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Oratory of Santa Cecilia: A Renaissance Masterpiece

Discover Renaissance art in Bologna's Oratory of Santa Cecilia, a chapel adorned with stunning frescoes depicting the life of Saint Cecilia.

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The Oratory of Santa Cecilia, located on Via Zamboni in Bologna, is a stunning Renaissance chapel renowned for its remarkable series of frescoes. These frescoes, created by masters of the Bolognese Renaissance, depict the life of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and her husband Valerian.

A brief summary to Oratory of Santa Cecilia

  • Monday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Tuesday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Wednesday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Thursday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Friday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary, especially on weekends or when concerts are scheduled.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore for a richer cultural experience.
  • Take your time to admire the frescoes and learn about the stories they depict to fully appreciate the oratory's artistic significance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Oratory of Santa Cecilia is located on Via Zamboni, a central street in Bologna's university district. From Piazza Maggiore, walk north along Via dell'Indipendenza, then turn right onto Via Zamboni. The oratory is a short walk along Via Zamboni, adjacent to the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Oratory of Santa Cecilia is easily accessible by bus. Several bus lines run along Via Zamboni. Check the TPER website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single ticket costs €2.30 if purchased before boarding or €2.50 if purchased on the bus.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Bologna. You can find taxi stands near the Bologna Centrale train station or Piazza Maggiore. A short taxi ride to the Oratory of Santa Cecilia from the city center will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic and the time of day. The base fare during the day is €3.40, with a per km rate of €1.25.

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Discover more about Oratory of Santa Cecilia

The Oratory of Santa Cecilia, nestled on Via Zamboni next to the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore, is a hidden gem of Bolognese art and history. Originally a Romanesque church commissioned by Giovanni II Bentivoglio, the ruler of Bologna in the late 15th century, the oratory was transformed in the early 16th century into a family burial chapel and dedicated to Saint Cecilia. The oratory's interior is a single hall covered by a lowered barrel vault. The walls are adorned with a cycle of ten frescoes, painted between 1505 and 1506 by some of the most celebrated Bolognese Renaissance artists, including Francesco Francia, Lorenzo Costa, and Amico Aspertini. These frescoes vividly depict scenes from the lives of Saint Cecilia and her husband Valerian, set in the time of Pope Urban II. The panels showcase the artists' skill in portraying emotion, movement, and religious sentiment. Today, the Oratory of Santa Cecilia is used as a concert hall and is open to tourists. Its stunning frescoes and serene atmosphere offer visitors a unique glimpse into Bologna's artistic and religious heritage.

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