Bologna 3-day itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Museo Civico Archeologico

   In the Palazzo Galvani – a 14th-century building. This building, an old hospital, houses a comprehensive collection of antiquities from civilizations and cultures including ancient Egypt (mummies and sarcophagi), Iron Age Villanova culture, artifacts from Etruscan Velzna, funerary art, terracotta urns, ancient vases and items from Roman times. Do not miss the bronze Certosa jar, which is over 1,500 years old.

2. Stop 2 · 4 min walk

   Collezioni Comunali d'Arte

   A painting collection of works from various historical periods. Features include works by Giuseppe Maria Crespi (Ritratto del cardinale Lambertini- Portrait of Cardinal Lambertini), Ludovico Carracci (S. Caterina in Carcere – St. Catherine in Prison), and Guido Cagnacci (Cleopatra e Lucrezia), Francesco Hayez (Ruth).

3. Stop 3 · 4 min walk

   Museo Civico Medievale

   Part of Musei Civici d'Arte Antica.

4. Stop 4 · 12 min walk

   Museo Davia Bargellini

   A most curious collection, including religious art of the 1500s, a marionette theatre, an 18th-century gilded carriage, and antique keys and door hardware. Housed in a 17th-century palazzo.

5. Stop 5 · 23 min walk

   Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna

   A nice collection of modern art, if you want a break from the more classical pieces that abound in Italy.

6. Stop 6 · 13 min walk

   Museo Morandi

   Opened in 1993, the museum houses most of the works by the Bolognese painter Giorgio Morandi.

Eat · Osteria del Sole: If you feel like picnicking on some of the cold cuts (salumi), cheeses and other fresh foods on display in the delicatessens and market stalls off Piazza Maggiore, then Osteria del Sole at a tiny street could be a perfect venue.

1. Stop 1

   Basilica di San Petronio

   It had to be the largest church in the world and in the shape of a huge Latin cross, but was only completed the long arm and with the unfinished façade. The basilica is still one of the most beautiful examples of Italian Gothic style and is one of the greatest monuments in the city. The Basilica houses an invaluable number of treasures such as the sundial by Cassini and Guglielmini, which indicates the exact period of the current year at all times, the "S. Rocco" by Parmigianino and the marvelous Bolognini Chapel.

2. Stop 2 · 4 min walk

   Palazzo del Podestà

   The first seat of the city government.

3. Stop 3 · 4 min walk

   Palazzo Re Enzo

   The palace was built between 1244-1246 as an extension of the nearby Palazzo del Podestà. It takes its name from Enzio of Sardinia, Frederick II's son, who was prisoner here from 1249 until his death in 1272. The current Gothic appearance dates from the restoration of 1905 due to Alfonso Rubbiani.

4. Stop 4 · 4 min walk

   Fontana di Nettuno

   A fountain built in 1563 by Tommaso Laureti of Palermo, later embellished by Jean de Boulogne (called Giambologna). It is considered to be one of Bologna’s symbols, and renovated in 2017.

5. Stop 5 · 4 min walk

   Scavi Romani di biblioteca salaborsa

   A compact basement-level field of ruins from Bologna's past, from 2nd-century BCE Roman roads and buildings, to a 16th-century CE cistern. Metal walkways take you on a 100-m course over and around the ruins. But this thoughtful display is all the more interesting for its location: under a 19th-century stock exchange hall ("salaborsa"), which has been converted to a 21st-century library. Enjoy this airy, pleasant room on your way down to the ruins. A colourful flyer gives context in English and Italian.

6. Stop 6 · 4 min walk

   Palazzo dei Banchi

   The last palace to be built in Piazza Maggiore. Its current Renaissance-style palace façade dates to the 16th century.

Eat · Tigellino: Excellent tigelleria. Good ingredients and excellent bread. Characteristic, all kinds of menus including vegetarian. Each tigellini costs €1.70-1.90.

1. Stop 1

   Via Rizzoli

   One of the main streets of Bologna. It is a meeting point and strolling area. It opens up to Piazza di porta Ravegnana, where the two towers rise.

2. Stop 2 · 4 min walk

   Palazzo della Mercanzia

   Palazzo della Mercanzia is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

3. Stop 3 · 11 min walk

   Tombe dei Glossatori

   Named for the lawyers who used to add glosses (notes) to documents. The tombs, which date from the end of the 13th century, are home to many of Bologna's famous scholars.

4. Stop 4 · 12 min walk

   Basilica di San Domenico

   Basilica di San Domenico is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

5. Stop 5 · 13 min walk

   Via Santa Caterina

   With small houses built in the 16th century.

6. Stop 6 · 16 min walk

   San Michele in Bosco

   Architectural complex comprising the church and adjacent former convent of the Olivetans, with an amazing panoramic view of the city that's great at sunset. Get the number 30 bus if you don't like walking up hills!

Eat · Nectare: A small vegetarian restaurant, choose between prepared dishes. Good healthy bowls and burgers.