490 |
Designed by Father Barnabita Ambrogio Mazenta from Milan, it was finished at the beginning of the 1600's. Small insets in the façade contain four statues. The first was sculpted by Ecole Fiche who designed the church's interior. The others below were designed by G C Conventi and D Mirandola. Inside, with a single nave is the magnificent vault, embellished with lovely frescoes by A Rollo and A Guidi. Angelo Michele Colonna, il Guercin, Ludovico Carracci, il Mastelletta, Lippo di Dalmasio ar some of the other artists involved in the decoration of this holy religious place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church with 11th century Gothic facade |
Via d'Azeglio 52 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40017 Italy +39 51 33 1223 |
San Procolo dates back to the 11th century and was one of the first seats of the Benedictines. It was built over the tomb of San Procolo and became a meeting place for student associations. The façade is Gothic, and is enhanced by a beautiful portal which used to contain a fresco by Lippo Dalmasio in the lunette above it. This fresco is now inside the church, in the fourth chapel on the left. There are two memorial stones on the left hand side of the façade. The epigraph on the smaller of the stones cites a Latin tongue-twister which describes a curious little anecdote, while the other is dedicated to two Doctors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church where martyrdom of Saint Vitale and Saint Agricola took place |
Via San Vitale 50 Bologna 40125 Italy |
It seems that this small but beautiful church of Romanesque origins was built over the remains of a Roman amphitheatre where the martyrdom of Saint Vitale and Saint Agricola took place in the 4th century. The church has a 13th century belltower. It was rebuilt at the beggining of the 19th century. Inside the church there are works of art by Formigine F. Fancia, Angelo Piò, and Tiariani. It is possible to visit the ancient protomartyrs crypt which dates back to the 11th century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A treasure trove of renaissance art. |
Via Zamboni 15 Bologna 40126 Italy |
The beautiful portico of San Giacomo Maggiore can be found on a stretch of Via Zamboni between Piazza Rossini and Piazza Verdi. You can enter the magnificent Santa Cecilia oratory which has been dubbed the "Sistine Chapel" of Bologna. The small Santa Cecilia church dates back to the thirteenth century and it was taken over by the Agostinian Order in 1323. In 1505, Giovanni II Bentivoglio, a wealthy man from Bologna, instructed all the major producers of renaissance art to help with the decoration of this small sanctuary. After some lengthy restoration, this historical treasure trove has finally been opened to the public, giving you the chance to see this valuable dedication to Santa Cecilia. The ten frescoes were painted by the Bolognese Art school between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries with work by artists like Lorenzo Costa, Francesco Francia, Amico Aspertini and Cesare Tamaroccio. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jenny Audring |
 Photo: pollobarca2 |
 Photo: Bob Miller |
 Photo: *lutherblissett* |
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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 |
 Photo: wcities |
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Church containing a sculptural group by Niccolò dell'Arca |
Via Clavature 10 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124 Italy +39 51 23 6245 |
This church was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century by Bergonzoni. The church has a large dome which was built by Tubertini in 1787. This dome can be seen rising above the red roofs of Bologna's houses. It was built by the "Compagnia dei Battuti" to house the needy and sick. The Baroque interior is very sober. There is a beautiful sculptural group called Christ and the Imploring Marys in the chapel to the right of the altar. The group is made up of seven life size terracotta statues by Niccolò dell'Arca, and dates back to the 15th century. In the oratory which is annexed to the building and which was designed by Floriano Ambrosini, you can see another fourteen terracotta statues by Alfonso Lombardi (1522). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jenn Myers |
 Photo: Jenny Audring |
 Photo: Rhoneil Victor de Leon |
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A collection of frescoes |
Via Santo stefano 24 Bologna 40125 Italy +39 51 22 3256 |
The Complesso Basilicale Stefaniano, the oldest and most attractive of the city's religious sites, also houses a museum containing artefacts from the period 1300-1800, which were obtained from restoration works carried out in the chapel on the same complex. The lovely works include polyptychs, tryptychs and canvasses by Jacopo di Paolo, Lippo di Dalmasio, Simone dei Crocifissi, Alessandro Tiarini etc. The small museum, divided into two rooms, Cappella della Benda and the old Sala Capitolare has also put on display the beautiful reliquaries of S.Floriano from the 1300s and S.Petronio built by Jacop Rosetto in 1380. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nicole Arsenault |
 Photo: Tiffany Kenyon |
 Photo: Xavier Vagedes |
 Photo: farinihouseoflove |
 Photo: Julia Boyle |
 Photo: Paul C. Nendick |
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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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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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The history of university students since the Middle Ages |
Via Castiglione 36 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124 Italy +39 51 25 9020 |
The Student Museum has objects, books, photos and newspapers from all over Europe that document the history of university students since the Middle Ages. There is also an archive and a library. If you visit it, do not miss the lovely hall of Santa Lucia. 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 |
 Photo: tony camaiani |
 Photo: Mark Brennan |
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