Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?continue anyway

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

PC

MAC Bologna - From the Piazza Maggiore
Download the Schmap Bologna Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:
Bologna Home
Schmap Bologna guide and map

This tour begins at Piazza Maggiore, which until 1200 was the focal point of the city's religious and political life.

Amidst the majestic Medieval palaces on the Piazza stands the unfinished Basilica di San Petronio. Dedicated to the patron saint of the city, it was designed by Antonio di Vincenzo and construction work began on it in 1390. Ironically, its unfinished façade makes it unique. Its marble base is a true masterpiece of pre-Renaissance sculpture. The columns on the main portal and the statues of Saint Petronio and the Madonna and Child on the lunette were done by Jacopo della Quercia, while the smaller doors were created by Amico Aspertini, Alfonso Lombardi and Giacomo Silla amongst others.

The interior of the basilica is extremely light and spacious. It is dominated by the pink tones of its brick pilasters. The basilica's twenty two chapels contain a considerable artistic heritage.

In front of the basilica, you will see the meridian line drawn by Gian Domenico Cassini in 1655. You will also see the Palazzo del Podestà which was built in 1485 from a design by Aristotele Fieravanti.

To the west of the piazza is the Palazzo Comunale or Palazzo D'Accursio which is used by the civic administration. Construction work began in 1287 and it was built on the site of the D'Accursio houses. Its façade is adorned with a beautiful sandstone portal (created by Galeazzo Alessi in 1550) and a terracotta Madonna scultped by Niccolò dell'Arca in 1478. The bronze statue of Pope Gregorio XIII Boncompagni on the portal was created by Alessandro Menganti in 1576.

The roof of the Palazzo Communale is embellished with Guelph and Ghibelline battlements. Inside, are the sumptuous rooms of the Papal Legate's former appartments. These contain the precious Civic Art Collection . The Museo Morandi is also housed inside this palace.

Also on the piazza are the Palazzo dei Banchi, the Palazzo dei Notai, the legendary Palazzo Re Enzo and the famous Neptune's Fountain, which was designed by Giambologna and Tommaso Laureti in 1563.

To the east of the basilica, along the right hand side is the Portico del Pavaglione, beneath which you will see the ancient Ospedale della Morte, which today houses the Archaeological Museum and the Archiginnasio, which is famous for the seven thousand heraldic coats of arms which have been painted on its interior walls.

Beside Palazzo dei Banchi lies the tangled street network of the mercato di mezzo, where the streets have all retained the names of the ancient Corporations of the Arts.

If you leave Piazza Maggiore and cross Via Rizzoli via Via Oberdan, you will reach the Jewish Ghetto where the new Jewish Museum was opened in 1999.

If you walk away from the Ghetto down Via Rizzoli, you will be able to admire the beauty of the historic Due Torri di Bologna (Two Towers). The highest, which is known as Torre degli Asinelli - measures 97m while the Torre pendente della Garisenda is no higher than 48.16m.

Head towards the famous Piazza Santo Stefano, with a short stop to take in the Palazzo della Mercanzia. This enchanting piazza houses the legendary Complesso Basilicale Stefaniano which was founded by Petronio, the city's patron saint. This religious complex (made up of seven churches) is unique as it was built on the remains of an ancient Pagan temple dedicated to the Goddess Iside.

Turn down Via Santo Stefano, and you will be able to see the beautiful church of San Giovanni in Monte. At the bottom of Via Santo Stefano, turn onto Via Dante which will lead you to Piazza Carducci where you will see Casa di Giosuè Carducci (house of the poet Giosuè Carducci), the Museum of the Risorgimento and a monument dedicated to the poet.

Continue down the street and you will get to the church of Madonna del Baraccano which was built just behind the ancient city walls. Finally, stop off for lunch or simply an ice cream at Giardini Margherita.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

"Mercato di Mezzo" o Quadrilatero


Go shopping in the old market
Via Clavature
Bologna 40124
Italy
If you go past the Palazzo dei Banchi from Piazza Maggiore you will enter into this network of ancient streets which used to be the home of the city's craftsmen. The streets still have many of their original names such as Via Clavature to remember the blacksmiths, Via Caprarie for the sheep butchers, and Via Drapperie for the upholsterers. When you visit these streets which were of Roman origin, and now contain a market, it is almost like reliving an ancient time which is evoked by the noise of the shoppers who crowd around the fish, fruit, and meat stalls, just as they would have done so long ago in Bologna's city center.

Review © 2007, Wcities
'Mercato di Mezzo' o Quadrilatero photo by Simona Tonna
Photo: Simona Tonna
'Mercato di Mezzo' o Quadrilatero photo by Alessandro Candeli
Photo: Alessandro Candeli
'Mercato di Mezzo' o Quadrilatero photo by Serena Focardi
Photo: Serena Focardi
 

 
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
 

 
Civic Museum of Archaeology


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
Civic Museum of Archaeology photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Garisenda Tower


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
Garisenda Tower photo by Francesco Cilione
Photo: Francesco Cilione
Garisenda Tower photo by Katia Dametto
Photo: Katia Dametto
Garisenda Tower photo by Bill Tyne
Photo: Bill Tyne
Garisenda Tower photo by Addictive Picasso
Photo: Addictive Picasso
Garisenda Tower photo by Zillah Dee
Photo: Zillah Dee
Garisenda Tower photo by ComùnicaTI
Photo: ComùnicaTI
Garisenda Tower photo by Aristide Guidotti
Photo: Aristide Guidotti
Garisenda Tower photo by Vicki H
Photo: Vicki H
Garisenda Tower photo by Mirko Manitta
Photo: Mirko Manitta
Garisenda Tower photo by Alessandra
Photo: Alessandra
Garisenda Tower photo by MarcelloDR
Photo: MarcelloDR
Garisenda Tower photo by Luca Pascoletti
Photo: Luca Pascoletti
Garisenda Tower photo by Fraser Pettigrew
Photo: Fraser Pettigrew
Garisenda Tower photo by Mariana Balreira
Photo: Mariana Balreira
Garisenda Tower photo by lunatictom
Photo: lunatictom
Garisenda Tower photo by M Moulsdale
Photo: M Moulsdale
Garisenda Tower photo by Peter Bloch
Photo: Peter Bloch
Garisenda Tower photo by sasha73
Photo: sasha73
Garisenda Tower photo by Bruna Maia Rocha
Photo: Bruna Maia Rocha
 

 
Ghetto Ebraico


Jewish Ghetto
Via dell'Inferno
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126
Italy
The Jews were already present in Bologna in the 12th Century, and they built this ghetto circa 1556. They were segregated in this district which had to be entered by the means of two large walls full of portals in Via Zamboni and Via Oberdan. The architectural environment in the ghetto has conserved intact the evocative nature of the narrow, labyrinthical streets such as the Via dei Giudei (the street of the Jews), Via dell'Inferno (Hell Street), and Via Valdonica, etc. There is a memorial stone on Via dell'Inferno 16 to commemorate the Synagogue, and a multimedia Jewish Museum was opened on Via Valdonica.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ghetto Ebraico photo by gianbazza
Photo: gianbazza
Ghetto Ebraico photo by Ferdinando Marfella
Photo: Ferdinando Marfella
 

 
Giosuè Carducci House


Carducci´s house.
Piazza Giosuè Carducci 5
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40125
Italy
+39 51 34 7592
Giosuè Carducci´s residence dominates the square of the same name. It is slightly set back, assuming a stately air. The building was originally a religious sanctuary. It was closed down in 1798 and became a private residence in 1801. Carducci moved there in 1890 and lived there until the end of his days. The poet's apartment was on the first floor and still contains his personal effects including some antiques, portraits, furniture and his academic robes etc. It is exactly as he left it before his death. He had a remarkable private library containing some 40,000 books as well as thousands of letters written to him by noteworthy contemporaries. There are also many original manuscripts and a large section dedicated to Carducci's own work. On the ground floor there is the city's Unification of Italy museum.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Giosuè Carducci House photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Jewish Museum


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
Jewish Museum photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Madonna del Baraccano Church


A church with a beautiful portico
Piazza del Baraccano 2
Bologna, Bologna 40124
Italy
+39 (0)51 39 2680
The story goes that where this magnificent church stands today, sheltered by the ancient city walls, a small shrine had already been erected in 1400. This was to house an image of the Virgin Mary, attributed to Lippo di Dalmasio. The decision to build the church which stands today only came in the sixteenth century. The dome was added at the end of the seventeenth century by the architect A. Barelli. A beautiful five-arched portico adorns the façade, made of an attractive terracotta worked by Alfonso Lombardi. Inside, amidst the baroque decoration, there are two statues of questionable origin: they are perhaps the work of A. Lombardi, or even of Donatello. There are also frescoes by F. del Cossa, L. Massari, P. Fontana and Lippo di Dalmasio.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Madonna del Baraccano Church photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Margherita Gardens


Attractive gardens with small lake
Viale Gozzadini
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40017
Italy
These beautiful gardens were created in 1875 by Emanuele di Sambuy. It was designed to give the Bolognese a place to relax away from all the noise of the city. Whole families still come here every Sunday for an afternoon stroll. The gardens have a small lake which reflects a chalet were you can eat during the Summer. In the evening the chalet becomes a nightclub and is packed with young people. The garden also covers an important archeological area where lots of ancient tombs have been unearthed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Margherita Gardens photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Merchants' Palace


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
Merchants' Palace photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Morandi Museum


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
Morandi Museum photo by annie berge
Photo: annie berge
Morandi Museum photo by Paul Heaston
Photo: Paul Heaston
Morandi Museum photo by Yun Lee
Photo: Yun Lee
Morandi Museum photo by Mario Pingitore
Photo: Mario Pingitore
 

 
Municipal Art Collection


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
Municipal Art Collection photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Municipal Palace


The magnificent municipal palace
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121
Italy
Building work for this magnificent Municipal Palace began in 1287 on the Western side of Piazza Maggiore. It was originally called the "Palazzo delle Biade" and became the splendid residence of the papal legate. The only remaining architectural feature of the former Accursio houses is the tower and its clock which was designed by Tadolini in 1773. The beautiful sandstone portal was sculpted by Alessi in 1550. In the large sandstone window, also built by Alessi in 1553 there are two red marble eagles from Verona with the left hand one being attributed to Michelangelo. The bronze statue on the portal, dedicated to the Bolognese Pope Gregorio XIII Boncompagni, was modeled by Menganti in 1580. Inside the 22 sumptuous rooms, former appartments of the papal legate, we today find the Municipal Art Collection. In addition, the palace also holds the most important Moriandiano Museum in existence.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Municipal Palace photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
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
 

 
Notary Palace


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
Notary Palace photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Pavaian Portico


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
Pavaian Portico photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Risorgimento Museum


Giosué Carducci's house
Piazza Giosué Carducci 5
Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40125
Italy
+39 51 34 7592
The Risorgimento Museum has been relocated to the house where Giosué Carducci lived from 1890 to 1907. Before that the building hosted the Madonna del Piombo oratorio which was abolished in 1801. On the first floor are the rooms where the poet lived, along with many personal items which belonged to him such as the 40,000 books in his library, hundreds of manuscripts, and thousands of letters addressed to him. On the ground floor you can see the documents and mementoes which tell of the things which had and effect on the historical events which took place during the Napoleonic period and the Second World War, these include diplomas from the political secret society of the Carbonari, fire arms which belonged to Murat, flags and uniforms. Admission: L.5,000

Review © 2007, Wcities
Risorgimento Museum photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Santo Stefano Palace


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
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Nicola Praderio
Photo: Nicola Praderio
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Marco Pessoa
Photo: Marco Pessoa
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Antonella
Photo: Antonella
Santo Stefano Palace photo by michele palazzo
Photo: michele palazzo
Santo Stefano Palace photo by marcolarosa1175
Photo: marcolarosa1175
Santo Stefano Palace photo by kanoa
Photo: kanoa
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Rosa Conrad
Photo: Rosa Conrad
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Mariolina Gentile
Photo: Mariolina Gentile
Santo Stefano Palace photo by bl4ckix
Photo: bl4ckix
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Sam Steddy
Photo: Sam Steddy
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Francesco Summo
Photo: Francesco Summo
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Bernardo Foresti
Photo: Bernardo Foresti
Santo Stefano Palace photo by daniele maiolo
Photo: daniele maiolo
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Antonello Palladino
Photo: Antonello Palladino
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Giovanna Sala
Photo: Giovanna Sala
Santo Stefano Palace photo by raphaelletoulousehlimi
Photo: raphaelletoulousehlimi
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Chelsea Alene Graham
Photo: Chelsea Alene Graham
Santo Stefano Palace photo by petlifesaver
Photo: petlifesaver
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Federico Fetto
Photo: Federico Fetto
Santo Stefano Palace photo by Alessandro Salvatore
Photo: Alessandro Salvatore
 

 
The "Two Towers"


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
The 'Two Towers' photo by Pablo Chiesa
Photo: Pablo Chiesa
The 'Two Towers' photo by tony camaiani
Photo: tony camaiani
The 'Two Towers' photo by Mark Brennan
Photo: Mark Brennan
The 'Two Towers' photo by Holly
Photo: Holly
The 'Two Towers' photo by Falkor the Luck Drag
Photo: Falkor the Luck Drag
The 'Two Towers' photo by Erik Bruchez
Photo: Erik Bruchez
The 'Two Towers' photo by reuben acciano
Photo: reuben acciano
The 'Two Towers' photo by Rosy Hunt
Photo: Rosy Hunt
The 'Two Towers' photo by Jorge
Photo: Jorge
The 'Two Towers' photo by dolphonia
Photo: dolphonia
The 'Two Towers' photo by Karen Ornelas
Photo: Karen Ornelas
The 'Two Towers' photo by severin LAP
Photo: severin LAP
The 'Two Towers' photo by Costas Tavernarakis
Photo: Costas Tavernarakis
The 'Two Towers' photo by Ellen Pirie
Photo: Ellen Pirie
The 'Two Towers' photo by _olivier_
Photo: _olivier_
The 'Two Towers' photo by Jussi Hynninen
Photo: Jussi Hynninen
The 'Two Towers' photo by Richard Harrod
Photo: Richard Harrod
The 'Two Towers' photo by jason guerra
Photo: jason guerra
The 'Two Towers' photo by Ben San Jose
Photo: Ben San Jose
The 'Two Towers' photo by Angelo Trivelli
Photo: Angelo Trivelli
The 'Two Towers' photo by Michelle Doyle
Photo: Michelle Doyle
The 'Two Towers' photo by Jasmin Halt
Photo: Jasmin Halt
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Bologna - From the Piazza Maggiore"
Bologna - Top Attractions
Bologna - Top Events
Bologna - Top Hotels
Bologna - Top Restaurants
Bologna - Top Nightlife
Bologna - The Strada Maggiore
Bologna - The Via Indipendenza

Other nearby cities:
Florence (94 miles)
Verona (109 miles)
Venice (127 miles)
Genoa (191 miles)
Milan (203 miles)
Trieste (231 miles)
Turin (297 miles)
Rome (304 miles)
Nice (339 miles)
Cannes (359 miles)

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.