Bologna is known for its endless arcades, medieval towers and world-renowned cuisine. But there is a more intimate, reflective side of the city that deserves to be discovered: its spiritual dimension.
On this 48-hour itinerary, we will take you on a journey of discovery among Bologna's most fascinating sacred and gathering places, through imposing basilicas, ancient churches and sanctuaries that house works of art and faith monuments.
A journey that combines the beauty of architecture and sacred sculpture with the silence of contemplation, in intimate proximity to the religious symbols that have marked the spiritual history of the city. From the majestic San Petronio to the evocative Santa Maria della Vita; from the labyrinthine complex of Santo Stefano to the ascent to San Luca.
The itinerary is set out in geographical order, but you can easily adapt and modify it according to your needs and preferences of time and route.
An urban pilgrimage that accompanies the faithful and tourists among the most evocative churches in Bologna, where each stop-off is an opportunity to be still, observe and rediscover a deeper sense of travel.
In Piazza Maggiore in the very heart of Bologna stands the majestic Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest basilicas in Italy. With its unfinished façade, it bears witness to a centuries-old history.
Must-sees
Curiosities
As you may have figured, San Petronio (which is not actually the city Cathedral as many think) is much more than a basilica: it is a symbol of the city's identity, a theatre of historical and spiritual events and a treasure trove to be discovered.
After leaving Piazza Maggiore, we walk along Via Clavature and enter the heart of the historic streets of the Quadrilatero. Here you can lose yourself in the city market and be enchanted by the delightful aromas of local produce at every corner. You absolutely can't miss a tasting of traditional Bolognese cuisine, such as a dish of tortellini in brodo, or stopping off at one of the historic trattorias to enjoy a good ragù alla bolognese. If you fancy something sweet, we recommend trying rice cake, a local delicacy that typifies the gastronomic tradition of this area.
After a few minutes we reach the Church of Santa Maria della Vita, a shining gem of Bolognese Baroque.
Inside is one of the most moving works of Italian sculpture: the Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Niccolò dell 'Arca.
The terracotta figures are sculpted with breathtaking realism and project unimaginable sorrow. The agonised faces, the mouths wide open in stricken grief, the hands outstretched in desperation: every detail conveys an emotional intensity that transcends time.
To access the Lamentation and the Oratory, you must buy an entrance ticket. However, Bologna residents and holders of the Card Cultura and Bologna Welcome Card can get to see the Lamentation free of charge and the Oratory with a reduced-price ticket.
Continuing on towards Via Sampieri and then to Via Santo Stefano, we reach one of the most fascinating and spiritually charged religious monuments in the city: the Basilica of Santo Stefano, also known as the Seven Churches.
This ancient place of worship, dating back to the first centuries of Christianity, is a veritable labyrinth of faith and history. An intertwining of architectural and symbolic richness that winds between the Church of the Crucifix, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of Santi Vitale e Agricola and the Courtyard of Pilate.
Each space is full of meaning and recounts a different stage of the Christian journey, evoking the places of the Passion of Christ in Jerusalem.
Walking through these silent environments is an intimate and truly mystical experience.
Must-sees
The beautiful Sepulchre of Santo Stefano houses a reproduction of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. It has a mystical and fascinating aura, set among ancient columns and plays of light that enhance its sacredness.
Curiosities
The remains of Saint Petronius were initially kept here, but with the construction of his dedicated basilica, a dispute arose that led to them being divided: the head was transferred to the new building, while the body remained here. After centuries of separation, it was not until 2000 that the relics were finally reunited in the Basilica of San Petronio.
Just a short walk from the Santo Stefano complex we enter the historic streets of the centre. Going up Via San Vitale, we reach the Church of Santi Vitale e Agricola, one of the oldest places of worship in Bologna.
Before continuing, stop for a tasty bite in one of the traditional trattorias in the area: to get a taste of the local cuisine, try a board of typical Bolognese charcuterie or a delicious piadina stuffed with squacquerone cheese and rocket – perfect for recharging your batteries.
The sober and austere Romanesque architecture creates an atmosphere of reflective solemnity. Inside, the unique nave with its columns and capitals from late antiquity creates an intimate and solemn atmosphere. The visitor feels suspended in time, transported to a place where faith has its roots in remote history.
Curiosities
This is resting place of the relics of Saints Vitalis and Agricola, the first Christian martyrs of the city. Their cult dates back to the fourth century.
Going up to Strada Maggiore, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, we arrive at our fifth stop of the itinerary – the Church of Santi Bartolomeo e Gaetano.
Another masterpiece of Bolognese Baroque, the church stands out for its rich pictorial and sculptural decoration and for the works of local masters that embellish its interior.
With its elegant façade, slender dome and imposing bell tower set between the Two Towers, the basilica makes up one of the most iconic and photographed views of the city.
From here we head towards Via Rizzoli and then along Via dell’Indipendenza, before arriving at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Pietro, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Bologna.
The cathedral is striking for the solemnity of its architecture and the beauty of its interior, where the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and the works of Ludovico Carracci stand out in splendour.
Must-sees
Curiosities
Before leaving the cathedral, it is worth looking upwards at the imposing bell tower. At 70 metres it is the highest in the city and houses the famous "Campanazza", one of the largest bells in Italy. Its solemn tolls have marked the most significant moments of Bologna's religious life for centuries.
Our itinerary finally ends with the ascent to the supreme spiritual symbol of Bologna: the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, a centuries-old destination for pilgrims.
From the city centre, we head towards the Meloncello Arch. This is the starting point of the long portico with its 666 arches, winding its way up Guardian Hill for 3.5 km. This extraordinary route is part of Bologna's porticoes, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true emblem of the city.
The path, although challenging, is a delight: along the climb there are panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills, offering a unique perspective of Bologna.
Travellers arriving at the Sanctuary are welcomed by the icon of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca, the end point of a pilgrimage that is also an inner journey where faith, art and contemplation converge.
Tips
For those who want a unique panoramic experience Sky Experience offers an opportunity to independently climb up to the terrace of the Sanctuary’s Dome – the highest visitable dome in Europe. An internal spiral staircase leads to the top. There you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the historic centre of Bologna and the Bolognese hills.
Curiosities
The Basilica is located on the route of the Via degli Dei and inside it travellers can get a special stamp on their credential card.
