Top Rated Attractions in Bologna

Bologna's Opera House hosts 80 shows per year, more than 70 concerts during the season and many international touring operas; it is an unrivaled temple of high-quality opera and dance. Located on the left-hand side of Piazza Verdi (the center of the University zone), the Teatro Comunale di Bologna adjoins the magnificent Palazzo Bentivoglio. The list of famous artists who have graced the theater includes composer Gioacchino Rossini and performers like Beniamino Gigli, Luciano Pavarotti, Renata Tebaldi and Mirella Freni.

Inaugurated at carnival time in 1865, Teatro Duse is dedicated to the great Italian actress Eleonora Duse. It was built by Emilio Brunetti, with the help of the engineer Evangelisti. The theater underwent a complete renovation from 1940-42, which gave it a completely different appearance from its original style. The well-known Bolognese theater is still a major city focus today, with a highly regarded program. On performance days, the box office is open from 9a-10p.

Named for the impulsive, uninhibited character in Beckett's Waiting for Godot, Estragon is host to famous acts from the international indie music scene, from dance rockers the Klaxons to the gentler, subdued sounds of Isobel Campbell (of Belle and Sebastian). Not too big, not too small, it's a great place to hear the best of the underground. For further details, please check the website.

The Teatro Europauditorium, designed by the architect Trialdi, first opened in 1983 under the name of Sala Europa. It was renamed as the Europauditorium in 1997 and was dedicated to its first director, Mario Cagli. It can seat 1348 people and has an acoustic room and electro-acoustic equipment to enhance the natural sound. The Europauditorium is one of the largest and most important auditoriums in Emilia-Romagna. Classical music and jazz concerts take place here and involve artists of international importance. Contemporary dance performances also feature in the program. The concert season is organized by the Associazione Bologna Festival and includes a packed program of events from April to June.

Arena del Sole is one of the most well-equipped theatres in Italy. It has very innovative technology, and represents an example of modernity without losing the attractiveness and prestige of its history. It is a historical site, and has daily performances, as is stated in the original inscription which is still above the door today. The Arena was first opened on the July 5, 1810. The theatre has had removable coverings since 1916 so that covered shows can take place during the Winter. A cinema screen was added in 1949. Bologna Council bought the theatre in 1984, and it is now run by the Nuoca Scena-Teatro Stabile di Bologna. As well as producing a lot of plays, it also hosts important modern dance shows, classical music, light music, and jazz.

Located just outside the Historic Center of Bologna, the Stadio Renato dall'Ara is the largest sports facility in all of Bologna. Built during the fascist regime in the year 1925, the ground is now home to the Bologna F.C. Also called Stadio Littoriale, the huge venue has played host to numerous nail-biting football matches.