Bologna

Bologna is a city located in the northern part of Italy. It is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and is one of the most developed cities in the country. Bologna is known for its educational sector, being home to the oldest university in the world. The city also boasts of rich musical heritage, being appointed as a UNESCO City of Music.

Sights & Activities

The biggest church in the city is the massive Basilica di San Petronio, located on the Piazza Maggiore. Though construction began in the 14th century, it was only completed three centuries later. It is considered the fifth-largest church in the world and can accommodate 28,000 worshippers at any given time. Though the façade remained unfinished up to the present, the interiors have some notable highlights, including the beautiful stained glass windows, sculptures made by notable artists, paintings, frescoes, and the sundial located on the paving at the left aisle. The basilica also contains the relics of San Petronio as well as the oldest organ in the world that is still in use.

The Piazza Maggiore is a popular destination for those who wish to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. It is connected to the Piazza del Nattuno through a street where the Fontana di Nettuno or the Fountain of Neptune is located. The fountain was built in 1566 and features an enormous statue of Neptune. This popular landmark has evolved to become a symbol of the city.

At the Piazza San Domenico is the Basilica di San Dominico that also bears a simple façade and magnificent interiors. It was built in the 13th century and has undergone numerous renovations ever since. The San Domenico Chapel, in particular, contains numerous frescoes and the remains of the saint. The arch to the chapel was sculptured by artists like Pisano and Michelangelo. Another item worth viewing and inspecting is the wood chorus made by de Bergamo.

Another famous attraction of the city is the Basilica di Santo Stefano, located at the Piazza Stefano. It is actually composed of four churches that were built from the 10th to the 13th century and symbolizes the Passion of Christ. The church of Crocifisso features a crypt dating from 1019 and several priceless artworks, the central church of Calvario has a replica of the tomb of Christ, and the Santi Vitale e Agricola holds the sarcophagi of martyr saints Vitalis and Agricola. It also has a Romanesque kiosk that is considered one of the finest in the region.

Bologna also boasts of two soaring towers, the Torre degli Asinelli or the Tower of the Asinelli, and the Torre degli Garisenda or the Tower of the Garisenda, built as status symbols for wealthy families during the 10th to the 12th centuries. It is located at Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. Both of these structures are leaning on their sides, though visitors are still allowed to climb the Torre degli Asinelli to view beautiful cityscapes.

The more vigorous visitor can also try walking what is considered as the longest portico of the world. It starts from Via Saragozza and stretches about 4 kilometers to the hill where the Santuario di San Luca is located. The sanctuary contains the painting ‘Madonna’ which is believed to be made by the apostle Luke, thus believed to be of the actual likeness of the Virgin Mary.

Weather

Summer in Bologna tends to be hot and many establishments in the city take this opportunity to close shop and head out to holidays. For those who don’t mind the heat, however, it is an ideal time to explore some of the sights in the city. As autumn ushers in, the temperature drops and rain occurs in increasing frequency. This is also the weather conditions during spring. Winter is quite cold and damp, though the sun still makes an appearance. Visitors should come well-prepared when coming to Bologna, though the city is still considered an ideal destination throughout the whole year.