Into the heart of old Bologna: A Walking Tour
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About the Tour
About the Tour
Bologna isn’t just a pretty medieval city. It’s where ancient Roman roads meet soaring medieval towers, where Europe’s oldest university shaped modern law, and where engineering prowess gave birth to Maserati, Ducati, and Lamborghini.
On this walking tour through the historic center, you’ll discover the layers of history preserved in Gothic arcades, hidden courtyards, and the tallest towers in Italy. The tour starts at Neptune’s Fountain in Piazza del Nettuno, a 16th-century sculpture at the heart of the old city.
You’ll follow Via Emilia, the Roman road built in 187 BC that stretches 200 miles from the Adriatic Sea to Milan, and explore the university quarter on Via Zamboni, where students have gathered since 1088. Along narrow medieval streets lined with wooden arcades, you’ll encounter surviving towers from an era when over 100 filled the skyline, serving as fortified homes for wealthy families during the turbulent Middle Ages.
The tour ends at the Basilica di San Petronio, an enormous Gothic church whose construction was halted by a pope who feared it would outshine Rome’s grandest buildings.
On this two-hour tour, you’ll have a chance to:
- Admire the Asinelli Tower which stands nearly 100 meters tall, and explore Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square since medieval times
- Step inside Santo Stefano, Bologna’s oldest church complex, built in the 4th century on the ruins of a temple to Isis
- Visit San Domenico, the seat of the Dominican order, to see Michelangelo’s early works on an elaborate marble ark
- Explore the Prendiparte Tower, a 60-meter medieval structure once used as a prison for heretics
- Walk beneath the soaring wooden arcade of Casa Isolani, where three arrows in the ceiling tell the story of a failed assassination
- Discover the humble garage on Via de’ Pepoli where the Maserati brothers repaired and built their first racing cars
- Stroll through Palazzo della Mercanzia, the 1391 Gothic palace that served as Europe’s most important commercial court
This tour reveals how Bologna’s medieval past shaped its reputation for innovation, education, and engineering excellence, which continues to this day.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Christian Rizzi
I was born in Bologna Italy more than 50 years ago in a XVII century house called Sostegno Grassi beside the Navile canal, which connected Bologna to Venice in the Middle Ages. During my studies in history at university I had the chance to travel through Europe, North America and West Africa where I’m still leading groups.
A few years ago, my town, Bologna, became an interesting tourist site, so joining my guiding experience in West Africa and my love and passion for my city, I’ve started to lead groups here too. I’ve found it easier than I thought because I was born here, and all the places I visit with guests remind me of my childhood and roots. That’s why I’ve made this VoiceMap of my city for you.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 8
San Martino Church founded in 1227 but restored in 1879
The Church of San Martino was originally built in Gothic style in 1227, and we can still see its classic structure, featuring tall pillars in the central ... Read More
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How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Torre Azzoguidi
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Torre Prendiparte o Coronata
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Palazzo Grassi
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Two Towers
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Palazzo della Mercanzia
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Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano - Complesso delle Sette Chiese
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Basilica of San Domenico
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Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita
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Portico della Morte
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Piazza Maggiore
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start locationPiazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
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Total distance3km
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Final locationPiazza Maggiore, 1/e, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
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Distance back to start location102.84m
Directions to Starting Point
The tour begins at the very center of the city, in front of Neptune's Fountain in Piazza del Nettuno.
It's less than 50 meters from the so-called T intersection at the beginning of via Indipendenza, so on Google Maps dial via Indipendenza 1 or Fontana del Nettuno Bologna, and it will show you where it is.
The tour ends some 100 meters away in front of the main church of San Petronio in Piazza Maggiore.
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Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Feel free to stop at any spot where the aroma of a good ragù draws you in — Bologna has no shortage of them. For a memorable pause, consider the terrace at Bottega I Portici, located beneath the Two Towers in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, or La Cesarina, a restaurant in Piazza Santo Stefano right beside the Church of Santo Stefano. Further along the tour route, near its final stretch, you will find Il Postiglione on Via Marchesana, tucked under the arcade of Palazzo Mainetti Sanmarchi. For something sweet, Gelateria Venchi Cioccolato on Via Orefici sits at the intersection with Via Drapperie, while directly across the street, Tamburini bar occupies the corner of Via Drapperie and Via Caprarie.
Best time of day
This tour is best experienced in the afternoon during spring or early autumn. Summer and winter are also viable, though in summer it is advisable to avoid the hottest hours between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. During that window, most churches close for a lunch break, making it an ideal time to pause for a meal as well. The tour can also be done at night, as the route avoids the city's rougher areas.
Precautions
Bologna is generally a safe city, and the streets along this tour route are no exception. However, certain nearby areas — such as the train station, Piazza Scaravilli, and La Montagnola — can be less welcoming, particularly after dark. It is recommended to avoid walking through these neighborhoods alone at night. Women should take extra caution, as petty theft such as bag-snatching has been reported in these areas.
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