Bologna Churches and Religious Buildings

(Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy)

There are an enormous number of beautiful churches in Bologna and most are in absolutely superb condition.

San Giacomo Maggiore (St. James Church)

Address: Piazza Rossini, Bologna, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)51 225 970
The San Giacomo Maggiore church was built in the 13th century and has been altered over the years. One of the most interesting and important churches in Bologna, inside there are many interesting features, including numerous frescoes and art work. The Bentivoglio Chapel (Cappella Bentivoglio) and the Chapel of Santa Cecilia (Cappella di Santa Cecilia) are also full of many wonderful treasures.
Open hours: 07:00 to 2:00 and 14:30 to 18:00
Admission: free

Basilica di San Domenico

Address: Piazza San Domenico 13, Bologna, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)51 640 0411
Basilica di San Domenico in Bologna is over 700 years old and over the years has been restored and renovated several times. Inside the church are many notable works of art, such as the choir stalls, which were carved in the 16th century by friar Damiano da Bergamo and the highly detailed and ornate tomb of St. Domenico, the 'sculpture tomb', created by a team of leading artists including Alfonso Lombardi and Michelangelo. The Basilica di San Domenico also has many lavish chapels.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 19:30
Admission: free

Basilica di San Petronio

Address: Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)51 225 442
Bologna's Basilica di San Petronio is the city's largest church and construction started over 600 years ago. The original plans had to be scaled down after the Vatican declared that the church must not be larger than St. Peter's in Rome, home of the pope. This grand basilica in still the fifth largest of its kind in the whole world and contains many beautiful paintings, frescoes and sculptures. The church is named after the city's patron saint and contains many chapels.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Basilica di Santo Stefano

Address: Piazza Stefano 24, Bologna, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)51 223 256
Consisting of four splendid churches that are linked together, the Basilica di Santo Stefano is home to many catacombs, crypts, statues and monuments. The churches include the 11th-century Church of the Crucifix (Chiesa di Crocifisso), the 12th-century Santo Sepolcro, the 11th-century churches of Santi Vitale e Agricola, all with many chapels.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 12:00 and 15:30 to 18:30
Admission: free