Our tour begins at Fontana Vecchia. From here, you can admire the external walls of the ancient fortress, gaining a glimpse into the medieval era when the city of Bologna was frequently besieged. The roots of Bologna’s settlement date back to around 1,000 B.C.E., with the Etruscans establishing the first urban centre known as “Velza” (or “Felsina” in Latin) in 534 B.C.E. Throughout history, the region experienced conquests by the Celts and Gauls, eventually becoming a Roman colony called “Bononia” in 189 B.C.E.

In 88 B.C.E., Bologna evolved into a municipality, but it faced significant challenges following the decline of the Roman Empire. However, in the 5th Century, the city underwent reconstruction and emerged as a pivotal crossroads for transportation in medieval Europe. Resembling Venice, Bologna boasted an extensive canal system and played a vital role in trade, banking, and finance. The prestigious university, established in 1088, attracted a diverse international population and continues to educate approximately 80,000 enrolled students each year.

Commissioned by Cardinal Legate Carlo Borromeo, who would later become Pope Pius IV, the Old Fountain (Fontana Vecchia) was designed in 1563 by the esteemed sculptor and architect Tommaso Laureti from Palermo, Sicily. The construction of the fountain was overseen by Vicelegate Pier Donato Cesi. Its purpose was to provide the public with a water source, discouraging them from using the Fountain of Neptune.

According to a plaque nearby, it is believed that the vendors from the bustling Piazza Maggiore market would clean their vegetables in the Fountain of Neptune, making the presence of the Fontana Vecchia even more significant in ensuring a separate water supply for the general population.

Crafted between 1563 and 1566, the Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno) stands as a masterpiece created by the skilled Flemish sculptor Giambologna. This remarkable fountain portrays Neptune, the mighty sea god, symbolizing the immense power of the Pope, who, like Neptune, reigned over the world. Nestled at the feet of Neptune are four angelic sculptures representing the rivers of the four continents recognized during the Renaissance: the Ganges, the Nile, the Amazon, and the Danube.

The commission for the Fountain of Neptune also included the design of its base, which was entrusted to Tommaso Laureti by Pope Pius IV. Adjacent to the fountain, you will find a smaller fountain from which potable water flows, offering a refreshing drink to quench your thirst.

It is widely known that the figure of Neptune in the fountain holds a rather assertive pose. According to legend, during the sculpture’s creation, the Pope expressed dissatisfaction with the size of Neptune’s genitals and requested Giambologna to diminish their prominence. Reluctantly, Giambologna complied with the Pope’s request. However, as a subtle act of retaliation, he altered the positioning of Neptune’s left arm, extending the thumb and index finger. The outcome of this alteration becomes apparent on sunny days when standing behind Neptune, as the elongated shadow cast by the arm takes on a phallic shape, playfully implying a sense of excitement, so to speak…

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Constructed in 1246, Palazzo Re Enzo served as the notorious prison where King Enzo, also known as Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, was held captive for a staggering period of more than twenty-three years. Over the centuries, the building underwent embellishments and expansions, eventually acquiring its current form following the meticulous restoration carried out by Alfonso Rubbiani in the early twentieth century. Rubbiani’s efforts successfully revived the palazzo’s authentic medieval essence, reinstating its original medieval aesthetic.

Entrance to the building is only possible when events are being held.

On the left side of the library entrance stands Bologna’s Memorial to the Resistance, a tribute to “The Fallen from the Resistance for the Liberty and Justice, the Honour and Independence, of the Homeland.” Erected in 1961, the monument bears the dedication “To the children, women, and men of every race and nationality whom the Nazi brutality killed in internment camps.”

Bologna played a significant role as a stronghold of the Italian Resistance between September 8, 1943, and April 25, 1945. The memorial encompasses the names and portraits of Bolognese individuals who lost their lives during this heroic struggle. Additionally, it provides historical insights into the Bolognese partisan brigades. The central panel features photographs capturing the brave partisan fighters liberating Bologna in 1945.

Bologna’s contribution to the Resistance movement was profound, with 14,425 partisan fighters produced, including 2,212 women. Sadly, 2,059 partisans were killed, 945 were injured, and 6,543 were arrested. Retaliation for their involvement led to the execution of approximately 2,350 partisans by firing squad. Moreover, Bologna suffered extensive damage from Allied bombing campaigns due to its importance as an industrial hub involved in the construction of trains and machinery. The civilian population also experienced significant casualties as a result.

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The name “Salaborsa” derives from its historical association with the borsa, or financial exchange market, that used to operate in this very location. Today, the building serves as a custodian of the city’s cultural heritage. Its magnificent atrium, bathed in natural light and adorned with painted ceiling motifs, is a popular spot where local professionals often pause for an afternoon coffee. When standing in the middle of the atrium and looking downward, you’ll notice that the floor is transparent, offering a glimpse into a Roman excavation site below. Visitors have the opportunity to freely explore this site. As you turn around to face the exit, you’ll find stairs and an elevator on your right, leading to the basement level. Descending the stairs and turning right will bring you to the entrance of the Archaeological Excavations (Scavi Archeologici). Inside the archaeological site, informative plaques in both Italian and English provide valuable insights.

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Piazza Maggiore, the vibrant heart of the city, has embodied Bologna’s political and social life since its inception in the 13th century. As the square and its surrounding structures took shape, it became a symbolic epicenter. Today, it stands as one of Italy’s largest and oldest squares. Throughout history, this bustling square has served as a gathering place for citizens, who convened to hear the proclamation of new laws and witness capital executions. Moreover, Piazza Maggiore was once home to one of Europe’s most significant open-air markets, which thrived until the mid-1800s, attracting goods from all corners of the world.

The building to your right is the Palazzo d’Accursio, the Town hall complex dating from the 14th century, which is home to a fresco-filled chapel & fine art museum. Next to this, in front of you is the Palazzo dei Notai, built in the period 1384-1422 on a project by Antonio di Vincenzo. Next is the Basilica di San Petronio, which was begun to be built in 1390 on a project by Antonio di Vincenzo and although still unfinished, represents a splendid example of Italian Gothic and one of the most impressive Italian churches. Diagonally opposite you is the Palazzo dei Banchi which was the historic seat of the money changers and bankers, was built in 1412 and in 1568, after the restoration work based on a project by Vignola, the underlying portico was built, nicknamed by the Bolognese “Pavaglione”. Currently the arcade is occupied by glittering shop windows.

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Palazzo D’Accursio, the city’s town hall and residence of the City Art Collection, holds a rich history. The oldest section of the building came under city ownership in 1287, and subsequent renovations took place during the 17th and 18th centuries.

On the first floor you will find the impressive Hercules’ Hall (Sala d’Ercole), named after the magnificent bronze terracotta sculpture “Hercules Killing the Hydra” (“Ercole che Uccide l’Idra”) by Alfonso Lombardi, created in 1519 and displayed against the rear wall. Today, this room serves as a public art space where both modern and classical works are exhibited free of charge.

To the right of the Hercules statue, you will discover the City Council Chambers (Sala del Consiglio Comunale), previously known as the Senate Gallery (Galleria del Senato). In 1676, Angelo Michele Colonna and his apprentice Giocchino Pizzoli adorned the walls and ceiling with remarkable frescoes. These works are hailed as exemplars of the Baroque quadratura style, closely associated with the Bologna School. The artists skilfully employed perspective to create mesmerizing illusions of landscapes and vistas. One wall proudly presents the town’s coat of arms, supported by the virtues of Concord and Loyalty, symbolizing local and papal authority. Meanwhile, the central vault depicts allegorical figures from classical mythology, representing the essence of Bologna.

Proceed to leave Hercules Hall and make a right turn. Once you reach the end of the hallway, you will notice another set of semi-elevated steps on your left side. Ascend these stairs to reach the second floor.

The splendid ceremonial hall where you currently find yourself is named “Farnese Hall” or “Sala Farnese,” paying tribute to one of Italy’s renowned noble families. Adorning the walls are frescoes illustrating the glorious era of Papal dominance over the town. Positioned at the rear of the hall is a magnificent marble statue of Pope Paul III Farnese, placed between two expansive windows that offer captivating views of Piazza Maggiore.

To the right side of the hall, you will discover an entrance leading to the Farnese Chapel, an esteemed ceremonial location within the city. This architectural gem, constructed in the 15th century by the talented Aristotle Fioravanti, was adorned with frescoes in 1562. The chapel underwent a recent restoration in 1992, preserving its splendor for visitors to appreciate.

On the back left corner of the hall, you will encounter the entrance to the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte, a municipal art museum established in 1936 within the former chambers of the papal legate. To access the museum ticket office and bookstore, simply look across from the entrance, situated on the right side.

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It often appears that every Italian city boasts a pair of prominent churches—an ancient basilica and a Baroque-style church. As a national tradition, each city takes pride in highlighting something exceptional or distinctive about its own churches. Bologna, despite its relatively small size, showcases an astonishing array of colossal churches, with the most renowned being the Basilica di San Petronio, which gracefully dominates Piazza Maggiore. This grand structure was erected as a tribute to Bologna’s patron saint, Petronius, with construction taking place primarily between 1390 and 1479.

One notable feature of the Basilica is its unfinished façade. Initially, the Basilica di San Petronio was conceived as a civic endeavour rather than solely a religious edifice, intended to showcase Bologna’s municipal power. In 1514, work commenced on the elaborate marble façade, aiming to rival the grandeur of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. However, when the Pope learned of this ambitious project, he exercised his papal authority to cease its funding. As a result, construction halted when the façade was only about one-third complete. Despite several subsequent attempts to finalize the façade, it remains unfinished to this day. The basilica was eventually entrusted to the diocese in 1929 and consecrated in 1954. In 2000, the relics of San Petronio were relocated there from Santo Stefano (stop 8 on the tour).

Upon entering the Basilica, you will encounter a central altar and choral area encircled by 22 smaller chapels. Bologna held a significant position as a hub of Baroque music in Italy, and San Petronio, in particular, gained renown for its choral and instrumental compositions. The basilica houses two organs, completed in 1476 and 1596, which are still played to this day. Additionally, the basilica’s library houses an extensive music archive.

Located on the ground to your left, you will notice a Meridian line meticulously embedded into the floor, serving as a sundial since its creation in 1655. Renowned astronomer and professor at the University of Bologna, Giovanni Domenico Cassini, calculated and designed this sundial, which, due to its remarkable length, boasted an exceptional level of precision for its era.

Another captivating area, easily overlooked, is the Basilica Museum tucked away at the far end of the church on the left side. Within the museum, you will encounter intricate models and depictions of the Basilica, precious religious artifacts, and exquisitely adorned manuscripts exhibited in glass cases.

Positioned at the back right, behind the altar, you will discover a remarkable Pieta crafted by Amico Aspertini, a prominent figure in the Bolognese School of painting during the 16th century.

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Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita, a splendid Baroque church, is lovingly preserved by a private museum group as part of the cultural series known as Genus Bononiae. Its origins trace back to the 13th century when a congregation of Flagellants, known for their self-flagellation and rigorous discipline, founded a church and hospital in 1287. This sacred place was named “Saint Maria of Life.” The church underwent reconstruction around 1690, with the addition of Giuseppe Tubertini’s graceful dome in 1787. Today, a portion of the church serves as an art museum, showcasing pieces related to health and healing, while the former hospital once stood across the street.

To the right of the altar, adorned with the depiction of the Madonna of Life, resides a terracotta masterpiece titled “Compianto sul Cristo” (Lamentation of Christ) crafted by Niccolò dell’Arca. Niccolò initiated his work on these figures in 1463. The composition portrays Joseph, Mary Salome, the Virgin Mary, Saint John, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene gathered around Jesus’ body in mourning. The anguish vividly displayed on the faces of these figures has led many to believe that Niccolò derived inspiration from the actual suffering of patients in the hospital. Pilgrims would visit the Compianto to offer prayers for the sick and dying, and their donations during Easter played a pivotal role in funding the hospital and maintaining the sanctuary throughout the following year.

On the left side of the church, a doorway grants access to the hospital museum. Upstairs, the Oratorio hosts another terracotta masterpiece titled “Transito della Vergine” (Passage of the Virgins) sculpted by Alfonso Lombardi between 1519 and 1522. The fifteen statues, slightly larger than life-size, vividly depict a dramatic scene from the Funeral of the Virgins, as described in Jacobus de Voragine’s “Legenda Aurea.”

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Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio served as the esteemed headquarters of the University of Bologna from the 1500s until 1803. Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna holds the distinction of being the oldest university in Europe and the oldest operating university worldwide. As you explore the halls encircling the palazzo’s courtyard, you will be captivated by the splendid decorations, featuring inscriptions and monuments paying homage to the university’s esteemed educators. Thousands of coats of arms and student names also adorn the walls.

To access the first floor, ascend the stairs located on your left-hand side. Directly ahead, you will encounter the Civic Library, which has been housed in the palazzo since 1838. The library offers study rooms open to the public, where you can spend time if you securely store your belongings in a locker and present identification (un documento) to the clerk at the study hall entrance. However, the main attractions drawing visitors are the Sala dello Stabat Mater, the original hall of judges, and the wooden Anatomical Theatre constructed in 1637 for anatomy lessons. In the theatre, a technician would dissect a cadaver on the central viewing table, while the professor stood at the lectern on the far side, providing explanations to the students. The renowned Spellati (“Skinless”) statues by Erole Lelli, located on either side of the lectern, were instrumental in facilitating the professor’s teachings. Descriptions in English detailing the art and monuments within the Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio are available and provide excellent insights for visitors.

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Santo Stefano, an architectural ensemble initiated by Bishop Petronio in the late 5th century, stands as a remarkable complex. It is said to have been constructed atop an ancient temple dedicated to Isis, and there are indications that it was intended as a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Over time, the complex underwent further development between the 5th and 8th centuries.

Upon entering the complex, the initial structure you encounter is the Crocifisso, featuring a crypt dating back to 1019 and housing precious works of art. The second building, known as the Calvario, takes a circular form and once held the remains of Saint Petronio, accompanied by a reproduction of Christ’s tomb. The third church, named Agricola, encompasses the ancient burial sites of Saint Vitale and Saint Agricola. As you explore the complex, you will encounter a diverse range of architectural styles inspired by Roman and Byzantine influences. The complex also includes a courtyard known as Pilato’s Courtyard, the Trinità church, and a Benedictine cloister. A museum within the complex showcases a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artistic masterpieces.

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During the medieval era, the landscape of Bologna was characterized by the presence of approximately 180 towers, constructed by noble families to safeguard themselves against external threats and assert their authority and influence within the region. While only around 20 towers remain today, repurposed as restaurants and bed and breakfast establishments, the city’s most renowned towers are the Two Towers (Due Torri) of Asinelli and Garisenda. These iconic structures are located just a five-minute walk east of Piazza Maggiore, at the end of Via Vittorio.

Adjacent to the towers stands the Statue of San Petronio, the patron saint of Bologna. Though limited information is available about San Petronio, it is known that he played a pivotal role in the city’s reconstruction during the 5th century, with Santo Stefano being among his notable projects. The plaque on the statue highlights how the square served as the crossroads of Bologna’s most important streets, strategically positioned near the Roman road known as the Aemilian Way, making it a hub of financial and banking activities.

Once you have admired San Petronio, consider ascending the taller tower, Torre Asinelli, to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Access the tower through the rear entrance and pay a fee of 3 euros (cash only) to gaze upon the many sites you have recently visited. The towers are believed to have been constructed between 1109 and 1119. While Torre Garisenda may appear smaller in comparison, it is immortalized through mentions in Dante’s Divine Comedy. Additionally, the base of Torre Asinelli houses a charming shop offering handmade jewelry, ceramics, and other locally crafted products.

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Bologna boasts a comprehensive network of canals, constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries to establish a connection between the city and the Po River. While the majority of these canals now flow underground, remnants of their presence can still be observed in various areas of the city. Next to Trattoria dal Biassanot, situated at Via Piella, 16, there are windows that offer glimpses of the canals on both sides of the street.

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