What to do in Bologna

Bologna is an underrated city in Italy! There are many things to see and to explore in Bologna. We were there for there nights this summer and these are our stories:

Why Bologna? Well the flight first of all, it is cheaper to fly to from London, compares to other cities like Rome or Venice. And there is a good airport connection from Bologna airport if you would like to travel to other European countries.

Second, Bologna is as beautiful as the other Italian cities. It has fabulous main square, Piazza Maggiore, and tons of beautiful medieval architectures.

The Two Towers or Le due Torri is one of the examples of medieval architectures in Bologna.

Bologna Cathedral or Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro also has medieval tower.

The early construction of the Cathedral dates back to the 12th century. While at present, the ornaments inside the Church, for example: altars, paintings, marbles, were from circa 17th century.

The Cathedral is tuck away from the main square. As there is another old Church in the main square Basilica di San Petronio. It is dedicated to Patron Saint of Bologna: Saint Petronio.

The Basilica has a unique and distinctive front look. Inside the Basilica, you will be amazed by the interior.

There is an old Crucifix which from the explanation below is from around the fifth century AD.

Inside Basilica di San Petronio, there is also a Museum. It is free so it is worth to have a look!

The Museum holds a few collection of antique Hymn / song books.

We also pay a visit to see the roof terrace of the Basilica. Unfortunately it is not free, but it is worth it seeing panoramic view of Bologna.

When we were in Bologna, we stayed at Mercure Hotel just opposite the train station.

Personally I would say that the hotel needs modernisation. And probably, this is just my feeling, that the hotel has strange feeling that you could not really sleep well at night. But this probably because we are in old city!

We love the breakfast, there are plenty of choices.

Back to the sightseeing, we went to the Biblioteca comunale dell’Archiginnasio, I think it is a public library of Bologna. This library once was the Archiginnasio Palace, one of the most important buidings in Bologna.

Inside the Biblioteca, there is Anatomical Theatre built by Antonio Levanti in 1637. This is where anatomy was taught by dissection of corpses.

On a whole, the Anatomical Theatre is an Archiginnasio Palace, decorated with statues of ancient and Bolognese physicians. Archiginnasio Palace is one of the most important buildings in Bologna, as it is the first permanent seat of the University of Bologna. Archiginnasio Palace is built in 1563.

On the ceiling of the Archiginnasio Palace, there is Apollo surrounded by stars.

The library itself is truly a beautiful building with loads of characters.

Not sure what symbol is this? Double heads eagle?

We also went to the Archaeological Museum in Bologna.

We also visited the Medieval Museum of Bologna.

The collection is pretty impressive. There are some Chinese antiques too.

We also visited an interesting Church: San Filippo Neri.

Another name of Chiesa San Filippo Neri is Chiesa Della Madonna di Galliera. The foundation of the church dates back to 1304.

Don’t forget to also visit the icon of Bologna: The Fountain of Neptune.

And di visit some restaurants and cafes in the city centre. They are delicious!

I hope you enjoy this travel edition in underrated city of Bologna!