The Best Sight in Bologna, Emilia–Romagna

Background Illustration for Sights

Piazza Maggiore and the adjacent Piazza del Nettuno are the historic centers of the city. Arranged around these two squares are the imposing Basilica di San Petronio, the massive Palazzo Comunale, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo Re Enzo, and the Fontana del Nettuno—one of the most visually harmonious groupings of public buildings in the country. From here, sights that aren't on one of the piazzas are but a short walk away, along delightful narrow cobblestone streets or under the ubiquitous arcades that double as municipal umbrellas. Take at least a full day to explore Bologna; it's compact and lends itself to easy exploration, but there's plenty to see.

Pinacoteca Nazionale

University area

Bologna's principal art gallery contains many works by the immortals of Italian painting; its prize possession is the Ecstasy of St. Cecilia by Raphael (1483–1520). There's also a beautiful polyptych by Giotto (1267–1337), as well as Madonna with Child and Saints Margaret, Jerome, and Petronius (altarpiece of St. Margaret) by Parmigianino (1503–40); note the rapt eye contact between St. Margaret and the Christ child.