It is not easy to fully and synthetically illustrate everything visitors to Bologna can discover in the city: the monuments and museums, arcades and streets of this historic and “compact” city centre which is still in a surprisingly good state of repair considering the ravages of time and men. We are only sorry that we do not have enough room in this booklet to include a complete description of everything. Guests to the city will find that it does at least contain all the basic information they need for their stay. We hope that this will encourage them to try and discover some of the more unusual hidden treasures by themselves.

The Neptune Fountain - The best work of Giambologna, sculptor born in Douay in 1566. The base's design is due to the painter Tommaso Laureti. Palace of King Enzo - Built in 1244, for 23 years, it was the prison of King Enzo, son of Frederick II who was captured during the Fossalta battle. In the neighbourhood is located the Palace of the Mayor. Palace of the Notaries - (XIV-XV century). Architects Antonio di Vincenzo, Lorenzo da Bagnomarino, Bartolomeo Fioravanti. Since 1287 it has been the seat of the Notaries. Rebuilt in 1442.

Accursio Palace - (XIII-XIV century). Architect Bartolomeo Fioravanti. Above the main portal, the statue of the Bolognese Pope Gregory XIII who reformed the calendar. On the left of the facade there is the Madonna with cherub, a terracotta work of Nicolò dell'Arca. Since 1200 it has been the seat of the Commune. The courtyard leads to the Communal collection of antique art and to the Morandi Museum.

Saint Petronius Basilica - It is one of the largest churches in a Christendom. Built between the XIV and XVII century by Antonio di Vincenzo. The main portal has a basrelief made by Jacopo della Quercia. Inside, there are paintings of Giovanni da Modena, Jacopo di Paolo, Lorenzo Costa, Amico Aspertini and others; moreover on the floor the important meridiana line made by Domenico Cassini (1655).

Montanari Palace - (via Galleria 8). Built in 1744 and designed by Torreggiani, it was decorated by Orlandi and Bigari. The facade is one of the best works in the Barocco style.

Saint Peter is Cathedral - (via Indipendenza). Its origin is to be found in 910. It was destroyed by fire in 1131 and rebuilt in the same century adding the steeple which was erected by Master Albert. In 1220 Ventura sculptured the door on Altabella Street which is called "of the lions". The present church was rebuilt in 1605 according Magenta's drawings. The facade was rebuilt in 1743 designed by Torreggiani and Modified in 1776 by Tadolini.

Carrobbio Loggia or Merchants' Loggia - Was built in the XIV century (1384) and it is attributed to Antonio di Vincenzo and Lorenzo da Bagnomarino. The columns and the balcony are works of Giovanni and his son Peter called "delle Masegne". Very precious are the ogival arches. Baciocchi Palace - It was built in 1534 and designed by Palladio. Since 1870 it has been the seat of the Tribunal. Bentivoglio Palace - (via delle Belle Arti 8). It was built in 1550-1560 perhaps by Triachini. Inside there is a gallery with paintings by Gandolfi and Bonetti.

The Two Towers - The Asinelli Tower (1109-1119), is 97 meters high with an inclination of 2,23 m. The Garisenda Tower erected at the same time as the Asinelli, is 48 meters high with an inclination of 3,22 m. House of the poet Giosuè Carducci - Originally it was a church devoted to the Virgin. In 1798 it was desecrated and became a private estate. From 1890 it was the adobe of Carducci till his death in February 2nd 1907. In the near by Square, there is a monument to the poet, work of the sculptor Bistolfi (1928).

Saint Dominick Church - The building was started in 1221 and reformed in 1728. There is the tomb of St. Dominick, a magnificent work of Nicola Pisano, Friar Guglielmo, Nicolò dell'Arca, Michelangelo and Alfonso Lombardi. The inlaid choir is a work of Friar Damiano da Bergamo.

Sain Luca and Meloncello Arcades - Starting from Saragozza Gate the arcade leads to the Sanctuary. It was built in 1674 and it consists of 666 arches. C.F. Dotti made the arch situated above the road at the Meloncello. Church of Saint James the Greater - (Rossini Square). Elegant Gothic church of 1267. The interior was remade during the Bentivoglio supremacy (end of XV century) and remodelled in the XVIII century. In the Bentivoglio chapel, there remarkable the paintings by Costa and Francia. The grave of Antonio Bentivoglio is a work of Jacopo della Quercia. The arcade flanking the church, along via Zamboni, was built in 1481. The columns and capitals where made by Filippo di Varignana. Nearby, is the Academy of Music with a very important library and the famous Oratory of Saint Cecilia with frescos by Francia, Lorenzo Costa and Aspertini.

Saint Luca Sanctuary and the Mount of the Guard - (298 m. A.s.l.). The Sanctuary was erected in the XI century. in 1723 it was enlarged and the new building was carried out by Dotti. Inside there are works of Viani and Creti. Its location and its size makes it visible from far off, and its skyline blends beatifully with the impressive Bolognese panorama.

Saint Francis' church - (XIII century). It is one of the most beautiful French-Gotich churches. Noteworthy the marble altar-piece of Jacobello and Pier Paolo delle Masegne.

Saint Mary of the Servants' church - Friar Andrea da Faenza and Antonio di Vincenzo started the building in 1386. The elegant square arcade and the apsidal part are works of great value. Inside, paintings by Albani, Cimabue and Innocenzo da Imola.

Saint Stephen's church - (via Santo Stefano 22). Ensemble of sacred buildings built in different periods. The church of the Crucifix belongs to the XI and XIII century and its inside is made of a nave with a crypt. The Calvary church has a dome with dodecagonal plant, it was erected in the XII century. In the centre, under the altar, there is the tomb of Saint Petronius. The church of the Saints Vitale and Agricola was remade in the XI century and has 3 apsides.

From the Calvary church, one can enter the so called Pilat's courtyard due to the marmoreal basin which was a gift of the Longobardian Kings Lutprando and Ildebrando. The Martirium Church belongs to the XIII century. The cloister made in XI and XII century has a beautiful arcade with loggia. It is one of the most remarkable works of Romanic art. Under the arcade there is the Lapidary of the Fallen for the Country during the last war. The steeple is in the Romanic style. In the square facing the church, are to be noted the houses of Tacconi and Isolani (XV and XVI century).

Bevilacqua Palace - (Via D'Azeglio 31). 1447-1482. its bossed facade has elegant double-windows and sculptured doors. To be noted are the rail, for its wrought iron and the small balcony and the elegant and slender courtyard with double covered gallery. Tuscan stone-cutters made the decorations.