Things to do in Bologna

1. Piazza Maggiore - Bologna

If you are planning to visit Italy, you should add Piazza Maggiore to your list of must visit places. It is located in Bologna and is situated in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The architecture of the place reflects the work that was done in the 15th century. Towards the northwest of the northwest of the place lies the Piazza del Nettuno with the Fontana del Nettuno, whereas towards the northeast of the area there is the Piazza Re Enzo that joins with the Palace of Podestà. The best part about Italy is that you can easily walk from one place to another. Some of the things to do in Piazza Maggiore is to explore the entire square at it is surrounded by beautiful administrative buildings with an amazing architecture that will help you in learning about the history of Bologna. These buildings include Palazzo d'Accursio towards the west, which was a city hall and has now been turned into a museum, and the Palazzo dei Notai towards the southwest that was a former notaries' guild. Some of the other things to do in Piazza Maggiore include paying a visit to the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo dei Banchi, and the Palazzo del Podestà. Make sure you visit the place.

2. Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca - Bologna

Italy is country that has beautiful architecture and historic landmarks every few kilometers. If you are planning a visit to this beautiful country, add the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca in Bologna do your list of must visit places. It is a beautiful Bascilla Church that is located in Bologna that lies towards the north of the country. The sanctuary is located on top on a hill and is 300 meters above the plains of the city. The things to do in Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, Bologna include observing the beautiful architecture and learning the history of the place. According to the locals, the church has existed for thousands of years and it is said that back in the 12th century, a pilgrim entered the area and he was from the Byzantine Empire. This man had the icon of the Virgin from the temple of Saint Sofia in Constantinople. The current structure of the church was made in 1723 and Carlo Francesco Dotti’s designs were used. A few decades ago a cabel car used to function in the area but it was closed down in 1976. Some of the other things to do in Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, Bologna include exploring the interior of the building.

3. San Petronio Basilica - Bologna

If you are planning to visit Italy, make sure you go to the San Petronio Basilica. It has the privilege of being the main church of Bologna that is located in Emilia Romagna, which towards the North of Italy. You should know that it is the 15th largest church in Italy, so it will take you a little time to explore the architecture and the interior design of the building that is 66 meters wide and 132 meters long. It is the largest Gothic church in the world that has been built with bricks. The things to do in San Petronio Basilica include studying the building and learning about its history. The church was dedicated to the Saint Petronius, who existed in the 5th century. The first stone of the building was laid down back in 1390 and the work was finally completed in 1479. Some of the other things to do in San Petronio Basilica include exploring the interior of the building. Have a look at the rectangular bas-relief panels that were inspired by the Renaissance period. Other than this, have a look at the beautiful chapels that include Chapel of St. Petronio, Chapel of St. Ivo, and the Chapel of the Magi.

4. Santo Stefano - Bologna

It won’t be wrong to say that Italy is the country of churches, ancient architecture, and breath taking Basilicas. This is one of the main reasons why the country receives thousands of tourists every year. If you are planning to visit the country, add the Santo Stefano to your list of must visit places. It is located in the city of Bologna, in the Piazza Santo Stefano and is surrounded by a number of different religious edifices. You should know that the locals refer to the place as the Santa Gerusalemm (Holy Jerusalem") and the Sette Chiese (Seven Churches). The things to do in Santo Stefano, Bologna include paying a visit to the different parts of the complex that include Chapel of the Bandage, Church of Saint John the Baptist or of the Holy Crucifix, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Church of the Trinity or of the Martyrium, Church of the Saints Vitale and Agricola, and the Courtyard of Pilate. A lot of tourists are mesmerized by the Basilica’s architecture. Some of the other things to do in Santo Stefano, Bologna include exploring the courtyard as it recalls when Jesus was condemned and goes to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

5. Towers of Bologna - Bologna

The Towers are Bologna is an important landmark in Bologna, so make sure that you visit the place when in the city. The towers were constructed back in the 12th century at the time when the city has more than 180 towers. It is said that the towers were constructed by the rich families of that time, in order to protect themselves during the Investiture Controversy. You would see that the structure also includes fortified gateways that used to be a part of the city wall. The things to do in Towers of Bologna include learning about the history and exploring the architecture of the building. Out of all the towers that used to exist, only twenty exist currently and include Azzoguidi Tower, Galluzzi Tower, Guidozagni Tower, Prendiparte Tower, Scappi Tower, Uguzzoni Tower, and the Two Towers: Garisenda Tower and the Asinelli Tower. The Asinelli tower is taller and rises to a height of 97.2 meters. The tower was used for experiments by scientists and during the Second World War it served as a sight post. The Garisenda Tower is 48 m and slightly leans. Now that you know the things to do in Towers of Bologna, make you explore the two towers.