What to do in Bologna in one day

Bologna is the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy. The population of the metropolitan area of Bologna is approximately one million people. Bologna is a city with thousands of years of history. It is famous for its towers, churches and long beaches, whilst also boasting a very well-preserved historical centre.

The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in the world, which is why the city has a large student population. Last but equally important is Bologna's delicious food.

If you are planning a trip to this amazing city, keep in mind that a large part of the old town has restricted access from specific points which are monitored by cameras.

If you plan to rent a car for your travels in Bologna, carefully check the access zones to avoid problems, or you can simply avoid driving in the city centre.

A wonderful way to start your exploration of the city is Piazza Maggiore. There are many things to see around the square. One thing everyone notices, however, is the unfinished façade of the Basilica of San Petronio.

 

The Basilica of San Petronio

San Petronio is one of the largest churches in Europe: it is 132 metres long, 60 metres wide and 45 metres high. The basilica can accommodate approximately 28,000 worshippers. Its construction began in the late 14th century. The work continued for many years but was never completed.

The Basilica of San Petronio houses the world's longest indoor meridian line, almost 67 metres long. It was designed in the mid-17th century by an astronomy professor at the University of Bologna, Gian Domenico Cassini.

 

Bologna Tourist Information Centre

At the Tourist Information Centre, you can get information about the city's events, book tickets for tours, and also purchase tickets to enter the Asinelli Tower. Tickets are not sold outside the tower, and if you haven't booked them in advance on the website https://www.duetorribologna.com/, you won't be able to enter.

Address: Piazza Maggiore

 

The Clock Tower or Torre Accursi

The tower's owner was Accursio, a young man who had moved from Florence to Bologna to study law in the 13th century. He decided to build his own house and include a school within it. The school's door faces the square and a corner tower. After his death, the building was purchased by the Municipality of Bologna. A large clock was added to the tower in 1444.

 

Near Piazza Maggiore, you'll also find Piazza del Nettuno. There you will find:

The Sculpture of Neptune

The very impressive, 3.2-metre-high bronze statue of the god Neptune has stood in Piazza del Nettuno for approximately the last 5 centuries. The statue is surrounded by four figures representing the rivers Nile, Amazon, Danube, and Ganges. Neptune holds his hand in a gesture as if calming the waters, a symbol of power. This statue has been the protector of Bologna for centuries.

Neptune's trident in this sculpture inspired the creation of the famous emblem of the luxury car company Maserati, headquartered in Bologna.

 

Salaborsa Library

The Salaborsa Library is the central public library funded by the municipality of Bologna. Opened in 2001, it offers a fascinating cultural space within the Palazzo d'Accursio, Bologna's government seat.

Salaborsa has visible elements recalling its history and is characterised by an amazing glass floor. Access to the library is free, as is borrowing books. It also has an excellent Wi-Fi network which you can also connect to for free. Even if you're not interested in borrowing a book, the library is a very beautiful place to visit and enjoy its interior.

 

Before continuing your tour of Bologna, stop for some amazing ice cream:

Oggi Gelato Shop

Who could say no to the most delicious Italian ice cream? Oggi Gelato offers exactly that! Their philosophy is based on complete transparency, and as such, their premises offer a visual experience, not just for taste. You can see, hear, smell, touch, and finally taste wonderful ice cream!

Address: Via Ugo Bassi, 25

 

The Towers of Bologna

The two towers, Bologna's traditional symbol today, stand right in the middle of Porta Ravegnana square.

The Asinelli Tower was built in the early 12th century by the Asinelli family. It is 97 metres high and has an internal staircase with 498 steps. You must climb these steps to see the city view from this height!

As mentioned above, you must purchase your tickets online or from the Bologna Tourist Office in Piazza Maggiore. After the towers, you can see the entire city from the top of Colle Della Guardia hill with the Basilica of San Luca a few kilometres away.

The other tower, Garisenda Tower, was originally about the same height as the Asinelli, but today it is much smaller due to subsidence. The Garisenda tower developed a steep lean which, from the 14th century to today, has reduced its height to 48 metres.

 

After visiting the towers, it's time for lunch. Choose one of the restaurants in the area and then head back to the city centre.

 

Via Zamboni

As we mentioned above, the city is home to the oldest university in the Western world, founded in 1088. The various faculties of the University of Bologna are located along Via Zamboni. Via Zamboni was named after Luigi Zamboni, an 18th-century Italian patriot, student at the University of Bologna, and founder of the Italian tricolour flag.

 

Bentivoglio Chapel

It is located within the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore, a large 13th-century church. The interior is filled with works of art, including a painting by Ludovico Carracci, the wooden crucifixes by Jacopo di Paolo, and various paintings decorating the chapels and the homes of prominent families.

 

Oratory of Santa Cecilia

This is a small church next to the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore, built in the 13th century. Its frescoes depict the life of Cecilia and are one of the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in Bologna. It is adorned with frescoes by local painters from the late 15th and early 16th centuries: Francesco Raibolini, Lorenzo Costa, and Amico Aspertini. Only recently has the church been opened to the public, with restoration work completed and special lighting installed for the frescoes.

 

The Oldest University in the World

The Bologna Studium, as the university was called in ancient times, hosted thousands of students, including significant intellectuals of all eras: Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Erasmus of Rotterdam, Niccolò Copernicus, Torquato Tasso, and Carlo Goldoni, to name but a few.

Along Via Zamboni, there is also Rossini Square, home to the conservatory of music named after Father Giovanni Battista Martini, an 18th-century musician, who tutored Mozart at a young age during the known musician's stay in Bologna.

Flights to Italy and Bologna

Bologna is easily and quickly accessible by air, as it has an airport.

You can find flights from both Athens and Thessaloniki. Usually, Ryanair operates flights from Thessaloniki all year round.

Flights are quite affordable, especially outside of high season – you might find tickets for as little as 80€ return.

If you cannot find a direct flight connection to Bologna in winter, you can book flights to Italy to another nearby airport and then travel by road to Bologna.

In recent years, direct flights to Bologna have been operated by both Eurowings from Thessaloniki and Easyjet – you can search for flights and see the routes and prices of each company through our website!