Basilica di San Petronio
The Basilica di San Petronio dominates Piazza Maggiore as Bologna’s largest and most emblematic church. Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, its construction began in 1390 under architect Antonio di Vincenzo. The original plan envisioned a vast Latin‑cross structure that would surpass St. Peter’s in Rome, but political and financial obstacles left the basilica famously unfinishedBasilica di San Petronio+1. Its façade, partly clad in marble since 1538, reveals the contrast between ambitious design and centuries of halted work. Inside, three soaring naves open onto twenty‑two chapels enriched by artists such as Francia, Costa, and Parmigianino. San Petronio also houses one of the world’s longest meridian lines, a scientific masterpiece carved into the floor in the 17th century. Monumental yet incomplete, the basilica remains a powerful symbol of Bologna’s history, artistry, and civic pride.
Bologna Italy
Basilica di San Petronio is located at Piazza Maggiore, Piazza Galvani 5, dominating the heart of Bologna's historic centre. This Gothic masterpiece stands adjacent to Palazzo Re Enzo and Palazzo del Podestà, facing the Fountain of Neptune in Piazza del Nettuno, with the medieval Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda), Archiginnasio anatomical theatre, Mercato di Mezzo food hall, and porticoed streets of shops and cafés all within immediate reach.
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Museo Civico Medievale
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Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
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MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna
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Museo internazionale e biblioteca della musica
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Palazzo Pepoli - Museo della Storia di Bologna
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Collezioni Comunali d'Arte
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Palazzo Fava
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Museo del Patrimonio Industriale
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Museo Civico del Risorgimento di Bologna
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Museo Davia Bargellini
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Collezione delle Cere Anatomiche Luigi Cattaneo
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Museum of Zoology Bologna
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Museum of San Colombano
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Museo Ebraico di Bologna
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Museo della Comunicazione e del Multimediale Gianni Pelagalli
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Museo Ducati
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Teatro Arena del Sole
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Teatro Duse
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Teatro EuropAuditorium
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Il Celebrazioni Theatre
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Teatro Auditorium Manzoni
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Teatro Testoni Ragazzi
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Teatri di Vita
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Ateliersi
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Teatro del Baraccano
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Bologna Municipal Theater
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Maggiore g.a.m. art gallery
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Contemporary Art Gallery P420
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Otto Gallery
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Labs Gallery
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Galleria Wikiarte
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Galleria B4
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ArteBo - Contemporary Art gallery
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Palazzo Re Enzo
Historical Landmark
Palazzo del Podestà Bologna
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Palazzo Pallavicini
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Palazzo Aldrovandi
Palace
Palazzo Bonasoni
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Palazzo Bolognini
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Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Peter
Cathedral
Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano
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Basilica of San Domenico
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Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore
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Basilica di San Martino
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Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi
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Basilica Collegiata dei Santi Bartolomeo e Gaetano
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Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita
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Chiesa San Giovanni in Monte
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Parrocchia dei Santi Vitale e Agricola in Arena
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Basilica di San Paolo Maggiore Bologna
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Le Due Torri
Tower
Piazza Maggiore
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Fontana del Nettuno
Historical Landmark
Portici di Bologna
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Archiginnasio Courtyard
Library
Piazza Santo Stefano
Square
Finestrella di Via Piella
Tourist attractions
Mercato di Mezzo
Market
Porta Galliera
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Scalinata del Pincio
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La Montagnola
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Giardini Margherita
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Orto Botanico ed Erbario dell’Università di Bologna
Botanical Garden
Parco di Villa Ghigi
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Villa delle Rose
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Museo della Specola
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