Bologna, Italy (Point of interest)

South-east of Piazza Maggiore square, the Archaeological Museum of Bologna occupies a remarkable 15th-century palace. Collections trace Bologna's development from prehistoric to Roman times, with fine displays of statues, tombstones and coins. The ... Continue reading →

Bologna University's Botanic Garden is amongst the oldest in Europe, founded in 1568. A welcome stretch of green in the university precinct, the gardens include local and exotic specimens, medicinal plants, greenhouses, ornamental gardens and natur... Continue reading →

Bologna's Medieval Civic Museum sheds light on the city's often turbulent history. The museum's fascinating collection of bronze statues, armour, artefacts, illuminated books and monumental tombs is housed in the beautifully frescoed Ghisilardi-Fav... Continue reading →

Bologna's outstanding collection of 13th-18th-century paintings is one of Europe's finest. Housed in a former monastery north-east of Piazza Maggiore square, the National Picture Gallery of Bologna's highlights include classic works by Raphael, Tin... Continue reading →

Surrounded by cavorting cherubs and mermaids representing the Ganges, Nile, Amazon and Danube, the muscular statue of Neptune dominates Piazza Maggiore square's north-west corner. Neptune Fountain was sculpted by Flemish artist Giambologna in 1563.... Continue reading →

Pedestrianised Piazza Maggiore is Bologna's main square and favourite meeting point. Perfect for people-watching, the piazza is flanked by bustling cafés and some of the city's most imposing medieval and Renaissance buildings, including San Petron... Continue reading →

Bologna's Santa Maria dei Servi church is a Gothic gem dating back to the 14th century. Its grand interior is rich in art, containing works such as Beata Vergine by Cimabue and a 15th-century polyptych by Lippo di Dalmasio.... Continue reading →

Medieval Bologna was dotted with perhaps 100 towers, built by competing families for protection and prestige. Twenty remain, and the Asinelli and Garisenda, east of Piazza Maggiore square, are the most famous. Climb the taller, less tilted Asinelli... Continue reading →