Bologna Food Tour: Taste Local Specialties, Pasta, Wine & Gelato
4,9 (1161)3hBologna, Italy
From€84
HikingCulture
Bologna: Small Group Guided Walking Tour
5(14 reviews)Bologna, Italy
2hDurationEnglish, Italian, FrenchOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupWheelchair accessibleAccessibilityEasyLevel
About this experience
Join a small group for a 2-hour walking tour through Bologna's historic center. A certified Tour Guide will lead you to key sites such as the Two Towers, Piazza Santo Stefano, Piazza Minghetti, and the Quadrilatero Point of Sale. You will view the exterior of the Archiginnasio and enter its courtyard. The tour also includes Piazza Maggiore and Piazza Nettuno, where you will see the Basilica of San Petronio (admission included only for the morning tour), the Fountain of Neptune, Palazzo Re Enzo, Salaborsa Library, and Palazzo d'Accursio. The small group size allows for interaction with the Guide, making it suitable for those looking to engage and learn about the city's history, art, and culture. Note that the tour lasts 2 hours and is designed for small groups.
Itinerary
1
Piazza Santo Stefano
Start your itinerary in the historic heart of Bologna with Piazza Santo Stefano, one of the most fascinating and unique squares in Italy. Here stands the imposing complex of Santo Stefano, also known as the "Seven Churches" or the "Bolognese Jerusalem". Once you walk through the entrance, you will be thrown into a timeless atmosphere. Admire the striking Romanesque columns that characterize the ancient courtyards, immerse yourself in history by touching the Pilate's Basin, an ancient stone basin linked to legends and rites. Do not miss the opportunity to see the unique Gaul of St. Peter and contemplate the touching fresco of the pregnant Madonna, testimonies of faith and art that enrich this sacred place. An unmissable experience that will make you discover the deepest soul of Bologna. On Mondays this stage is replaced by another, as the basilica is closed.
2
Quadrilatero
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Quadrilatero, Bologna's vibrant and historic market district. A few steps from Piazza Maggiore, this area is a real sensory journey into the heart of authentic Bolognese tradition. Stroll through its iconic streets: Via Caprarie, Via Drapperie and Via Pescherie Vecchie. Here, historic shops and lively stalls offer a riot of flavors and aromas, from typical cold cuts and cheeses to fresh handmade pasta. The Quadrilatero is the ideal place to discover the most genuine soul of Bologna, between ancient crafts and the famous Emilian gastronomic culture.
3
Piazza Maggiore
Your tour takes you from the bustling Quadrilatero directly to the grandiose Piazza Maggiore, the hub of Bolognese life. This immense square is an open-air stage that encompasses centuries of history and power. Admire the Palazzo Comunale (also known as Palazzo d'Accursio), which for centuries was the seat of city government and now houses part of the Municipality. Cross the picturesque Voltone del Podestà, a historic passage that takes you to the majestic Fountain of Neptune, symbol of Bologna with its imposing bronze statue. Opposite, you will notice the Sala Borsa building, once a trading centre and today a modern library with fascinating underground archaeological remains visible. Turning around, you can admire the Palazzo Re Enzo, the second town hall, linked to stories of imprisonment and legends.
4
Basilica Di San Petronio
The Basilica of San Petronio dominates Piazza Maggiore, an undisputed symbol of Bologna. Externally, its façade, although unfinished, reveals the ambitious Gothic project, with Renaissance sculptural details such as the main portal by Jacopo della Quercia. Inside, a majestic vastness will welcome you. See Gian Domenico Cassini's famous sundial, a scientific work that precisely tracks the sun's rays. The side chapels house works of art and frescoes that tell centuries of history and faith. A visit to San Petronio is an experience that combines art, science and spirituality in the beating heart of Bologna.
5
Archiginnasio Di Bologna
Visit the striking inner courtyard of the Archiginnasio, the ancient and prestigious seat of the University of Bologna. Here you will breathe centuries of academic history. Its walls and ceilings are an impressive gallery of thousands of coats of arms and inscriptions of distinguished students and professors. Each coat of arms tells a story, making the courtyard a living testimony of the erudition that permeated Bologna. A passage here will connect you directly with the city's glorious cultural and intellectual past.
What's included / not included
Certified professional tour guide
Private transportationSnacksGratuitiesAnything not expressly stated in the inclusions
Additional information
Accessibility and comfort
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Traveller reviews
514 reviews
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