Top Rated Attractions in Bologna

The capital city of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world; this grand dame of Medieval architecture - a paradise for foodies. Medieval terracotta buildings clamor for space in the old town of Bologna; at its core, the Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno are lined on every side by colonnades and bejeweled with some of the city's most coveted architectural gems. Of these, the unfinished facade of the Basilica of St. Petronius is the most striking, and considered by many to be Italy's finest Gothic church. Its blank face only serves to highlight the exuberance of the intricate interior design and allows the imagination free reign to envision the potential grandeur of this magnanimous church had the architect's plans been realized. The city also boasts a pair of leaning towers. Replete with inviting cafes, quaint little shops and fabulous restaurants, Bologna is rich in charm. Origin of the Bolognese sauce and one of the country's top producers of pasta and sausages, the city also caters to epicurean cravings with hearty flair. Paired with top-notch entertainment venues, museums, galleries and shopping streets, Bologna may not be as reputed as Rome or Venice, but is no less intriguing. For a real taste of the city, embark on a guided food tour of the city's restaurants and factories.

This majestic palazzo was built for the Fantuzzi family. They needed to have the entire portico knocked down in order to have it built. The building's magnificent façade is made up of ashlar work and there are strong contrasts between the light and dark areas due to the patterns of stone slabs. These were organized by Formigine to give the building depth and perspective. Inside, there is a beautiful Baroque staircase which was built for the Canali in 1680. There are also some wonderful statues which were sculpted by Gabriello Brunelli and which are based on scenes from the myths of Atlanta.

From 1805 the Conservatory took place in the 14th-century former Augustinian convent which faces onto Piazza Rossini 2. Inside, a magnificent stairway built by Alfonso Torreggiani in 1752 leads to the upper floors where around 300 portraits of famous musicians are exhibited. The paintings of the Quadreris were collected by G. B. Martini, who was enamored of music and had the portraits sent to him by the artists. Many of these works adorn the Sala Bossi, famous for its classical concerts and magnificent organ. Well known musicians such as Rossini, Donizzeti and Martucci used to teach in the Conservatory.

Music has always played a fundamental role in the city of Bologna. The Museo Bibliografico Musicale were made famous by some illustrious masters of the European musical tradition; in 1770, the young Mozart took the entrance exam for Bologna's Philharmonic Orchestra in the Conservatory. Museo Bibliografico Musicale contains some musical scripts signed by Rossini, and Donizetti such as the "Barber of Seville", and some rare musical prints from the 16th and 17th Centuries. Portraits of famous musicians are hung on the walls, these include two magnificent canvases by G. M. Crespi which depict a library which is painted so well that it actually seems real.

This church was built by the Augustine Fathers in 1267. In the 15th Century the Bentivoglio chapel was added, and was probably designed by Pago di Lapo Portigiani. The church's façade is monocuspidate, and has a Romanesque portal decorated with carved lions which is crowned by a niche containing a statue of Saint Giacomo. To the sides of the entrance you can see four mortuary niches. There is a beautiful Renaissance style portico which runs along the lefthand side of the church. The portico was built in 1477 on the request of Giovanni Bentivoglio. Even Goethe became speechless when he saw this magnificent place of worship .

The Palazzo was built by the architect Domenico Tibaldi in 1577. Nowadays it contains the headquarters of a company called Credito Romagnolo. There are beautiful frescoes inside by Luca Giordano, Giuseppe Maria Crespi, Alessandro Tiarini, Ludovico Carracci and Alessandro Magnasco. It is also worth taking a look at the wonderful frieze which was completed Carracci between 1590 and 1592. The frieze narrates the history of the beginning of Rome.