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Bologna : a walk into history

Bologna, Italyby Elisa Cornacchia

  • 3 hours
  • Free cancellation
  • Private tour
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • Guide: English, Italian, French

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Overview

Bologna is the city where the first university of the Western world was founded. It is known as the city of music, culture and food. In this tour you will discover which historical periods significantly marked the history and architecture of Bologna. Walking through its narrow streets is the best way to enjoy the city medieval atmosphere and its 40 km-long porticoes. You will visit one of the few still-preserved ghettoes of the region as well as the Archiginnasio, the first official seat of the Alma Mater Studiorum (the university).

What's included

  • Professional guide
  • entrance ticket to the Archiginnasio

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Piazza Maggiore

    5 min

    You will have a look at Piazza Maggiore, with its important palaces and at via Rizzoli to understand the original plan of the city and how it has changed throughout history.

  2. 2

    Basilica Di San Petronio

    10 min

    Your guide will tell you the story of Petronius, Bologna's patron saint. She will illustrate you some important works of art that can be seen inside the church and explain you why this place is so important for the Bolognese people.

  3. 3

    Archiginnasio Di Bologna

    10 min

    You will visit the first official seat of the university in Bologna

  4. 4

    Quadrilatero

    10 min

    You will walk through the most famous food district of the city (the Quadrilatero), where the local food market takes place every day.

  5. 5

    Palazzo della Mercanzia

    5 min

    You will be told about Bologna in the Middle Ages, when this beautiful building played and important role for the foreign traders entering into town.

  6. 6

    Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano

    15 min

    You will discover why this complex is known as the seven chuches or "Sancta Jerusalem", your guide will tell you about its close connections with the Saint Sepulcher and will allow you to understand ancient symbols present inside.

  7. 7

    Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell

    5 min

    You will stop by the two towers and discover their ancient function and why they became one of the symbols of Bologna.

  8. 8

    Via De' Giudei

    10 min

    The guide will take you into the narrow streets of the Jewish ghetto, where the Jews were forced to live till the Italian Unification.

  9. 9

    Finestrella

    10 min

    This is one of the hidden corners of Bologna, known as the “little Venice” which will allow you to understand how different Bologna looked like in the past.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point: on the stairs of the basilica of Saint Petronio

Meeting point: under the arches of Bologna train station main entrance

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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from $206per person

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