Sightseeing in Bologna - what to see. Complete travel guide

Bologna is a modern city that tenderly keeps its traditions and so here you will find large number of magnificent medieval masterpieces almost in their original condition. Actually, whole city looks like a medieval one. Approximately in the beginning of the 20th century Bologna was surrounded by a huge wall around six meters in diameter and made of bricks.

So what Bologna is like? You’ll find there twelve gates, endless city streets, which are narrow and curved, but still magnificent and amazingly different. A chain of palaces is built along the city wall. Here you will also see multiple cathedrals, churches, and towers with unforgettably fascinating architecture. Walls in Bologna are traditionally colored in reddish or greyish colors.

Even though wonderful walls of the city were partially destroyed yet in 1903, they managed to leave their unforgettable influence on the modern city. Because of this fact the city got additional space and so a wonderful and broad Independence Street was built. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The city features wide selection of museums, education institutes, theaters and cinemas. Moreover, here you will be able to visit large number of historical and cultural places of interest.

One of the major historical landmarks of the city is the San – Petronio Basilica, its height is 47 meters. Construction of the church began in 1390, and for hundreds of years it has constantly been rebuilt and changed its appearance. Today basil impresses with its majestic medieval view, within its walls are numerous interesting religious artefacts, including a fine 15th century organ. 

The starting point for many excursions is the city's main square - Piazza Maggiore. Next to it are concentrated several gorgeous historic buildings, including the magnificent Palazzo Comunale and Palazzo dei Banks. On this square often entertaining holidays and leisure activities are hosted, and the students of the local university have an interesting legend associated with the square. They never pass it down the middle, because they believe it is a bad omen. Students always bypass the area just along the perimeter. 

In Bologna works interesting archaeological museum, which is located in a beautiful 15th Century palace. The opening of the museum took place in 1881, and today hundreds of ancient artefacts are stored within its walls, imported from around the world. Among the most valuable objects of the museum are the ancient Egyptian tombs, and even the artefacts that were found during the study of the Egyptian pyramids. 

A fascinating monument is Aldrovandi Villa; it was built in 1761. In the mid-19th century villa has been completely restored, today it is completely free to visit and to evaluate its amazing interior. Within the walls of the villa is preserved a collection of antique furniture and works of art, and part of the historic villa is converted into a museum. Among its most unusual exhibits a collection of old toy soldiers is worth of mention. 

In Bologna, part of the medieval fortifications has been perfectly preserved, today 17 ancient towers are placed throughout the city, once upon a time there were thick walls and impregnable 180 towers surrounding it. The most interesting tower is considered to be the Azinelli tower, it was built back in 1119. Its height is 97 meters, and an excellent observation deck is now equipped on top of the tower. To climb it, it is necessary to overcome the 498 steps.