Quick Details
Bologna: Historical Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide
Join a small group tour led by an expert local guide to explore Bologna’s historic center. Discover the city’s famous landmarks, including Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, the Two Towers, and the Porticoes of Bologna.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join us on this immersive tour of Bologna’s cultural treasures and architectural wonders, where history comes to life at every turn.
-
- Neptune’s Fountain (Fuente de Neptuno)
- Piazza Maggiore
- Basilica of San Petronio (Basilica di San Petronio)
- Inner Courtyard of Archiginnasio
- The Porticoes (Portici di Bologna)
- Two Towers (Le due Torri: Garisenda e degli Asinelli)
- Basilica of Santo Stefano / “Seven Churches” (except on Sundays)
-
- 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. (except on Sundays)
-
- 2.5-hour small group tour
- Interior visit of San Petronio Basilica
- Interior visit of Santo Stefano
- Expert local guide
-
- Transport to the meeting spot
- Two Towers Climb
-
- The tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the monument.
- Prohibited items (such as sharp objects, glass bottles, and aerosols) confiscated at the entrance of the monument will not be returned to visitors.
- Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances. In such cases, your guides will provide explanations from outside of the sites. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Guests are kindly requested to dress respectfully when visiting sacred sites.
- Please note that the Inner Courtyard of Archiginnasio, showcasing Bologna’s rich academic heritage, is not available for visits on Sundays.
-
- 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.
- Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
- Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
-
- We will meet in front of Neptune’s Fountain at Piazza del Nettuno. The tour guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe”.
- Note: Piazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy