Booking for : Bologna-Half Day Tour
Bologna-Half Day Tour
Tour Details
The warmth of the red bricks and the elegance of the long porticoes lend Bologna a unique charm. Its medieval center reveals charming corners, brought to life by historic shops selling local delicacies and lively groups of students who, since 1088, have attended the oldest University in Europe.
The classic itinerary naturally begins at Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of the city and the meeting point for locals. Here, we will visit the Basilica of San Petronio*, dedicated to the patron saint: it is the sixth-largest church in Europe and has been the stage for extraordinary historical events. In addition to magnificent 15th-century frescoes, the Basilica houses world-exclusive treasures, such as the famous Cassini Meridian Line. The square is framed by majestic palaces that we will admire from the outside: Palazzo d’Accursio (the Town Hall), Palazzo dei Banchi (former residence of the money changers), and the palaces of the Podestà and the Notai, symbols of the city’s glorious past as a free commune.
In the adjacent Piazza del Nettuno stands the famous Neptune Fountain, a masterpiece by Giambologna and a symbol of the Papal city. On the same square rises Palazzo Re Enzo, which in the 13th century became the “golden prison” for the son of Emperor Frederick II.
We will continue toward the Archiginnasio (closed on Sundays), the ancient seat of the University of Bologna “the Learned,” where we can admire one of the richest and most fascinating heraldic collections in the world and, upon request, the 17th-century Anatomical Theatre.
A stroll through the lively “Quadrilatero”, an ancient market of medieval origin, will allow us to discover the excellence of Bologna “the Fat,” the heart of the Food Valley. This is the ideal place to stop at the end of the tour for a tasting of local products and wines. Finally, we will reach the Palazzo dei Mercanti and the Two Towers, the iconic symbol of Bologna “the Turreted” (which boasted over a hundred towers in the Middle Ages), before concluding at the Romanesque complex of the Basilica of Santo Stefano (known as the “Seven Churches”), also called the “Bolognese Holy Jerusalem” for its symbolic links to the sites of the Passion of Christ.
* For school groups, admission is after 11:40 AM.
The visiting order of the monuments is not the one listed above and is adjusted according to the needs of visitors. We do not assume responsibility for ticket increases or changes of monuments opening hours that may occur during the year.
For some questions you find a faster answer here than writing us:
Where can I park?
If you are by car you can check here the possible parking spaces.
For buses, the two main pick-up/drop-off points are Porta San Mamolo and the Bus Station in Piazza XX Settembre (entrance from Via Masini). If you wish to get closer to the center, pick-up/drop-off is possible at Piazza Malpighi. This option requires the payment of a tourist ticket; please contact us for more information and cost details.
Where do I meet the guide?
If you are already in the center: the meeting can take place at your hotel, restaurant, or in front of the Neptune Fountain, adjacent to the main square.
If you arrive specifically for the guided tour: the guide can meet you at the bus drop-off points or in the historic center’s parking areas.
Is the tour accessible fto disabled people?
Yes, but with some considerations. Bologna is a historic city located at the foot of the hills: the varying levels of the porticoes often feature steps without ramps. Many historic venues also have restrooms located in the basement. Access to most monuments requires using specific side entrances with ramps or elevators, often upon prior request. To ensure the best possible experience, the tour must be planned in advance to organize the most accessible routes.
Are there entrance fees?
Yes, the costs are as follows:
– Anatomical Theatre: €3.00 (+ €0.50 booking fee). Free for those under 18.
– Basilica of Santo Stefano: free donation.
– Basilica of San Petronio: for school groups (middle and high school), the cost is €2.00 per person (including teachers/chaperones). Extra fees apply for specific chapels.
Do I need to book the entrance at the monuments?
– San Petronio: mandatory for groups of more than 15 people (for schools, only after 11:40 AM) by writing to:
prenotazioni@basilicadisanpetronio.org.– Anatomical Theatre: mandatory for groups of more than 10 people. For individuals, it is highly recommended (and effectively mandatory on weekends and holidays). Reservations are made via the Bologna Welcome website by selecting “Entrance with own guide.”
– Santo Stefano: not mandatory, but it is good practice to notify them of large groups at:
info@abbaziasantostefano.it.
Can I pay for entrance fees in advance or by credit card?
– San Petronio: groups are required to pay in advance (details to be coordinated via email
prenotazioni@basilicadisanpetronio.org).– Anatomical Theatre: online payment for bookings or by card on-site (individuals only).
– Santo Stefano: a cash donation is required.
Are headsets required during the tour?
San Petronio Basilica: The use of radio guide systems is mandatory for all groups of more than 7 people, in order to ensure silence and decorum within the place of worship.
Bologna is a lively and sometimes noisy city. To ensure a pleasant experience and clear reception of the explanations for all participants, we strongly recommend the use of headsets for groups of more than 7/10 people, even during outdoor walks.
We do not provide this service directly, but we collaborate with trusted local partners. Upon request, we will be happy to provide the necessary contacts for you to arrange the rental independently.
Where are the tourist information offices?
In Piazza Maggiore under the arcades of Palazzo del Podestà (Bologna Welcome).
Are there public toilets?
Yes, there are several public toilets in the city, all costing between €0.50 and €1.00. The closest toilets to Piazza Maggiore are next to Palazzo d’Accursio, on Via IV Novembre.
Recommend Tour Packages
IL PAPAVERO Soc. Coop. - Guide Turistiche
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