Basilica di San Domenico
Basilica di San Domenico
4.5
Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
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Monday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Tours & experiences
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Santo Stefano
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Restaurants
1,684 within 3 miles
Attractions
516 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
908 reviews
Excellent
565
Very good
287
Average
47
Poor
4
Terrible
5
Francisco Jose Fernandez Sanchez
Las Rozas, Spain529 contributions
Dec 2022
Its remains of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), are buried inside the exquisite shrine Arca di San Domenico
The big basilica was divided in two parts:
the front part, called “internal church”, was the church of the brothers, the called The two basilicas are extraordinary, however I recommend a detailed visit of the oldest, which preserves the most primitive remains. church”, with the simple columns and the trussed flat roof of the old church.
The square in front of the church was built in medieval times, and it is worth stopping there to contemplate the exterior of the first church
The church's small museum houses many important works of art and a wide collection of precious reliquaries, chalices and monstrances.
The big basilica was divided in two parts:
the front part, called “internal church”, was the church of the brothers, the called The two basilicas are extraordinary, however I recommend a detailed visit of the oldest, which preserves the most primitive remains. church”, with the simple columns and the trussed flat roof of the old church.
The square in front of the church was built in medieval times, and it is worth stopping there to contemplate the exterior of the first church
The church's small museum houses many important works of art and a wide collection of precious reliquaries, chalices and monstrances.
Written February 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jordanellie41
Bolton, UK982 contributions
Feb 2023
This church is set in a large square and has no noteworthy features on it's facade. If you walk round to it's left side you will see it goes back a very long way. Once inside at first glance it's another big church with large pillars, lots of alcoves and paintings. The altar and ceiling are very ordinary too. Then bang, you are struck by two alcoves opposite each other half way down that will blow your mind. To the right is a double dome with fantastic frescos on it's ceilings, there's also a small altar with a splendid intricate carving that has to be seen. Below the frescos are mini alcoves on it's back wall with white figurines inside each of them. Opposite in the other alcove it gets even better, once again there's majestic frescos to the ceiling and walls, there's two delightful little balconies on the walls in gold, and the unbelievable sight in front of you. Mary sits in the middle - a multi coloured figurine - around her are exquisite prints surrounded in gold leaf. There's four small pillars in violet to her sides and in front are two foot high white candles in gold leaf stands. All designs to the front are also in gold leaf. At the very top there's two big white statues. This is an absolute masterpiece and not to be missed.
Written February 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion M
Nyon District, Switzerland521 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
The amazing extérieur is something we have never seen before. Seems unfinished with the top half simply bricks. The inside is enormous with lots to see. The tomb of san domenico is beautiful with an imposing reliquary underneath and statues and carvings. One angel by Michelangelo done when he was only 20 years old.
Written April 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill A
Spring Lake, NJ571 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
It always amazes me that a city the size of Bologna could have so many beautiful churches the size of San Domenico. But, it has. And, Basilica di San Dimenico should not be missed. The highlights include two side chapels that are more ornate than the main altar and the choir section behind the altar.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beto79
Lille, France662 contributions
Apr 2022
Probably my favorite church in Bologna from the ones I visited. They have a beautiful chapelle where the remains of San Dominico are located. The nearby area is beautiful as well. One of the highlights of my recent trip to Bologna.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JurreSilbi
Krakow, Poland78 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Very interesting, with the thomb of St. Domenico. Mozart also were there. Many interesting paintings. Almost abandoned by tourists but it is located close to the city centre. Watch visiting hours, there is siesta in the middle of a day.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie Stan
Sheffield, UK18 contributions
Apr 2022
Not religious at all, but worth a visit to see the engineering and stone work. Another Italian beautiful cathedral. Worth a visit. There’s a meridian line that’s particularly interesting on the floor of the cathedral. The longest in Europe apparently.
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Misterbear16
Burnaby, Canada21 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
As most people do, I went here to see the statues that Michelangelo made while he was serving here. Plan your day with this place knowing that the church is closed between 1 pm and 3 pm. Although when we went, they happened to open up earlier than expected at 2:30 pm.
There is no admission cost at the front door but to access areas in the back of the church or certain side rooms you have to pay 1 euro at a divider gate. The Michelangelo statues are in a side room to the right of the building. you will know you are close because they are right after the help booth, and be sure to look at the information papers on the walls as they will pinpoint to you exactly which ones he did before you go in to see it. There are no photos allowed although people try to hide it. There is a caretaker who sits in the room with Michelangelo sculptures warning everyone "no photo" There was an asian couple who constantly kept breaking the rules and ruined the mood for the rest of us as the caretaker became upset at everyone for it and had us under lockdown the rest of the visit. Just remember don't ruin it for the rest of the people. My wife even explained to the asians in their language what they were doing was wrong and they just ignored us and walked away grumbling but it's rules folks. If you're gonna cheat just don't try it when other people are around and ruin our atmosphere.
Overall, the paintings on the ceilings are amazing, with marble floors and marble and gold pillars and walls. It is a majestic place and should be respected as each room represents a different saint. The backroom demands a payment of one euro but I didn't really see anything back there that was that great to look at. Honestly unless you want to take a picture of a room that could honestly be used as a mock room of the room Marie Antoinette had her trial and conviction in. It looks more like Perry Mason would work here than a bishop. However there is enough beautiful rooms in the main area to wet your appetite for european church majesty.
There is no admission cost at the front door but to access areas in the back of the church or certain side rooms you have to pay 1 euro at a divider gate. The Michelangelo statues are in a side room to the right of the building. you will know you are close because they are right after the help booth, and be sure to look at the information papers on the walls as they will pinpoint to you exactly which ones he did before you go in to see it. There are no photos allowed although people try to hide it. There is a caretaker who sits in the room with Michelangelo sculptures warning everyone "no photo" There was an asian couple who constantly kept breaking the rules and ruined the mood for the rest of us as the caretaker became upset at everyone for it and had us under lockdown the rest of the visit. Just remember don't ruin it for the rest of the people. My wife even explained to the asians in their language what they were doing was wrong and they just ignored us and walked away grumbling but it's rules folks. If you're gonna cheat just don't try it when other people are around and ruin our atmosphere.
Overall, the paintings on the ceilings are amazing, with marble floors and marble and gold pillars and walls. It is a majestic place and should be respected as each room represents a different saint. The backroom demands a payment of one euro but I didn't really see anything back there that was that great to look at. Honestly unless you want to take a picture of a room that could honestly be used as a mock room of the room Marie Antoinette had her trial and conviction in. It looks more like Perry Mason would work here than a bishop. However there is enough beautiful rooms in the main area to wet your appetite for european church majesty.
Written October 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jivko V
Sofia, Bulgaria1,543 contributions
Jan 2020
Basilica di San Domenico is centrally located and is a very beautiful and big basilica. There is an altar/sculptor of Michelangelo inside it.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdudhia211
London, UK66 contributions
Aug 2020
This may be a bit out of the tourist trek, but it is a really serene and beautiful church with original early works of Michelangelo. It gives you a really good understanding of the Dominican order.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Basilica di San Domenico, Bologna
Frequently Asked Questions about Basilica di San Domenico
- Basilica di San Domenico is open:
- Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
- Mon - Fri 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- We recommend booking Basilica di San Domenico tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Basilica di San Domenico tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Basilica di San Domenico:
- (0.07 mi) Hotel Touring Bologna
- (0.11 mi) Ospitalità San Tommaso D'aquino
- (0.07 mi) Bed in Bologna Centro
- (0.04 mi) Casa Santangelo
- (0.14 mi) B&B ayHome
- Restaurants near Basilica di San Domenico:
- (0.03 mi) Caffe San Domenico
- (0.03 mi) CafeSantangelo
- (0.04 mi) Corten
- (0.04 mi) Osteria Sotto Sopra
- (0.12 mi) Cremeria Cavour