Basilica Di San Petronio

Basilica Di San Petronio

Basilica Di San Petronio
4.5
Historic SitesChurches & Cathedrals
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
About
➢ Ingresso gratuito (LEGGERE SOTTO) ➢ Ultimo accesso 10 minuti prima dell'orario di chiusura ➢ I gruppi possono accedere solo previa prenotazione tramite mail all'indirizzo prenotazioni@basilicadisanpetronio.org (le prenotazioni NON si effettuano telefonicamente) secondo le seguenti modalità: • Gruppi: le visite guidate si possono effettuare esclusivamente con le radioguide per i gruppi superiori alle 15 persone (15 visitatori + guida/accompagnatore) • Scolaresche: è obbligatorio, oltre all’utilizzo delle radioguide, anche l’accompagnamento di una guida locale. Il costo di ingresso in Basilica è di 1 euro a persona (insegnanti/accompagnatori inclusi) da saldare in anticipo. L'ingresso sarà consentito, previa prenotazione, solo a partire dalle ore 11:40
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Address
Neighborhood: Santo Stefano
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See what travelers are saying

  • andycoldham
    Crawley, United Kingdom1,032 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see site.
    This basilica is located in the heart of the city, in piazza Maggiore. Its a huge building which commenced in the 14th century and took nearly 200 years to complete. It is steeped in history free to enter, and a must see site of Bologna. The interior of the church is stunning and its well worth paying the extra few euros to go into the inner chapel.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 7, 2023
  • GoingGuide
    Nottingham, United Kingdom2,461 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating place of worship
    Fascinating place of worship to visit whether you are religious or not. The unfinished church (due to the lack of funding and death of the architect) is set in the Piazza de Maggiore in the centre of Bologna. It is clear to see from the contrasting upper and lower parts of the exterior how the cathedral is incomplete. The interior in itself also looks unfinished yet full of amazing artwork in the chapels that surround the main section of the cathedral. Can get busy, so it's best to get there early. Well worth a visit.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 24, 2023
  • Angelo S
    Hilliard, Ohio5,340 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Central Basilica of Bologna
    Awe inspiring basilica in the middle of Bologna right off of Piazza Maggiore. While there are three or four basilica (basicilice?) in Bologna, San Petronio is a must visit due to its' size and location. This is one of the few places I have seen that will actually enforce the wearing of appropriate attire. If you are not, you have the option to purchase a disposable covering. Large open space on the inside with a number of beautiful frescoes (including one with Mohammed!) and intricate chapels along the outside. There is a central calendar line and a significant amount of detail to explore throughout.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 11, 2023
  • Dubai2222
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates591 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful site…
    A beautiful religious place worth a visit. A great place to relax. The longest meridian line is inside. The biggest sundial still used to study the sun. Interesting to see a meridian with the astrology signs on it in a basilica.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 24, 2023
  • Peter T
    Tamworth, United Kingdom1,063 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful cathedra, must visit.....
    A beautiful church, free on the day to visit. Some beautiful alcoved statues to religious icons. A serene and peaceful place that you must see. Thre are optional things and just need to make sure you time your visit right. The ceilings in the alcoves are beautifully decorated.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 10, 2024
  • Paolina J
    Milan, Italy15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Every step left me in awe
    One of the largest Basilicas in europe. Its amazing to see the the fascade both gothic medievel and rinascimentale. It is also has un finished sides. This one is not in the shape of a cross. There is a sundial located inside and many side alters. There is a controversial painting inside.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 19, 2024
  • Brad
    Hong Kong, China177,556 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Largest and most important church in Bologna
    Basilica di San Petronio dominates Piazza Maggiore in the centre of Bologna. Named after the city's Patron Saint, this is considered the largest and most important church in the city. Opening hours are 8.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 6pm daily. Entry is free. However there is a (€5 per adult) entry free to visit the inside of the Bolognini (Magi Chapel) on the left hand side of the interior that require a small payment to enter and see up close. Historically, construction on Basilica di San Petrino started in the late 14th-century. The exterior was in construction starting from around 1390 but it was halted midway and never completed, given the basilica the unique unfinished appearance that you see to this day. The interior features an enormous nave lined with 22 chapels filled with historic artworks, sculptures and fresco lined inner walls, some of which are spectacular, particularly the Magi Chapel mentioned above where you can view the remarkable wall fresco series depicting the Episodes in the life of San Petronio. One of the World's longest sundial lines is situated within the church as well. If visiting and viewing the respective chapels leisurely best to allow at least 30-45 minutes for a walkthrough of Basilica di San Petronio.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 30, 2024
  • Vadim
    Murmansk, Russia35,001 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A symbol of Bolognese pride.
    Usually the main thing in the city is the cathedral as the center of the diocese. It's not like that in Bologna, the Cathedral of St. Petra does not have anywhere near the importance that this basilica has. And it's not so much about this status, but, for example, that the coronation of the Spanish King Charles V by the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire took place here. And Charles V, over whose empire, according to him, the sun never set, had plenty to choose from. Looking at the facade of San Petronio, it seems that the builders, having started laying out the facade with marble, then either got tired or stopped working because they were not paid. However, there is a version that this was the original plan at the time of construction, which lasted from 1390 to 1663. The dimensions of the church are 130 by 60 meters with 45-meter vaults are impressive. This is the sixth church in Italy, including San Pietro, which, strictly speaking, is in the Vatican. According to the city magistrate, the Bologna temple was supposed to surpass St. Peter's Cathedral, for which the Bolognese demolished 8 churches, freeing up space. However, Pope Pius IV prevented this by allegedly building a university building next to the already begun basilica, which stood until 1808. According to his logic, there should have been no more churches than St. Peter's Cathedral. In this regard, changes had to be made to the project. This explains the absence of a dome in the church. There have already been so many changes in the project that the architect Antonio di Vincenzo didn`t risk to make the structure heavier, leaving the Gothic vaults. The facade of the basilica is decorated with sculptures by Properzia de Rossi, one of the rare female sculptors of the Renaissance. The interior of San Petronio will be more interesting than the exterior. The basilica boasts the oldest organ in Italy from 1475 by Lorenzo di Giacomo of Prato. The church has a painting by Lippi and a chapel of Napoleon's sister Eliza buried here. But the most controversial work is in the Bolognini Chapel. The painting by Giovanni da Modena depicts hell, in which the prophet Muhammad is tormented, who is devoured by the devil. This is an interpretation of Dante, who placed the founder of Islam in the ninth circle of hell. Due to fears of provoking Muslim fundamentalists, it is forbidden to take photos in the chapel. Gothic vaults/ from the Asinelli Tower.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written April 13, 2024
  • Kurt C
    Malta53 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Grandiosity in the Heart of Bologna
    This immensely grand basilica is at the heart of Bologna. The interior is extremely beautiful and contains unique stained glass. The square in front of it is also huge and gives photographers a unique opportunity for photos with the Church as a Background. It also contains the Meridian Line passing through.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles4,339 reviews
Excellent
2,290
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1,520
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394
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SpaceTruckker
Greenwich, CT28 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
Incredible basilica in the center of Bologna with a lot of history. A must see is the Chapel of the Magi, It is an extra admission charge of 2 or 3 Euros, but well worth it. Only bummer is no photography allowed in this Chapel, but definitely spending some time and soaking in the art and the history of this section of the Church.
Written July 13, 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.

Irene
Stockholm, Sweden312 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
This basilica is located in the heart of the city, in piazza Maggiore. It’s free of charge to enter it but there is a weird announcement that if you want to take pictures of it you have to pay 2€?! I have no idea what is going on with that. It’s really beautiful both inside and outside
Written February 21, 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.

amy j
London, UK85 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
It was very awe inspiring on the inside everything was huge it was like ten churches in one very grand. The outside was a bit disappointing on the top half. Lovely terrace at the back with amazing views of the city.
Written January 15, 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.

Brad
Hong Kong, China177,556 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Basilica di San Petronio dominates Piazza Maggiore in the centre of Bologna. Named after the city's Patron Saint, this is considered the largest and most important church in the city. Opening hours are 8.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 6pm daily. Entry is free. However there is a (€5 per adult) entry free to visit the inside of the Bolognini (Magi Chapel) on the left hand side of the interior that require a small payment to enter and see up close.

Historically, construction on Basilica di San Petrino started in the late 14th-century. The exterior was in construction starting from around 1390 but it was halted midway and never completed, given the basilica the unique unfinished appearance that you see to this day.

The interior features an enormous nave lined with 22 chapels filled with historic artworks, sculptures and fresco lined inner walls, some of which are spectacular, particularly the Magi Chapel mentioned above where you can view the remarkable wall fresco series depicting the Episodes in the life of San Petronio. One of the World's longest sundial lines is situated within the church as well. If visiting and viewing the respective chapels leisurely best to allow at least 30-45 minutes for a walkthrough of Basilica di San Petronio.
Written March 30, 2024
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.

Stephen O'C
Vienna, Austria13 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
Beautiful, inside and out.

Free to have a look inside - we went after mass on the afternoon of Palm Sunday (before Easter Sunday).

A rich mix of architecture and decoration from different periods of the basilica's history. Some beautiful chapels along the sides. The building is enormous in side and genuinely awe-inspiring.

A must-see in the heart of Bologna and close to other landmarks in and around the Piazza Maggiore.
Written April 16, 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.

andycoldham
Crawley, UK1,032 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
This basilica is located in the heart of the city, in piazza Maggiore. Its a huge building which commenced in the 14th century and took nearly 200 years to complete. It is steeped in history free to enter, and a must see site of Bologna. The interior of the church is stunning and its well worth paying the extra few euros to go into the inner chapel.
Written October 7, 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.

CatherineGraceCleghorn
Crewe, UK5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Stunning building with a real sense of calm and Godliness about it. We went to a Mass and then I came back to pray. I got really into it and suddenly realised that it had gone really quiet as everyone had left and the building was now locked up... I called the info line on the helpful leaflets and the nice man was really helpful. Great place to visit but do check closing times!
Written January 4, 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.

201pilot
Terre Haute, IN339 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Couples
Free to enter, this is the main church of Bologna. It is a stunning site to see on the inside, so much beautiful art/sculpture, amazing stained glass. The meridian line made from brass in the floor is so very cool.
Written October 18, 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.

Francesco Maria Carducci
San Gemini, Italy690 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Solo
The Basilica of San Petronio is the most representative church in Bologna and also the largest, located in Piazza Maggiore.
The interior contains many artistic treasures, including the two frescoed chapels, the beautiful inlaid wooden choir and, in general, the area of the main altar.
What I didn't really like was the fact that the altar area had to be paid for, and that entry to the chapels had to be booked.
However, an essential visit on an itinerary in Bologna.
Google
Written September 16, 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.

Angelo S
Hilliard, OH5,340 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Awe inspiring basilica in the middle of Bologna right off of Piazza Maggiore. While there are three or four basilica (basicilice?) in Bologna, San Petronio is a must visit due to its' size and location.
This is one of the few places I have seen that will actually enforce the wearing of appropriate attire. If you are not, you have the option to purchase a disposable covering.

Large open space on the inside with a number of beautiful frescoes (including one with Mohammed!) and intricate chapels along the outside. There is a central calendar line and a significant amount of detail to explore throughout.
Written November 11, 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.

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Basilica Di San Petronio, Bologna

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