Sightseeing in Bologna - what to see. Complete travel guide

Bologna Aerial 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.
While strolling in Bologna, you can discover many interesting stores. Next to Plaza Santo Stefano, is an interesting Camera con vista store. Its owners are active travelers who bring unusual … Open
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
In Bologna, vacation with children must be diversified by walking along local picturesque parks. One of the most beautiful in the city is Parco di Villa Ghigi. This old park with sprawling … Open
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. 
BOLOGNA 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. 
The opening of the pub Corto Maltese took place in 1998. Starting from that time the pub has become a favorite place of rest for both locals and tourists. Here visitors will find as many as … Open
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. 
BOLOGNA 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. 
Arriving in Bologna, the first thing that tourists usually pay attention to is the kindness and responsiveness of local residents. Local people never refuse to help, if this is in their … Open
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.
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Reference information
Map of all shopping areas
Shopping streets in Bologna
♥   Shopping area ' Via Farini' Bologna, 0.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Bologna
♥   Castle 'Rocca' Cento, 26 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Vignola Castle' Vignola, 26.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Rocca Sforzesca' Dozza, 27.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Rocca Sforzesca' Imola, 32.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castello di Galeazza' Crevalcore, 34.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Bologna
♥   National Park 'Parco nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna' , 67.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   National Park 'Parco nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano' , 84.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Bologna and around
♥   Art museum 'Museo Civico Medievale' Bologna, 0.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna' Bologna, 0.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Bologna Museum of Modern Art' Bologna, 1.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Bologna from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Basilica of San Vitale

From the series “Monuments of Byzantium: the most famous buildings”
Its visitors can admire the most beautiful elements of marble decoration today. The interior walls are almost completely lined with it. The old floor is also preserved in the basilica. It is decorated with an unusual geometric ornament. Elaborate mosaics with biblical and historical motifs make the Basilica of San Vitale look like an art museum. It will not be enough for one excursion to appreciate the splendor of all the works of art. The exterior of the basilica seems more than modest with all its chic interior decoration. A very beautiful garden is laid out around the religious landmark today. … Read further

Basilica di San Petronio

From the series “Famous unfinished buildings ”
The project of finishing the facade was redone. You may notice that only a small part of it is lined with rare pink marble today. The basilica is several hundred years old. But it was officially consecrated only recently, in 1954. The complete reconstruction of the temple started about 20 years ago. It continues today. Visitors to the attraction have the opportunity not only to admire the interior design of the temple but also to climb to the observation deck. An important religious relic was moved to the cathedral in 2000. These are the remains of Saint Petronio. They attract pilgrims from various countries today. … Read further

Sightseeing in regions nearby Bologna

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