Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
San Petronio with its unfinished façade, the Neptune Fountain, endless porticoes: an independent guide to the heart of the red city, with the practical information that actually matters.
Basilica of San Petronio
One of the largest Gothic churches in the world, with a façade that tells its own story: the lower section in marble, the upper section still exposed brick, work halted in the 16th century.
Neptune Fountain
A bronze masterpiece by Giambologna (1566), in the adjoining Piazza del Nettuno. The sea god, trident raised, has become one of the city's most recognisable symbols.
Palazzo d'Accursio
The historic seat of Bologna's city government, with its clock tower and an internal staircase reputedly designed by Bramante, gentle enough to be climbed on horseback.
The Two Towers
A short walk away: the Asinelli, the tallest leaning tower in Italy, and the Garisenda, shorter but with an even more pronounced lean. The ultimate symbol of Bologna's skyline.
Bologna is best explored under the porticoes, whatever the weather
Bologna has about 62 km of porticoes across its historic centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 — one of the most extensive covered-arcade systems in the world. From Piazza Maggiore you can reach the station, the Two Towers and most of the centre while staying sheltered almost the whole way, rain or shine. Especially useful to know in winter, when the Po Valley often delivers grey, rainy days.
Piazza Maggiore is free and always open, but the Asinelli Tower and some museums have capped entry — booking ahead is worthwhile, especially on weekends.
Historic trattorias
Tagliatelle al ragù (never "spaghetti bolognese" — a mistake locals won't forgive), tortellini in broth, lasagne: the best trattorias are often on side streets, not on the square itself.
See food toursMercato di Mezzo
The historic covered market steps from the square, among stalls of mortadella, parmesan and wine, with tastings straight from the producers.
See tastingsAperitivo under the porticoes
Bologna's evening life centres on the university district, around Via Zamboni and the Two Towers: an aperitivo here, among students and historic bars, is a city institution.
See evening experiencesIl Cinema Ritrovato
In late June, Piazza Maggiore becomes one of the largest open-air cinema venues in Europe, with free screenings of restored classic films.
See what's onUniversity of Bologna
Founded in 1088, it's the oldest university in the Western world still operating. The Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio, with its Anatomical Theatre, is free to visit.
See the ArchiginnasioBologna Jazz Festival
Every autumn, jazz concerts fill historic venues across the city, from intimate clubs to grand theatres, with Italian and international artists.
See the festivalRun a business in Bologna?
Trattorias, food shops, tour operators, wine bars: if you'd like to be featured in this section or in "What to See", get in touch.
Hotels
Service, breakfast included, 24-hour reception. The most convenient choice for short stays in the historic centre, often right under the porticoes.
Search hotelsApartments
Space, your own kitchen, ideal for families or longer stays. Often better value than hotels for groups of 3 or more.
Search apartmentsB&Bs
Local warmth, home-cooked breakfast, lower prices. The most authentic way to experience central Bologna.
Search B&BsTransfer
Guglielmo Marconi Airport is just 6 km from the centre: the Marconi Express people mover reaches the central station in 7 minutes, then a 15-minute walk under the porticoes to the square.
Full transfer guideCar rental
The historic centre has a very extensive restricted traffic zone: pointless for the square itself. It makes sense for exploring Modena, Parma and the Emilian countryside independently.
When it's worth renting
Space reserved for local operators.
Piazze d'Italia Network
Piazza Maggiore is one of the iconic squares told by the Piazze d'Italia network — independent territorial guides dedicated to the places where history, architecture and public life meet, city after city.
Discover the other piazze →
Your first stop in Bologna: the square that tells eight centuries of history
San Petronio, the Neptune Fountain and Palazzo d'Accursio can be visited as a single, free, always-open block.
See tickets and experiences