One Day Itinerary in Bolonia

  • 8:00AM: Area Archeologica di Bolonia
    10-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore

    Start your day at the Archeological site in Bologna dating back to Roman Times. These ruins are still being excavated today and offer stunning views of the ancient city.

  • 10:00AM: Santa Maria della Vita
    15 minutes (1.2 km) from Area Archeologica di Bolonia

    Santa Maria della Vita is a stunning church filled with beautiful sculptures, most notably the Compianto sul Cristo Morto (Lamentation over the Dead Christ) by Niccolò dell'Arca. This historical church is a must-visit in Bologna.

  • 12:00PM: Mercato di Mezzo
    10 minutes (700 m) from Santa Maria della Vita

    Next, explore the bustling and vibrant Mercato di Mezzo, which is an indoor market with a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses to indulge in. You can also grab a quick lunch at one of the market's vendors.

  • 2:00PM: Basilica di San Petronio
    5-minute walk from Mercato di Mezzo

    Basilica di San Petronio is the largest church in Bologna and one of the biggest in the world. It showcases stunning architecture and beautiful sculptures and paintings by notable artists.

  • 4:00PM: La Montagnola Park
    10 minutes (800 m) from Basilica di San Petronio

    To wind down, take a walk to the tranquil La Montagnola Park at the heart of Bologna. This peaceful spot provides a perfect escape from the bustling city and offers scenic views with a game of chess.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Area Archeologica di Bolonia (1-2 hours, free)
  • Santa Maria della Vita (1 hour, 3 euros)
  • Mercato di Mezzo (1-2 hours, cost varies)
  • Basilica di San Petronio (1-2 hours, free)
  • La Montagnola Park (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 3 euros+

Transportation

Bolonia is a very walkable city and all the points of interest in this itinerary are in the historic center. Taxis and buses are available, but not required for this itinerary.
Estimated costs: Walking - Free
Taxi - 8-15 euros
Buses - 1.5 - 2 euros per trip

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Quadrilatero, a network of narrow streets around Piazza Maggiore with local shops and markets, and sample the famous cuisine, including tagliatelle al ragù (pasta with Bolognese sauce) and tortellini in brodo (dumplings in broth).
If you have less time, cut visit to the park.

Airports

The airport serving Bologna is Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), which is located only 7 kilometers from the city center. The Bologna Aerobus, which runs every 15 minutes, connects the airport to the city center for 6 euros one-way.

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