Bologna Tourist Attractions

Tower of Asinelli

The Asinelli Tower is located in the city center, in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. The Garisenda Tower is close by. This location and the two towers known as the Two Towers of Bologna have long been associated with the city.

The towers were built during the Medieval era for various military functions. They were constructed with the utmost grandeur and represented the social status of their owners.

The Asinelli Tower, the only structure in the city that's open to the general public, can be booked online or through the Welcome Information Office.

It was built from 1109 to 1119. The same family handed it over to the municipality in the following century. Its 498 internal stairs lead to its top, which is a height of over 97 meters.

The entrance fee to the Asinelli Tower is free if you have a valid Bologna Welcome Card. It can be bought for adults and children under 12 years old and groups of 20 or more people.

Sanctuary of the Madonna De San Luca

The Sanctuary of San Luca is an important pilgrimage site in Emilia Romagna. It can be found in the center of Bologna, near the Porta Saragozza. Follow the path that leads to the portico, which measures almost 4 kilometers long.

The sanctuary was constructed in 1741 by Dotti, known for his work on various projects. It was completed in 1815. During the 13th century, the Madonna di San Luca statue was brought to the city, making it one of the most prominent features of the sanctuary.

Many people believe that upon seeing the Madonna of San Luca, one feels a maternal gaze as one approaches it from the altar. In May, the statue is brought to the city from its resting place on a hill.

Getting to the sanctuary can be done by public transportation. You can take bus 20 from the center to Villa Spada and then bus 58 to the Basilica. By car, you can take a route that leads to the hills of San Luca and passes through Casaglia.

Museo Lamborghini Bologna

The museum, operated and owned by Automobili Lamborghini, displays various Lamborghini vehicles. The two-story structure was opened in 2001. It was renovated in 2016 to provide more exhibit space.

Through its exhibits, the museum tells the story of Lamborghini founder Ferruccio Lamborghini through his various mechanical creations. It was established in 2014 by his son, Tonino Lamborghini.

The museum features 9,000 square meters of exhibit space. It also displays various types of tractor models that Lamborghini used. These include the first Carioca tractor that was made in 1947.

You can admire Ferruccio's passion for cars by visiting the museum. It features various Lamborghini vehicles, such as the Miura, showcased in the movie "Back to the Future." Other famous models inspired the film, such as the Countach, Jarama, Urracos, and the Lamborghini Espada with its gull-wing doors.

Getting to the museum can be done by bus from the Bologna coach station. You can take the bus line 97 to the Zona Industriale Larghe. The museum is around 2 minutes' walk away from the stop.

The Lamborghini museum is easily accessible by car due to its proximity to the A13 Bologna-Padova motorway. After taking the toll, follow the road SP3 for 3 kilometers. Turn left onto Strada Provinciale 4, located in Galliera, at the end of the road.

Piazza Maggiore

One of Italy's most beautiful squares is located in the center of Bologna and surrounded by some of the city's most prominent historical buildings. Some of them include the Palazzo del Podest and the San Petronio Basilica.

The area was first established in the 1200s when the municipality acquired land and houses to build a square. On the one hand, it represented the importance of the institution, while on the other, it was to organize various city activities.

The square measures 110 meters wide and 60 meters long. It's close to the west by the Palazzo Comunale, an architectural complex dating back to the 14th century. The Morandi Museum and the municipality are currently using it.

Even though the name of Vittorio Emanuele II, the King of Italy, was associated with the square, it only became known as Piazza Maggiore during the 16th century. This became official in 1945 after the Austrians were expelled from the area.

One of Italy's most beautiful squares is located in the center of Bologna and surrounded by some of the city's most prominent historical buildings. Some of them include the Palazzo del Podest and the San Petronio Basilica.

The closest bus stop is located in the eastern part of the square. If you want to visit the square on foot, you can reach it from any point in the city.