Visiting Churches, Cathedrals & Basilicas in Bologna, Italy
During our stay in Bologna, Italy, we visited many of the city’s famous churches and Basilicas. I also found some smaller religious buildings while sightseeing, and many were impressive. Key churches to visit include Basilica di San Petronio in Piazza Maggiore and Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro.
Other notable churches I visited were Basilica Santuario di Santo Stefano in the historic centre and Madonna of San Luca in the hills overlooking Bologna. Most churches in the city are free to enter; some have rules on photography and what to wear when entering. These are usually clearly displayed.
Churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas in Bologna
Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro
One of many free Baroque churches to visit is the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro. Most of the present cathedral dates from the 17th century; however, a few parts date to the late 16th century. The site has been home to a cathedral since 1028.
Visiting inside was free, except for the tower and the archaeological area of the crypt.
The nave is very large and has many side chapels, each with unique artworks. Inside, look out for Alfonso Lombardi’s terracotta Lamentation over the Dead Christ, one of the cathedral’s most notable artworks. The cathedral also contains a 12th-century wooden Crucifix with figures of the Virgin Mary and St John, along with paintings by artists including Ludovico Carracci and Donato Creti.
Basilica Santuario di Santo Stefano
Basilica Santuario di Santo Stefano has an entrance in Piazza Santo Stefano. The site is a complex of interconnected religious buildings, including churches and porticoes. The Basilica Santuario di Santo Stefano in Bologna includes an octagonal Church of the Holy Sepulchre and a two-tiered Benedictine Cloister.
Visitors can explore symbolic areas such as the Courtyard of Pilate alongside historic churches that house ancient mosaics and the relics of Saint Petronius.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was the highlight of my visit and was free to enter. This part of the complex dates back to the 5th century; however, Benedictine monks rebuilt it in the 11th century. Inside the church, the pulpit and steps were highlights. The layers of history and the combination of the churches make this a must-visit place of worship in Bologna.
Basilica di San Petronio
The Basilica di San Petronio is a massive church in Piazza Maggiore. It’s an impressive place, inside and out. The church is best viewed from Piazza Maggiore or the viewpoint on the Palazzo d’Accursio clock tower. This is a free place to visit; however, visitors must follow several rules, including dressing modestly (covered shoulders and appropriate-length shorts/skirts).
The Basilica of San Petronio is the city’s largest church and is considered unfinished. Construction began in 1390 and was left unfinished in 1663. The Basilica di San Petronio is an Italian Gothic church, one of the last great late-Gothic churches built.
Inside the Basilica di San Petronio, look for the enormous 17th-century meridian line on the floor. The church also contains numerous side chapels with frescoes, paintings, and sculpted monuments, including the Chapel of the Magi. Other notable features include the vast Gothic interior, the high altar and choir, and one of Italy’s largest organs.
Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita is in the Quadrilatero area near all the food markets. This elaborate Baroque-style Roman Catholic church is free to enter. It has an enormous dome and historic murals & sculptures inside.
This includes some fantastic art and a 13th-century sculpture, Sorrow over the Dead Christ. For me, the altar and the painted dome above piqued my interest.
Basilica di San Martino
The Basilica di San Martino dates from the 15th century. It is Renaissance-by-design, with some Gothic features, and is free to enter. Inside the Basilica di San Martino, you’ll find decorated chapels, Renaissance and Baroque artworks, and an elegant vaulted interior. The church was quieter than other basilicas I visited in the city.
Chiesa dei Santi Bartolomeo e Gaetano
Near Bologna’s iconic Two Towers is the Chiesa dei Santi Bartolomeo e Gaetano, which is free to enter. The church is easy to miss from the street, but parts of its exterior are lovely from behind, including the dome and tower.
The interior is one of the more elaborate smaller churches in central Bologna. Its Baroque interior has richly painted ceilings, ornate side chapels, and decorative stucco work. Among the artworks are pieces by important Bolognese painters, including Ludovico Carracci and Guido Reni.
Parrocchia di Santa Maria e San Domenico della Mascarella
On Via Irnerio, near our dog-friendly accommodation in the university district, is Parrocchia di Santa Maria e San Domenico della Mascarella. It’s a nice-looking church that I caught at sunset. It has medieval origins, and its architecture is relatively simple compared with Bologna’s larger basilicas. I couldn’t go inside, as it was often closed or hosting services.