Your exploration of Bologna should begin from Piazza Maggiore, the main square and the heart of town. Piazza Maggiore has been the center of Bologna’s political and social life since the 13th century when the square and the buildings surrounding it began being built.
It is one of the biggest and oldest squares in Italy. Here, citizens gathered to listen to the enunciation of new laws and to witness capital executions. The square was also home to one of Europe’s biggest open-air market until the mid-1800s, with goods coming from all parts of the world.
The buildings that surround the square are:
Palazzo D’Accursio
Above the entrance gate is the statue of Bologna native Pope Gregory XIII, blessing passers-by. The building had three courtyards: one was for receiving guests, one for storing weapons and one serving the prison. The old Cardinal apartments, the City Council Room, the Morandi Museum and the Farnese Chapel are located on the upper floors and accessed by a monumental staircase designed by Bramante.
Did you know? The Gregorian calendar, the international calendar in use today, takes its name from Pope Gregory XIII, who introduced it in 1582. It’s a solar calendar, which means that it is based on the cycle of the seasons.
Tip: Walk through the courtyard of Palazzo D’Accursio, and up the two staircases to reach the Sala Farnese for a great view of Piazza Maggiore from its windows.
*Entrance to Palazzo D’Accursio is free. Some rooms may be closed to the public if official functions are in place.
Palazzo del Podestà
Construction began in 1200 together with Piazza Maggiore. It was the first seat of the local government. From the balcony were announced the local government’s decisions and death sentences.
*Only open for special events and exhibitions.
Basilica of San Petronio
Construction began in 1390 for what was supposed to become the largest church of the Christian world. The project had to be abandoned because the Pope did not like the idea of a church bigger than St. Peter’s in Rome. Regardless, San Petronio remains one of the largest Catholic churches in the world.
*Open every day, 7:45 am to 6 pm. Entrance is free, but there’s a fee of €2 if you wish to take photos.
Piazza and Fontana del Nettuno
The famous fountain by Flemish sculptor Giambologna was built in 1564 and deemed scandalous for its nudities. The fountain had a practical function as it was used by the citizens to collect water.
*(2017 update) The Fountain of Neptune is currently under restoration and hidden under scaffolding, but you can visit the restoration site for an up-close look of the statue. See link below for details.
Palazzo Re Enzo and Torre dell’Arengo
Palazzo Re Enzo takes its name from Enzo, King of Sardinia and son of Emperor Federico II di Svevia; he was kept prisoner in the building for 23 years until his death…and treated with all honors.
Death sentences were carried out under the huge vault that connects Palazzo Re Enzo and Palazzo del Podestà; you can still see two gallows where the condemned were hung.
*Open only during special events and exhibitions.
Tip: Sit at one of the outdoor cafés overlooking the piazza and people watch. Order cappuccino and brioche if it’s breakfast time, or a glass of spritz (a drink made with Prosecco and Aperol, very popular in Italy) if it’s aperitivo time (normally after 5 pm – it will be served with snacks)!
Want to go more in-depth? Book a guided tour of Bologna’s historic center! Find more info on my Travel Services page, then write me at bolognauncovered@gmail.com.
[…] Admire Piazza Maggiore at sunset and/or at night. Truly special! Walk slowly through the square, sit at one of the […]
[…] 20-August 14: “Sotto le stelle del cinema” – in the beautiful background of Piazza Maggiore, film lovers can enjoy a different movie every night starting at 10 pm. Organized by the Cineteca […]
[…] The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita is the most important example of Baroque art in Bologna. It is located in the city center, in via Clavature 10, very close to the main square of Piazza Maggiore. […]
[…] a city of merchants and intellectuals, independent minded and energetic, recalls her past as well. Piazza Maggiore is always a good place to […]
[…] in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main piazza, […]
[…] about the Two Towers (plus all those other towers, right? If not, read my article). You know about Piazza Maggiore and the medieval food market. You know about mortadella and Pignoletto (what, you don’t know […]
[…] Basilica of San Petronio stands on Bologna’s main square, Piazza Maggiore, and is likely to be one of the first sites you’ll visit in town. It is the Bolognesi’s most […]
[…] artisanal chocolatiers, who will have their creations on display in the many stands set up in Piazza Maggiore, Piazza Galvani, Piazza Nettuno, and Via dell’Archiginnasio, right in the city center; on […]
[…] The choices were overwhelming so we asked them to recommend something suitable for a picnic in Piazza Maggiore. Unlike other Italian cities we were not discouraged from eating in the piazza, surrounded by like […]
[…] literally the ‘Burning of the Old Man’: a giant puppet is burned at the stroke of midnight in Piazza Maggiore, representing the year that has just passed. Every year, a different artist is commissioned with […]
[…] showing both classics of film history and the latest. And it’s free! Sitting on the beautiful Piazza Maggiore at night, with a gentle breeze offering respite from the heat of the day while watching a movie on […]
[…] has been the seat and symbol of Bologna’s political power since medieval times. Located on Piazza Maggiore, it is the fortress-looking building that frames the square on its western side (to your right as […]
[…] Piazza Santo Stefano at night especially romantic. To me, it has always felt more intimate than Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square (which is also quite beautiful and evocative at night). Piazza Santo […]
[…] explore some of the 40km of porticos, parts of the western world’s oldest university, Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di Santo Stefano, the Basilica di San Domenico, the Mercato di Mezzo, the Mercato […]
[…] am – Start at Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square, bustling with life and activity. Order espresso or cappuccino, sit at one of the cafés that […]
[…] Via degli Dei begins in Bologna’s main square, Piazza Maggiore, and ends in Florence’s world-famous Piazza della Signoria, touching on many natural and […]
[…] The starting point, Porta San Mamolo, used to be one of the medieval gates to the city, and was demolished at the beginning of the 20th century; it can be reached on foot from Via D’Azeglio, a street that departs from Piazza Maggiore. […]
[…] Maggiore is the heart of town. People have been gathering on the square for centuries. Artists play music or perform an act. […]
[…] reservation is mandatory and you can buy your ticket (€5) at the Bologna Tourist Office on Piazza Maggiore 1/e or online at this website. You’ll need to select day and time of visit; this way, […]
[…] that remain in the city san petronio – bologna’s main church is on the piazza maggiore piazza maggiore – a square in the center and is one of the biggest and oldest squares in italy! san domenico […]