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What to see in Bologna: Piazza Maggiore

Going back to our steps along the Via dell’Archiginnasio we enter in Piazza Maggiore, simply ‘the square’ for the people from Bologna, surrounded by the most important buildings in the medieval city. The most ancient one is the Podestà Palace, surmounted by the Arengo Tower.

The most ancient is Palazzo del Podestà surmounted by the Arengo tower, located near Palazzo Re Enzo under which its vault opens up for pedestrian crossing. It is right here that we suggest you to stop to have a little game. Under the vault you can play “Chinese Whispers”. One needs to whisper something in a corner, and the person on the opposite corner will hear him/her!

Finally you cannot leave the square without visiting our Cathedral, San Petronio dedicated to the city’s Patron Saint. The Church was built in 1390 and however it has not been completed it still remains one of biggest churches in Europe. Inside the cathedral, you will see wonderful frescoes and imponent vaults, the biggest sundial of the world and two of the most ancient pipe organs in Italy. It is free of charges to visit the Cathedral but there is a €2,00 fee if you would like to take pictures and videos.Cathedral but there is a €2,00 fee if you would like to take pictures and videos.

Behind the cathedral, in Galvani square, you can have behind the cathedral, in Galvani square, you can have access to the roof terrace where you can see Bologna from a 54 metres height. To ride up there is an elevator that will take you directly on the terrace. The ticket for the entrance is €3,00.

 
  

Near the square, we find the Nettuno Fountain, one of the symbols of the city, work of the famous Flemish sculptore Giambologna. Before going back home, I sugget to go back in time, the time of the ancient Bononia, by entering the Sala Borsa. In 800′ it was the centre of the economical life, today is one of the most important cultural places with its rich multimedial library. In the centre of the structure, on the floor, right under the visitors’ feet, a crystal floor exhibits the origins of the city. Here you can have a coffee looking at the art decò cielings and the archaeological findings on which the city rises today.

 

Cathedral opening hour: Monday – Friday: 07:45am/1:30pm – 2:30pm/6:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 07:45am/6:30pm
 Terrace opening hour: Monday – Thursday: elevator every 20 minutes from 11:00am to 1:00pm (last elevator at 12:40pm) and from 3:00pm to 6:00pm (last elevator 5:40pm)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: elevator every 20 minutes from 10:00am to 1:00pm( last elevator at 12:40pm) and from 2:30pm to 6:00pm (last elevator 5:40pm)

The centre of Bologna is right here and our apartments are just few steps away!

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