Certosa di Bologna, Emilia Romagna Travel Guide

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Explore Bologna's Certosa: A historic cemetery blending art, architecture, and cultural heritage in a serene open-air museum.

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Certosa di Bologna

The Certosa di Bologna is a former Carthusian monastery transformed into a monumental cemetery in 1801. It's renowned for its artistic and architectural significance, featuring a blend of medieval cloisters, neoclassical porticoes, and impressive funerary monuments. The cemetery houses the tombs of notable figures and offers a unique open-air museum experience.

A brief summary to Certosa di Bologna

Via della Certosa, 18, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, 40122, IT
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Monday 8 am-1:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-1 pm
Wednesday 8 am-1:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-1 pm
Friday 8 am-12:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-12:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Certosa di Bologna.

Visit during the summer months for extended opening hours and cultural events.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery grounds are extensive and require a good amount of walking.
Check out Cloister VII and III, the Gallery of Angels and the Sala del Colombario for the most impressive sculptures.
Remember that the cemetery is a place of respect and silence should be observed.
Take bus lines 19, 36, 39, or 38 from Bologna Central Station to reach the Certosa.

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Explore Certosa di Bologna on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Certosa di Bologna, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Bologna Centrale train station, take bus line 35 or 38. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes to the 'Costituzione' bus stop. A single bus ticket costs €2.30. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Certosa entrance. Alternatively, bus lines 19 or 36 will drop you off at the Chiesa Certosa stop, which is a 3-minute walk to the entrance.
Walking

From Piazza Maggiore, the walk to Certosa di Bologna is approximately 40 minutes. Follow Via Andrea Costa, which leads directly towards the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. Continue along the portico that starts at the Meloncello Arch. The Certosa entrance is located at the end of this portico, past the stadium. No costs are involved.
Taxi

Taxis are available near the Bologna Centrale train station or via taxi apps. The taxi ride to Certosa di Bologna takes about 15 minutes from the city center. Expect to pay around €8-€11 for the trip. Taxi stands are available at the train station.

Discover more about Certosa di Bologna

The Certosa di Bologna, located just outside the city's historic walls, is one of Europe's oldest and most significant monumental cemeteries. Originally established in 1334 as a Carthusian monastery, it was suppressed in 1797 during the Napoleonic era. In 1801, the complex was repurposed as the city's burial ground, quickly becoming a favored interment site for Bologna's nobility and bourgeoisie.The cemetery is distinguished by its seamless integration of the necropolis into the urban landscape. The passion of local aristocrats transformed the Certosa into an open-air museum, attracting visitors like Byron, Dickens, and Stendhal. The architecture showcases a blend of styles, from medieval cloisters to neoclassical porticoes, chapels, and landscaped gardens. Key highlights include the Chiostro VII (Gallery of the Angels), Chiostro Maggiore, and the Church of San Girolamo, which features artwork by masters like Bartolomeo Cesi and Elisabetta Sirani.The Certosa is not only a burial site but also a museum of funerary art, with sculptures, frescoes, and monuments by renowned artists. The cemetery also holds historical significance with the discovery of an Etruscan necropolis dating back to the 6th to 3rd centuries BC. Today, the Certosa di Bologna stands as a testament to the city's rich historical, artistic, and cultural heritage.