Stained glass windows, frescoes, and crypts: a visit to Bologna 's basilicas allows you to truly immerse yourself in the past and contemplate some of the most famous works in the history of Italian art.
Not just the famous Basilica of San Luca : there are countless churches in Bologna that hold curiosities to discover and beautiful sights to see. Today, we at Hotel Maggiore want to offer you some ideas on what to see in Bologna , and in particular on the Bologna basilicas not to be missed during your visit to the Emilian capital.
Basilica of San Petronio
Among the most important and principal basilicas in Bologna, the Basilica of San Petronio is an obligatory stop during a visit to the city.
Located in the central Piazza Maggiore, the church takes its name from the city's patron saint and is the sixth-largest basilica in Europe, the fourth-largest in Italy—or third, if you exclude St. Peter's—and the largest Gothic-style brick church in the world. Construction of this famous Bologna basilica began in the late 14th century and lasted approximately thirty years, although the work remained unfinished, as can still be seen from the state of the façade.
The lower section is in fact covered in white marble, as envisioned in the original design, while the upper section is still made of rough bricks. Consisting of three large naves, the Basilica of San Petronio witnessed important historical events, including the coronation of Emperor Charles V and two separate sessions of the Council of Trent.
Basilica of San Domenico
One of Bologna 's basilicas with the richest artistic heritage, the Basilica of San Domenico was founded in the early 13th century by Saint Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Order of Preachers – or Dominicans, from which it takes its name.
After his death, the patriarch's remains were preserved in the chapel of this famous basilica in Bologna inside a marble sarcophagus that is today considered one of the greatest examples of Italian plastic art, later further decorated with sculptures created by Nicola Pisano.
The interior of the Basilica of San Domenico is the result of renovations carried out during the first half of the eighteenth century, but still preserves works and paintings previously created by great names in the Italian art scene, including Guercino, Cambiaso, and Carracci.
Basilica of St. Stephen
A must-see for anyone wishing to delve into the artistic and cultural history of Bologna 's basilicas , the Basilica of Santo Stefano is actually made up of a complex of buildings, also known as the 'Seven Churches', overlooking the square of the same name. According to tradition, this evocative Bologna basilica was conceived by Saint Petronius, the city's patron saint and then bishop, as an imitation of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem .
In the square, you can admire the facades of the Church of the Crucifix, which contains numerous works of art and the crypt of Abbot Marino, the Church of Calvary, containing a reproduction of the Sepulchre of Christ, and the Church of San Vitale and San Agricola, where you can admire the sarcophagi of the two saints whose names it bears.
For those who decide to visit this basilica in Bologna, the Pilate Courtyard and the Benedictine cloister are also worthy of note, as well as the Museum which houses sculptures, paintings and famous works dating back to various historical periods.
St. Peter's Cathedral
Dating back to the early Christian era, St. Peter's Cathedral is one of the city's main places of worship and has been the seat of the Archdiocese since the late sixteenth century.
Located in the historic center, a short distance from the church of San Petronio , the appearance this Bologna basilica has today is attributable to the work carried out in the early 17th century following a fire and, subsequently, an earthquake in the medieval period that had damaged its structure.
The work carried out eliminated the Gothic-Romanesque traces that characterized its style, and Ludovico Carracci's Annunciation was inserted, a priceless work that today is a source of attraction for tourists visiting the city.
Are you planning a trip to Bologna?
Book your stay in Bologna now at a hotel near the historic center: our rooms and residences are at your disposal to offer you all the comfort you need. We can offer a range of personalized services to make your visit to the city unique, whether you're planning a romantic weekend or looking for accommodations for a concert, a trade show , or another event in Bologna.
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