Piazza Maggiore Tours

Bologna featuring a square or plaza, a city and heritage architecture
Bologna showing heritage architecture and a city
Piazza Maggiore featuring heritage architecture and a square or plaza
Bologna showing heritage architecture and a city
Bologna featuring a city and heritage architecture


Not only has this been the epicenter of Bologna since the 13th century, but it is also one of the largest and oldest squares in all of Italy. 

To visit Piazza Maggiore is to experience the essence of Bologna. In the Middle Ages, the city’s citizens gathered in the square to hear decrees, shop and barter for goods, and even witness executions. Today, enjoy the Italian pace of life and see some of Bologna’s most beautiful medieval buildings surrounding the square.

See Bologna’s humble beginnings in Palazzo del Podestà, the oldest building in Piazza Maggiore. Built around 1200, the palace was home to high-ranking city officials. Check out the Torre dell‘Arengo, which houses a massive bell that used to warn the people of Bologna of an emergency.

Above the entryway to the pink Palazzo d’Accursio o Comunale, note the statue of Bologna native Pope Gregory XIII blessing passers-by. Walk through the palace’s courtyard and to the Sala Farnese on the second floor. After you take in the hall’s splendid frescos, admire the equally splendid view of Piazza Maggiore from its windows.

You can’t miss the unfinished façade of the Basilica of San Petronio. Construction began in 1390 on what was intended to be the biggest church in the Christian world. The Pope, however, did not want a church to outsize St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, so construction dragged on for centuries and was ultimately abandoned. Although it is unfinished, the church is still one of the most arresting sights in Piazza Maggiore — and one of the largest Catholic churches in the world.

In the center of Piazza Maggiore, find the large Fountain of Neptune. The fountain was built in 1564 by famed Flemish sculptor Giambologna. Despite its practical function, the fountain caused quite a stir because of its nudity. The statue of Neptune, which stands over 10 feet (3 meters) tall, has gained the nickname “Il Gigante” in Bologna.

One of the best ways to experience Piazza Maggiore is to act like a Bolognese native. Sit at an outdoor café to enjoy aperitivotime and watch the city unfold before your eyes.

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Best Lodging Options Near Piazza Maggiore

Royal Hotel Carlton

Royal Hotel Carlton

4 out of 5
Via Montebello 8, Bologna, BO
Royal Hotel Carlton
The Social Hub Bologna

The Social Hub Bologna

4 out of 5
Via Aristotile Fioravanti 27, Bologna, BO
The Social Hub Bologna
Starhotels Excelsior

Starhotels Excelsior

4 out of 5
Viale Pietro Pietramellara 51, Bologna, BO
Starhotels Excelsior
Hotel Internazionale

Hotel Internazionale

4 out of 5
Via Indipendenza 60, Bologna, BO
Hotel Internazionale
Hotel Palace

Hotel Palace

3 out of 5
Via Monte Grappa, 9/2, Bologna, BO
Hotel Palace
Art Hotel Orologio

Art Hotel Orologio

4 out of 5
Piazzetta Giorgio Guazzaloca 10 C, Bologna, BO
Art Hotel Orologio
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro

UNA Hotels Bologna Centro

4 out of 5
Via Pietramellara 41/43, Bologna, BO
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
 Phi Hotel Bologna

Phi Hotel Bologna

4.5 out of 5
Via De' Fusari, 9, Bologna, BO
Phi Hotel Bologna
Hotel Metropolitan

Hotel Metropolitan

4 out of 5
Via dell'Orso 6, Bologna, BO
Hotel Metropolitan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Piazza Maggiore

When visiting Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere by exploring the square and its stunning architecture. Enjoy shopping at nearby boutiques, take in a performance at a local theater, or simply stroll through the area to soak up the culture. Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the history of Bologna and the significance of Piazza Maggiore for a truly enriching experience.

Food and drinks

Experience local flavors at Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna, a charming winery 17 miles from Piazza Maggiore. For a romantic atmosphere, visit Isola Winery, just 13 miles away. Don’t miss Borgo di Colle Ameno, serving delightful meals 6 miles from the square, perfect for families and business gatherings.

Shopping

The Mercato di Mezzo o Quadrilatero is a vibrant public market just 0.1 mile from Piazza Maggiore, perfect for local delicacies. The Galleria Cavour Shopping Center, also 0.1 mile away, offers family-friendly shopping and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Villa San Donnino is 19 miles away for unique finds.

Recreation

The Land Rover Arena, located 0.7 miles from Piazza Maggiore, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for active visitors. Tennis Club, 6 miles away, exudes luxury with its upscale facilities. For a unique experience, enjoy ice skating at Palaghiaccio, 5 miles away, combining sports, entertainment, and adventure.

Adventure

Bologna Paintball, located 14 miles from Piazza Maggiore, offers thrilling paintball battles in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for adrenaline seekers. Additionally, the Cento Carnival of Europe, 17 miles away, features exciting festivities and adventurous activities that celebrate culture and creativity in a lively setting.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Teatro Duse, only 0.4 miles from Piazza Maggiore, where culture meets romance. For a cozy movie night, head to Cinema Lumiere, 0.7 miles away, and enjoy family-friendly films. If you're in the mood for games, Bowling San Lazzaro is 4 miles away for some fun entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore in Bologna offers a rich cultural experience for travelers interested in exploring its historic churches, palaces, and museums. This vibrant square is perfect for families and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the city's heritage. While visiting, don't miss the chance to discover the local charm and attractions surrounding Piazza Maggiore, making it a must-see destination for any vacation in Emilia-Romagna.

  • BolognaFiere: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of BolognaFiere, an event and conference venue just 2 miles from Piazza Maggiore. It hosts numerous exhibitions and conferences, making it ideal for business travelers and those interested in the professional scene.
  • University of Bologna: Just a half-mile from Piazza Maggiore, the University of Bologna is the world’s oldest university. Explore its picturesque campus, steeped in history, and soak up the lively city vibes from students and faculty alike.
  • Two Towers: Only 0.2 miles away, the iconic Two Towers offer a glimpse into Bologna’s medieval past. Climb the Asinelli Tower for stunning city views and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this historic landmark.

Best time to go to Piazza Maggiore

Visitor numbers around Piazza Maggiore is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Piazza Maggiore is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
July78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
August78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
September69.3°F (20.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Piazza Maggiore

To save money during your visit to Piazza Maggiore, take advantage of the free entry to the square and nearby attractions like Mercato di Mezzo. Plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates, and book about a month in advance for the best deals. Use Expedia to customize your hotel search and consider eco-friendly options. For added savings, combine flights and hotel bookings into a package, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Don’t forget to check reviews and price guarantees to find the best value.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Piazza Maggiore are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March, May and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Piazza Maggiore about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Piazza Maggiore with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.