Bologna Cathedral (San Pietro)
Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro
Bologna's cathedral, with a vast Baroque interior and a Romanesque bell tower that can be climbed by appointment.
The cathedral stands beside Via dell'Indipendenza. The current building is a Baroque reconstruction from the 17th and 18th centuries, with a spacious and bright interior. The crypt contains 12th-century Romanesque stone lions and a Crucifixion. The 11th-century bell tower houses one of Italy's largest Bolognese-style bell sets. Climbing the tower is possible on weekends with a guided group booking, which carries a fee (check the official website). Entry to the cathedral is free. It is about a 5-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:30–18:45 (clock tower by guided reservation only)
Nearby sights
- Prendiparte Tower
- Biblioteca Salaborsa
- Piazza Maggiore & Fountain of Neptune
- Palazzo d'Accursio
- Quadrilatero
- Santa Maria della Vita
- Basilica of San Petronio
- Museo Civico Archeologico di Bologna