Bologna is a city that captivates you step by step. Known as “La Dotta” (the Learned) for its ancient university,

“La Grassa” (the Fat) for its renowned culinary tradition, and “La Rossa” (the Red) for the color of its rooftops and facades, it boasts one of the best-preserved historic centers in Europe.

Walking through Bologna means immersing yourself in over two thousand years of history, strolling under porticoes that stretch for more than 60 kilometers, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. In just one day, it’s possible to discover the city’s most iconic landmarks, take in its atmosphere, and admire its artistic treasures.

Piazza Maggiore: The City’s Living Room

Piazza Maggiore, also known as Piazza Grande thanks to the famous song by Lucio Dalla, is the beating heart of Bolognese life. Since the Middle Ages, it has been the center of the city’s civic, religious, and commercial activities.

Surrounding the square are some of Bologna’s most important historical buildings:

• Palazzo Comunale (or Palazzo d’Accursio), home to the city hall, with its distinctive Clock Tower visible from afar.
• Torre Accursi, open to visitors, offering a panoramic view of the square and, with the same ticket, access to the Municipal Art Collections on the top floor.
• Basilica of San Petronio, the undisputed protagonist of the square, majestic and unfinished, a symbol of Bologna’s history and identity.

The Basilica of San Petronio and Its Treasures

The Basilica of San Petronio is not only the city’s main place of worship but also the fifth largest church in the world. Its construction began in 1390 and continued for centuries, never being completed according to the original plan.

Among its 22 side chapels, the Bolognini Chapel stands out for its extraordinary fresco cycle depicting the Stories of the Magi and the Last Judgment, with a detailed Heaven and a dramatic Hell dominated by a gigantic figure of Lucifer. Among the scenes is a rare and historically significant representation of the Prophet Muhammad in Hell, reflecting the religious context and perceptions of the period.

The Panoramic Terrace at 54 Meters

A recent and particularly evocative experience is the climb to the Basilica’s panoramic terrace, opened in 2023. From a height of 54 meters, visitors can enjoy sweeping views over Bologna’s red rooftops, medieval towers, and major monuments, with the rolling hills framing the city in the distance.

An Itinerary to Experience on Foot

Thanks to the compact size of its historic center, this itinerary can be easily enjoyed entirely on foot. Every corner, portico, and square tells part of Bologna’s story, offering an authentic and captivating experience.