Piazza Maggiore Audio Guides

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Lamborghini Automobile Museum: Entry Ticket
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Bologna: Emilia-Romagna's Heartbeat Audio Tou...

This in-app audio tour offers a self-guided exploration of Bologna's timeless treasures along the well-planned route. You'll encounter iconic landmarks, magnificent basilicas, and significant historical sites that have shaped Bologna's identity. Begin your adventure at Via Indipendenza, close to the central railway station. As you walk along the most important street in Bologna in the direction of its main square, the expertly crafted audio commentary will bring you back in time, to the the Middle Ages. As you step in the Piazza Maggiore, you will be amazed by the Basilica of St. Petronio — the last large example of the late Gothic style of architecture in Italy. Next, you will pass by the Basilica of St.Domenico adorned with the statues by young Michelangelo. You will then see the real symbol of Bologna, which feature on every postcard – the Two Towers, one of which is the highest leaning tower in Europe. Then, you will stop by the famous University of Bologna – the oldest continuously-operating university in the world that scholars like Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarca, Albrecht Dürer, Nicolaus Copernicus, Paracelsus, and Guglielmo Marconi, called their alma mater. After that, you will explore the Jewish Ghetto and its significance in the city's cultural mosaic. Finally, you'll discover the stunning architecture of the Basilica of St. Francis. There, you may choose to extend your journey by taking the San Luca Express to the church on the hill.

Things to do in Bologna

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About Piazza Maggiore

Address

Piazza Maggiore
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Best time to visit

Visit early in the morning for a quieter square, or at dusk to see the surrounding buildings in softer light.

Crowd level

With nearly 90,000 Google reviews, Piazza Maggiore is popular. No booking is needed for the open square; visit before 9 a.m. for the quietest experience.

Directions

From Bologna Centrale, walk along Via dell’Indipendenza toward the historic center; Piazza Maggiore is about 20 minutes away.

Piazza Maggiore has been the civic heart of Bologna since the Middle Ages, when the city began creating a central space for public life. Its surrounding buildings trace centuries of local history: Palazzo del Podestà reflects medieval government, while Palazzo d’Accursio remains closely associated with the city’s administration. The immense Basilica di San Petronio, begun in the late 14th century, dominates one side of the square with its distinctive unfinished facade. Nearby, the Fountain of Neptune stands in the adjoining Piazza del Nettuno, often explored as part of the same public space. Today, Piazza Maggiore is more than a collection of monuments. Residents and visitors gather here to meet, linger at cafés, hear street musicians, and experience Bologna’s public life.

Before you enter

  • Wear comfortable shoes; the square and surrounding historic streets are best explored on foot.
  • Check the weather before heading out, as the central square offers little shelter.
  • Allow time to explore the adjoining Piazza del Nettuno as well.

What to expect

  • Expect an open public square framed by medieval and Renaissance buildings.
  • Look for the unfinished facade of the Basilica di San Petronio.
  • The atmosphere changes throughout the day, from quieter mornings to lively evenings.

During your visit

  • Pause near the center of the square to take in the different facades.
  • Step into the surrounding streets to find varied views back toward the basilica.
  • Respect any temporary event arrangements and keep entrances to surrounding buildings clear.

FAQ about Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is located in Bologna, surrounded by many other great sights.

These tours cover Piazza Maggiore and other nearby highlights:

Explore Piazza Maggiore at your own pace with these audio guides and self-guided tours:

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