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Home > Travel to Italy > Emilia Romagna > Bologna
Bologna ::.
 Travel and Tourism Information
BOLOGNA
Also called 'la Dotta', as this town hosts Europe’s oldest university. It’s an enchanting town, full of arcades which flank many of the streets. The Two Towers / Le Due Torri are among Bologna's most recognisable landmarks, and have become a symbol of the city. In the 12th century, the noble families of Bologna raised over 100 towers across the city. The most famous are the Torre degli Asinelli (98 meters,which can be climbed and offers a spectacular and panoramic view of the red-tile roofs of Bologna) and the Torre della Garisenda (48 meters)
The Basilica di S.Petronio is a vast church, named after the city's patron saint and founded in 1390. The central doorway, of 1425, is a masterpiece of the sculptor Jacopo della Quercia. The chapels in the inside host frescoes by Giovanni da Modena and Jacopo di Paolo. The Basilica di S.Stefano actually consists of four churches: the main basilica, the Vth century SS.Vitale e Agricola, the Chiesa del Sepolcro and the Romanesque Chiesa del Crocefisso. There also are interesting crypts and catacombs to visit in this complex.
On the Piazza del Nettuno stands the enormous bronze fountain, Fontana del Nettuno. Built in 1566 by a Flemish sculptor, later on nicknamed 'Giambologna'. On top of the fountain stands a massive figure of Neptune attended by angels and sirens. The Palazzo Comunale has a wide staircase designed by Bramante; the town hall hosts a collection of Medieval and Renaissance paintings and sculptures. It actually incorporated three buildings; Palazzo delle Biade, Palazzo del Senato and Palazzo del Cardinale Legato.
Piazza Maggiore is the very heart of Bologna, lined with Medieval and Renaissance buildings and monuments, like S.Petronio or the Palazzo Comunale. The Archiginnasio is the first seat of the university of Bologna, built in 1563; you may visit the Aula Magna of the Artists, of the Legists and the Teatro Anatomico. Have a walk down the Via Zamboni (lined with portico, important buildings and churches) and you'll get to the University Quarter full of bars and cafes. Close by there is the Oratorio di S.Cecilia with its frescoed ceiling and the Pinacoteca Nazionale, one of Italy's major art galleries.
Other interesting sights: Piazza and Palazzo della Mercanzia, once called "il Carrobbio"; S.Maria dei Servi; S.Giacomo Maggiore, S.Francesco.On the Guardia hill, visit the sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. The interior houses a Byzantine icon which tradition attributes to be work of St.Luke.
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Bologna
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