Booking for : Bologna- The Red, The Learned, The Fat – Full Day Tour
Bologna- The Red, The Learned, The Fat – Full Day Tour
Tour Details
The warmth of red bricks and the elegance of long porticos give Bologna a unique charm. Its medieval center reveals enchanting corners, brought to life by historic shops selling traditional products and lively groups of students who, since 1088, have attended the oldest university in Europe.
The tour begins in Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of the city and a daily meeting place for locals. Here, we will visit the Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to the patron saint: the sixth-largest church in Europe, it has been the stage for important historical events. In addition to magnificent 15th-century frescoes, the Basilica houses unique 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 (City Hall), Palazzo dei Banchi (ancient residence of money changers), and the Palaces of the Podestà and Notai, symbols of the glorious past as a Free Commune. In the adjacent Piazza del Nettuno stands the famous Neptune Fountain, a masterpiece by Giambologna, and Palazzo Re Enzo, which in the 13th century became the “golden prison” of Emperor Frederick II’s son. Depending on opening hours, we will then enter the Sala Borsa (closed on Sundays).
We will proceed towards the Archiginnasio (closed on Sundays), the ancient seat of the University, to admire one of the world’s richest heraldic collections and, if desired, the 17th-century Anatomical Theatre. A walk through the lively “Quadrilatero”, an ancient medieval market, will allow us to discover the excellence of “Bologna la Grassa” (Bologna the Fat) and the Food Valley. This is the ideal place for a stop dedicated to tasting typical products and local wines.
We will then reach the Two Towers, the symbol of “Bologna la Turrita”, which in the Middle Ages numbered over a hundred, followed by the Romanesque complex of the Basilica of Santo Stefano (the Seven Churches), known as the “Bolognese Holy Jerusalem.” We will end the day with the Basilica of San Domenico, which houses the Saint’s Ark (on which a young Michelangelo worked), and the Church of Santa Maria della Vita, where we will admire the touching and dramatic Sorrow over the Dead Christ by Niccolò dell’Arca.
Alternative Options
Instead of San Domenico and Santa Maria della Vita, it is possible to cross the ancient Jewish Ghetto to reach the heart of the University district. Here we will visit the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore, the favorite place of the Bentivoglio family, lords of the city in the 15th century. We will admire their private chapel and, schedule permitting, the adjacent Oratory of Santa Cecilia, which houses a marvelous Renaissance pictorial cycle, today celebrated as the “Sistine Chapel of Bologna.”
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 arriving by car, we recommend looking here for updated information on parking. The two main drop-off/pick-up points for buses 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, it is possible to drop off/pick up in Piazza Malpighi. This option requires the payment of a tourist bus ticket; do not hesitate to contact us for more information and cost details.
Where do I meet the guide?
If you are already in the city center, the meeting can take place at your hotel or restaurant, or in front of the Neptune Fountain, next 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 parking lots.
Is the tour accessible to disabled people?
Yes, but with some precautions. Bologna is a historic city at the foot of the hills: the changes in level of the porticos often feature steps without ramps. Furthermore, many historic venues have restrooms in the basement. Access to most monuments requires the use of side entrances with ramps or elevators, often upon request. To ensure the best possible experience, the tour must be planned ad hoc with advance notice to organize the most accessible routes.
Are there entrance fees?
Yes, the costs are as follows:
– Basilica of San Petronio: for school groups (middle and high school) the cost is €2.00 per person (including chaperones). Extra payment is required for specific chapels.
– Anatomical Theatre: €3.00 (+ €0.50 booking fee). Free for minors under 18.
– Basilica of Santo Stefano: recommended free donation.
– Basilica of San Domenico: recommended free donation.
– Santa Maria della Vita: €8.00 including the Oratory. €5.00 for the “Lamentation” only. Reductions are available for eligible categories. Free under 6 years old.
Do I need to book the monuments?
– San Petronio: mandatory for groups over 15 people (for schools only after 11:40 AM) by writing to: prenotazioni@basilicadisanpetronio.org.
– Anatomical Theatre: mandatory for groups over 10 people. For individuals, it is highly recommended (and effectively mandatory on weekends and holidays). Reservations are made on the Bologna Welcome website by selecting “Entry with own guide.”
– Santo Stefano: not mandatory, but large groups should report their presence to: info@abbaziasantostefano.it.
– San Domenico: it is mandatory to report the presence of large groups to: info@abbaziasantostefano.it. Groups over 25 people must be split.
Ca I pay entrance fees in advance or by credit card?
– San Petronio: advance payment is required for groups (to be arranged via email).
– Anatomical Theatre: online payment for bookings or by card/cash on-site (only for individuals).
– Santo Stefano: a cash donation is required.
– San Domenico: a cash donation is recommended.
– Santa Maria della Vita: online payment for bookings or by card/cash on-site.
Are headsets required during the tour?
Basilica of San Petronio: the use of radio guide systems is mandatory for all groups of more than 7 people to ensure silence and decorum.
Basilica of San Domenico: the use of radio guide systems is mandatory for groups. Bologna is a lively and sometimes noisy city.
To ensure a pleasant experience and clear explanations for all participants, we strongly recommend the use of headsets for groups over 7/10 units even during outdoor walks. We do not provide this service directly but collaborate with trusted local partners. Upon request, we will be happy to provide the necessary contacts.
Where are the tourist information offices?
In Piazza Maggiore under the portico of Palazzo del Podestà (Bologna Welcome).
Are there public toilets?
Yes, there are several public toilets in the city, all at a cost of €0.50/€1.00. The toilets closest to Piazza Maggiore are next to Palazzo d’Accursio, in Via IV Novembre.
Recommend Tour Packages
IL PAPAVERO Soc. Coop. - Guide Turistiche
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