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Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano: Bologna's Seven Churches

Explore Bologna's Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano, a unique complex of interconnected churches with a rich history and stunning architecture.

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The Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano, also known as the Sette Chiese (Seven Churches), is a unique and historically significant religious complex in Bologna, Italy. It's not just one church, but a collection of interconnected sacred buildings dating back to early Christian times, showcasing various architectural styles.

A brief summary to Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano - Complesso delle Sette Chiese

  • 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

  • Dress modestly when visiting, as it is a religious site. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Visit during the week to avoid larger crowds.
  • Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of each church within the complex.
  • Explore the cloisters and courtyards for a peaceful respite from the city.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Maggiore, walk east on Via D'Azeglio for about 600 meters until you reach Piazza Santo Stefano and the Basilica complex. The walk is straightforward and takes approximately 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Bologna Centrale train station, take bus line 11 and get off at the Piazza Minghetti stop. From there, it's a short walk to Piazza Santo Stefano. A single bus ticket costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Bologna. A taxi ride from Bologna Centrale train station to Basilica di Santo Stefano typically costs between €8-€10 and takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano - Complesso delle Sette Chiese

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Discover more about Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano - Complesso delle Sette Chiese

The Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano, a captivating and historically rich site, stands on Piazza Santo Stefano in Bologna, Italy. Locally known as Sette Chiese (Seven Churches) or Santa Gerusalemme (Holy Jerusalem), this complex is more than just a single church; it's an amalgamation of religious edifices, each with its own distinct character and history. According to tradition, Saint Petronius, the bishop of Bologna in the 5th century, initiated the construction of the basilica over a temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, with the vision of recreating the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The complex has undergone numerous expansions and renovations throughout the centuries, resulting in a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Lombard, and ancient Roman architectural elements. Today, only four of the original seven churches remain intact: the Church of the Crucifix, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of Saints Vitale and Agricola, and the Church of the Trinity. Entering through the 11th-century Church of the Crucifix, visitors can view the crypt and a sculpture depicting the Lamentation over the Dead Christ. The octagonal Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the oldest building in the complex, once held the relics of San Petronio. The Courtyard of Pilate features a Lombard artifact basin where Pontius Pilate is said to have washed his hands. The Church of Saints Vitale and Agricola, the city's oldest, incorporates recycled Roman masonry and carvings. The Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano is not only a religious site but also a place of art, culture, and spirituality, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local traditions of Bologna.

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