Location: Bologna
Top Things to do in Bologna
The 10 Best Churches & Cathedrals in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
While crowds of tourists fill Venice, Florence and Rome, Bologna remains relatively quiet in comparison. This medieval university town is charming, historic and fun to explore… and you'll find Bologna's local cuisine is light-years away from the American deli meat bearing the city's name.
Restaurants in Bologna
1. Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,097 reviews
Reviewed By Marla7 - Naas, Ireland
The Santo Stefano complex includes 7 interconnected churches, each with its own style and history, with parts dating back to the early Middle Ages. I definitely recommend to take your time to visit the whole complex, the museum and even the gift shop. Great way to escape the heat too, if visiting in the summer!
2. Oratorio dei Battuti
3. Basilica di San Domenico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 873 reviews
Reviewed By Jo_and_Tom - Anna, United States
This church is very close to Hotel Touring. Looking at it you wouldn't think much of it until you get inside and have a guide who tells the story of the Church. The Tomb of Saint Dominic (Dominican founder) is located here. One of his relics is his skull entombed in a gold reliquary which is at the back of the altar. Michaelangelo was several years in Bologna as a student. One of his contribution to the tomb was a small "Clothed David" and his student also contributed a statue to same tomb. Outside were some unusual tombs which are elevated versus on the ground. They are two of the Bologna University founders - Doctors of Law. The one interesting point our guide explained that Beethoven played in this church when his father was Music Master. Beethoven in order to play had to pass a test and couldn't because he didn't know music theory on how to compose, even though he was composing at that age. Finally the choir master stated this boy was a genius and his compositions were far superior than other organ players so he was allowed to play.
4. Basilica di San Petronio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,125 reviews
Reviewed By adaniels83 - Leeds, United Kingdom
This is a beautiful elegant and rather large church, entry is free, if you would like to take photos inside then there is a €2 charge with the proceeds going towards restoration of the many elements of the church. I read many times about people not being allowed in wearing shorts... that is a lie there were plenty of people wearing shorts and with legs on show and there was not one bit of animosity towards them!! The workmanship of the church is quite stunning and in my opinion a must see, the torri degli Asinelli was closed for renovations on our trip so as an alternative way of obtaining Ariel views of the city go to the rear of the church where for €3 you can get to the top and a viewing platform where the views are great.
5. Santuario di Madonna di San Luca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,770 reviews
Reviewed By chrisiber - London, United Kingdom
The church itself is worth seeing but I feel that some of the works (particularly the Guido Reni) need restoration as it is very dark and you cannot see much detail. There is a 5 Euro charge to visit the terrace which is up on the cupola. 110 narrow steps I believe and the occasional passing place. The view at the top is well worth it. On a clear day apparently you can see all the way to Modena. Take the train from Piazza Maggiore unless you feel like a fairly strenuous walk under the 3.7km colonnade that leads all the way to the top from the Porta Saragozza. There is a commentary in several languages on the train.
6. Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
7. Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By L2351ZEpeterh - Flensburg, Germany
The basilica is nice, and what makes it particular is that one can see the connection between science and arts (and religion).This is materialized by a line on the floor which is a meridian (and shows the date at the moment of the local noon).
8. Complesso Monumentale San Michele In Bosco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By Jackiepcs - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
We took the bus 30 from Ugo Bassi up to San Michele in Bosca for €1 50 and as well as an enjoyable journey throught the city of Bologna the view from the church is truly amazing. You can see over the whole beautiful city - the best value in Bologna! We could not get inside but contented ourselves with the breath taking view and then hopped on the bus back, this time to the central railway station - same bus. A not to be missed expedition and very cheap.
9. Cattedrale di San Pietro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 914 reviews
Reviewed By Sylvain54321 - Lugrin, France
Strangely enough, this cathedral is not located on the main square of Bologna (where there is another basilica), but about 50 meters away. Thus the cathedral is a bit cramped between traffic roads, which lessens a bit the perspective. The architecture is amazing, both inside and outside the cathedral, so this is definitely worth a short visit at the least. That being said, for a cathedral, the decorations inside are less abundant than in some other Italian cities like Roma or Milano.
10. Chiesa di San Bartolomeo
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