Bologna Classic Guide Bike Tour

Located in the centre of Piazza XX Settembre, Porta Galliera is one of the 12 gates of Bologna that belonged to the third and last circle of the city walls, destroyed in the early 20th century.

A few steps from Via Rizzoli stands one of Bologna's tallest towers, second only to that of the Asinelli. It is the Prendiparte Tower, 59 metres high for an ancient structure of medieval origin, dating back to the 12th century, also called 'la coronata' (the crowned one) because of the decoration visible on its upper part that resembles a pointed crown.

Bologna and its towers are one and the same. In the Middle Ages there were about a hundred in the city, but only about twenty have survived to the present day; of these, the Two Towers are undoubtedly the most famous.

The true heart of Bologna, Piazza Maggiore is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The square originated in the early 13th century as a marketplace, later moved to Piazza VIII Agosto, and as the seat of the city government which was moved from the area of San Pietro to where the offices of the Bologna City Council still reside today.

The Basilica di San Petronio is one of the symbols of Bologna, and a must-see destination for anyone wishing to visit the city. With its characteristic unfinished façade, the basilica towers in all its grandeur over Piazza Maggiore.

One of Bologna's most famous landmarks, the Neptune Fountain stands in the square of the same name, opposite the Sala Borsa building. Initially, its location was supposed to be different though. Given its importance, it was planned to be placed in the centre of Piazza Maggiore, which, however, often hosted demonstrations and large events. To preserve it from damage, it was then decided to place it in a more protected location.

The Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio was designed by the Bolognese architect Antonio Morandi known as Terribilia and built in 1563. One of the most visited attractions in Bologna, the Archiginnasio was originally intended to sanction the control of the Pope over the city. Pope Pius IV himself ordered the construction of the building and of the Neptune Fountain too.

The Basilica of San Domenico overlooks Via Garibaldi, not far from the elegant shops of the Pavaglione and Piazza Galvani. In medieval times this area was outside the city walls, as evidenced by the name of the church that stood where now the basilica stands, San Nicolò delle Vigne (literally, San Nicolò of the Vineyards).

One of the most fascinating places in Bologna, the Basilica di Santo Stefano or Sette Chiese (Seven Churches) dominates the elegant piazza of the same name, just a few steps from the Due Torri. Dedicated to the first Christian martyr, the complex was built on the area where a temple dedicated to Isis stood in Roman times.

The renowned Finestrella di Via Piella opens onto one of the canals that cross Bologna's historic centre, the Canale delle Moline, part of a network of underground waterways that once flowed under the open sky. Until a few decades ago, Bologna had a river port, an infrastructure needed to manage the network of trade and exchanges that took place on the water at the time.

An iconic street in the university area of Bologna, Via Zamboni connects the Due Torri to Porta San Donato, one of the gates that survived the destruction of the city's third and final circle of walls. The street is dotted with places of interest and buildings of great importance, which we will examine in detail.