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Offered languages
- English
Explore the heart of Bologna on a 2-hour walking tour in a small group, ideal for an authentic and immersive experience. With a certified tour guide, you will discover the city's iconic landmarks: the iconic Two Towers, the striking Piazza Santo Stefano, the elegant Piazza Minghetti and the bustling Mercato del Quadrilatero. You will admire the exterior of the Archiginnasio, an ancient palace of the University of Bologna, entering its charming courtyard. The tour continues in Piazza Maggiore and Piazza Nettuno, where you can admire the Basilica of San Petronio (with entrance), the Fountain of Neptune, Palazzo Re Enzo, the Salaborsa Library and Palazzo d'Accursio. Thanks to the limited number of participants, you can easily interact with the guide, ask questions and enrich your interests. A unique opportunity to discover the history, art and culture of Bologna in depth and relaxed.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
At the Baggage Storage Bologna
The tour will end at the beautiful Piazza del Nettuno, to make the city orientation easier for everyone
Itinerary
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1
Start your itinerary in the historic heart of Bologna with Piazza Santo Stefano, one of the most fascinating and unique squares in Italy. Here stands the imposing complex of Santo Stefano, also known as the "Seven Churches" or the "Bolognese Jerusalem". Once you walk through the entrance, you will be thrown into a timeless atmosphere. Admire the striking Romanesque columns that characterize the ancient courtyards, immerse yourself in history by touching the Pilate's Basin, an ancient stone basin linked to legends and rites. Do not miss the opportunity to see the unique Gaul of St. Peter and contemplate the touching fresco of the pregnant Madonna, testimonies of faith and art that enrich this sacred place. An unmissable experience that will make you discover the deepest soul of Bologna. On Mondays this stage is replaced by another, as the basilica is closed.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Quadrilatero, Bologna's vibrant and historic market district. A few steps from Piazza Maggiore, this area is a real sensory journey into the heart of authentic Bolognese tradition. Stroll through its iconic streets: Via Caprarie, Via Drapperie and Via Pescherie Vecchie. Here, historic shops and lively stalls offer a riot of flavors and aromas, from typical cold cuts and cheeses to fresh handmade pasta. The Quadrilatero is the ideal place to discover the most genuine soul of Bologna, between ancient crafts and the famous Emilian gastronomic culture.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Your tour takes you from the bustling Quadrilatero directly to the grandiose Piazza Maggiore, the hub of Bolognese life. This immense square is an open-air stage that encompasses centuries of history and power. Admire the Palazzo Comunale (also known as Palazzo d'Accursio), which for centuries was the seat of city government and now houses part of the Municipality. Cross the picturesque Voltone del Podestà, a historic passage that takes you to the majestic Fountain of Neptune, symbol of Bologna with its imposing bronze statue. Opposite, you will notice the Sala Borsa building, once a trading centre and today a modern library with fascinating underground archaeological remains visible. Turning around, you can admire the Palazzo Re Enzo, the second town hall, linked to stories of imprisonment and legends.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
The Basilica of San Petronio dominates Piazza Maggiore, an undisputed symbol of Bologna. Externally, its façade, although unfinished, reveals the ambitious Gothic project, with Renaissance sculptural details such as the main portal by Jacopo della Quercia. Inside, a majestic vastness will welcome you. See Gian Domenico Cassini's famous sundial, a scientific work that precisely tracks the sun's rays. The side chapels house works of art and frescoes that tell centuries of history and faith. A visit to San Petronio is an experience that combines art, science and spirituality in the beating heart of Bologna.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5
Visit the striking inner courtyard of the Archiginnasio, the ancient and prestigious seat of the University of Bologna. Here you will breathe centuries of academic history. Its walls and ceilings are an impressive gallery of thousands of coats of arms and inscriptions of distinguished students and professors. Each coat of arms tells a story, making the courtyard a living testimony of the erudition that permeated Bologna. A passage here will connect you directly with the city's glorious cultural and intellectual past.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Your journey will end in the magnificent Piazza del Nettuno. Here you can admire the famous Fountain of Neptune, symbol of Bologna, ending your journey in the beating heart of the city.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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