Background

Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore: A Blend of History and Art

Explore Bologna's Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore, a historic site with Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance art, including the Bentivoglio and Poggi Chapels.

4.5

The Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore, located in Bologna's Piazza Rossini, is a historic church founded in the 13th century by Augustinian friars. Over the centuries, it has evolved, incorporating Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, and houses artistic treasures like the Bentivoglio and Poggi Chapels.

A brief summary to Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore

  • Monday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the basilica's art and architecture.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary and tourist visits might be limited during religious services.
  • Take time to explore the Santa Cecilia Oratory, known as the Sistine Chapel of Bologna, for its stunning frescoes.
  • Note that the Bentivoglio Chapel is only open on Saturday mornings, but can be viewed through the railings at other times.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Maggiore, walk north along Via dell'Indipendenza, a major thoroughfare. Turn right onto Via Rizzoli, then left onto Via Zamboni. The Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore is located on Piazza Rossini, just off Via Zamboni. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Bologna Centrale Station, take bus lines 20, 23, 27, 356, or others to Piazza Rossini. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes. A single ticket costs around €1-€3.

  • Taxi

    From Bologna Centrale Station, a taxi ride to Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore takes about 4 minutes and costs approximately €6-€8. Taxis are readily available at the station.

Unlock the Best of Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore

The Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore, a significant religious and cultural site in Bologna, offers a journey through medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art and history. Founded by Augustinian friars in 1267, construction began in 1285, strategically located for pilgrims. The basilica is dedicated to St. James the Greater, making it a spiritual sanctuary and a monument to Bologna's role in European history. The church's architecture is a blend of styles. The original Romanesque-Gothic design included a single nave and side chapels. In the 15th century, the Bentivoglio family transformed the basilica, commissioning the Bentivoglio Chapel, a Renaissance masterpiece, and adding an elegant portico. The bell tower was raised in 1471, and the interior was renovated from 1483 to 1498 with a new dome and chapels. The Renaissance portico, attributed to Tommaso Filippi, features 36 Corinthian columns. The interior showcases Renaissance and Baroque decorations. Vaults have frescoes from the 15th century by Francia and Lorenzo Costa. The Poggi Chapel contains artworks by Pellegrino Tibaldi, and the Bentivoglio Chapel features a majolica pavement by the Della Robbia workshop. The Santa Cecilia Chapel, also known as the Sistine Chapel of Bologna, is adorned with frescoes.

Popular Experiences near Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore

Popular Hotels near Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore

Select Currency