Bologna: Historical Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide

4.8
(6 reviews)

2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Join a small-group tour to explore the rich history and cultural treasures of Bologna.
Visit the Basilica of San Petronio and admire its chapels, sculptures, and frescoes.
Learn about medieval architecture including the iconic Two Towers from outside.
Stroll through Bologna's charming streets and admire its network of porticoes.
Uncover the city's picturesque squares and beautiful buildings on a guided tour.
Visit the Inner Courtyard of Archiginnasio, showcasing Bologna’s rich academic heritage.

What's Included

Interior visit of San Petronio Basilica
Expert local guide
Interior visit of Santo Stefano
Small groups of max 8 people
2.5-hours guided tour
Please make your own way to the meeting point

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We will meet in front of the Statue of Neptune, near Bar Vittorio Emanuele. The tour guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe”.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Begin your adventure from the majestic Neptune’s Fountain, a masterpiece of Renaissance artistry that commands attention in the heart of Bologna. Marvel at the intricate details of this magnificent sculpture, depicting the Roman god of the sea, as you learn about its significance and symbolism.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    Make your way to the bustling Piazza Maggiore, the vibrant heart of Bologna's social and cultural life. Surrounded by elegant palaces and historic buildings, including the imposing Basilica of San Petronio, this expansive square offers a glimpse into the city's illustrious past.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Step inside the awe-inspiring Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world, where Gothic grandeur meets Renaissance splendor. Admire its striking architecture, magnificent artwork, and the mesmerizing Meridian Line, a testament to Bologna's scientific heritage.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Next, visit the Archiginnasio of Bologna, once the main building of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world. Explore the inner Courtyard of Archiginnasio, decorated with coats of arms, and hear about the university's role in shaping the city’s history and culture.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Continue your exploration with the iconic Two Towers (Le due Torri) – Asinelli and Garisenda, symbols of Bologna's medieval heritage. These towers were once among many in Bologna, showcasing the wealth and status of noble families. Despite the loss of many towers over time, the Two Towers remain enduring symbols of the city's rich history.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Conclude your journey at the Basilica of Santo Stefano (Seven Churches), a complex of interconnected chapels steeped in religious significance and architectural beauty. Explore its labyrinthine corridors and tranquil courtyards as you uncover the spiritual legacy of this ancient pilgrimage site.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6

    Stroll along the charming streets and encounter the iconic Porticoes, a defining feature of the city's skyline. These elegant arcades, stretching for kilometers, offer a glimpse into the cultural and architectural heritage of Bologna. The porticoes serve as covered walkways, offering protection from the elements and ideal spaces for merchant activities.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
  • Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
Supplied by Walks In Europe

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Tags

Architecture Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Culture
Small Group
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 6 6 reviews
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