Top Bologna Arts & Design - page 2

Experience one of Italy’s MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES in a relaxing half-day PRIVATE TOUR from Bologna! An Open-Air Masterpiece: wander through a living art gallery. Since 1960, world-renowned artists have used Dozza’s medieval walls as their canvas, creating a vibrant "Painted Woods" atmosphere that is unique in the world. Explore the imposing 14th-century castle that dominates the skyline. Gourmet Romagnolo Lunch: settle into a hand-picked, traditional restaurant to savour local delicacies paired with the famous Albana wine, the golden soul of these hills. Itinerary: 10:00 AM Private Pick-up from Bologna Downtown in a comfortable A/C vehicle. 10:45 AM Guided stroll through the Painted Walls and visit to the Medieval Rocca. 1:00 PM Relaxed, authentic lunch with local wine pairings. 3:00 PM Stress-free Drop-off back in Bologna.

The guided tour of Bologna leads visitors through the city’s hidden corners and iconic landmarks. It begins at the window on Via Piella with a unique view of the Moline Canal, then continues through the ancient Jewish Ghetto with its narrow streets and artisan shops before reaching the Two Towers: the Asinelli and the leaning Garisenda. The itinerary includes the Church of Santo Stefano, a remarkable complex known as the “Seven Churches.” The tour then moves through the arcaded historic center and features the Archiginnasio and the nearby House Museum of Lucio Dalla. It reaches Piazza Maggiore, the vibrant heart of Bologna, home to the Fountain of Neptune and medieval buildings such as the Town Hall and Palazzo del Podestà with its curious acoustic effect. Visitors also explore the Basilica of San Petronio. The experience ends in the lively center and at the Mercato di Mezzo, a historic indoor market showcasing Italian gastronomy

Step into the fascinating world of Maserati with a guided museum tour that brings the history, innovation, and timeless elegance of one of Italy’s most iconic automotive brands to life. Located in the heart of Modena’s renowned Motor Valley, the Maserati Museum offers a unique journey through more than a century of automotive excellence. Accompanied by expert guides, you will discover legendary vehicles, exclusive stories and remarkable engineering achievements that have shaped the brand’s global reputation. As you explore the collection, you’ll gain insights into Maserati’s evolution, from its racing roots to its status as a symbol of luxury, performance and Italian craftsmanship. Moreover, you will uncover fascinating anecdotes and behind-the-scenes details that reveal the passion, ingenuity and vision behind every model. This experience is perfect for car enthusiasts, history lovers and curious travelers alike.

A walking tour dedicated to the secrets of the Bolognese hill. In the monasteries and in the cenobies of the hill the communities of friars who hosted the pilgrims going to the city met, the bishops many centuries later built their villas here, and the great hydraulic projects to bring the fresh water of the hill took place in this wild corner and wooded in the city. Our itinerary touches some of the wonders preserved in this part of the city, where nature and architecture come together in a unique union. The red and yellow colors of the villas, Renaissance churches and medieval cenobies (ancient medieval monasteries) blend with the light yellowish and white colors of the badlands and clay. Large wooded gardens are the setting for these architectural wonders.

Get your bearings in Bologna and touch on the city’s top sights on this private walking tour. Enjoy an overview of Bologna’s history and discover both blockbuster attractions and a few hidden corners with the help of a local host. Take away tailored recommendations to enhance the rest of your trip and enjoy the freedom to tweak your itinerary as you go.

This walking tour was created for those who are in the city and do not want to miss the chance to admire the beauties of Bologna but at the same time savor the flavors of typical products such as salumi, crescentine and good wine. Piazza Maggiore, Palazzo Daccursio, Via d'azeglio, Archiginnasio, are just some of the destinations you can admire. The market of the quadrilateral will welcome you with its ancient perfumes where you can taste the authenticity of high quality products Absolutely not to be missed

Discover the Basilica of San Luca, Bologna's undisputed symbolic sanctuary. This masterpiece, built between the 17th and 18th centuries, houses the icon of the Madonna and Child, venerated as the patron saint of Bologna. According to tradition, the image arrived in Bologna in the 12th century and has been the centre of devotion, legends and rituals ever since. The Basilica stands on Colle della Guardia, at the end of the famous Portico di San Luca, the longest portico in the world with 666 arches stretching for almost 4 kilometres: a unique work of art that has accompanied pilgrims and visitors for centuries. Its interior, with its splendid dome, refined altars and evocative play of light, creates an exciting atmosphere, while the façade dominates the hills and city, offering spectacular views. This is the only regular group tour dedicated to San Luca, led by a guide who recounts its history, curiosities and anecdotes. A journey through art, spirituality and tradition, capable of capturing the most authentic soul of Bologna.

Are you in town and want to taste the best local wines and typical products without leaving the centre? This tour is for you! Spend an afternoon or an evening in one of the oldest wine bars in Bologna together with your local tour leader.

Your experience will start in Piazza Maggiore where you'll discover its civic medieval palaces: Palazzo di Re Enzo, Palazzo of the Notaries and Palazzo dei Banchi. In the square, you'll also find the Fountain of Neptune with the precious late Renaissance sculptures by Giambologna. You'll then head to the gothic Basilica of San Petronio: inside you'll find the late gothic paintings of Cappella Bolognini and the sun-dial designed by the astronomer Cassini. You'll then walk along the Pavaglione Portico and its elegant shops until you reach the 16th-century Archiginnasio Palace, the old university building decorated with about 6000 student coat of arms. You'll stroll through the picturesque alleys of the Mercato di Mezzo and its unique food shops to get to the enchanting Square of Santo Stefano with the complex of Santo Stefano where your tour will end.

Are you looking for a way to explore Bologna without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Stroll through the ancient – and more recent – past of Bologna, a place that art critic John Berger once called “an improbable city.” • Hear from producer Frank Bures, an award-winning author who spent time in Bologna as an exchange student in the 1990s, • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Bologna is a beautiful medieval town full of history and art, but it is also a lively student area with bustling bars and restaurants, street music and romantic atmosphere. After the sun goes down, Bologna will reveal its treasures to you in a completely new light and you will fall in love with its illuminated fountains, palaces and piazzas. During this pleasant outdoor evening walk you will discover the charming side of the city and see from outside its main highlights, including Piazza del Nettuno, Piazza Maggiore, quartiere Quadrilatero, Piazza della Mercanzia and more. Enjoy the balmy evening air while strolling through the beautifully lit narrow streets with your knowledgeable guide who will share the stories and legends about the city and its citizens.

A journey through Renzo Savini’s home reveals a hidden universe of rare handcrafted objects and natural curiosities, arranged not for display but as part of a deeply personal and poetic vision. Each room invites exploration, echoing the spirit of Renaissance Wunderkammer, where the boundaries between art, science, and nature dissolve. The space is not a museum but a living archive, where fossils sit beside antique tools, taxidermy creatures mingle with sculptures, and every object holds a story. The atmosphere is intimate and mysterious, offering visitors the rare feeling of stepping into the inner world of a collector who collected not to show, but to preserve beauty, strangeness, and wonder.

Few really know the story behind the Lamborghini myth. And even less can they say they have touched it firsthand. Cristina Guizzardi is one of those very rare. Born and raised in Sant’Agata Bolognese, under the sign of Taurus, Cristina has collaborated for over twenty years alongside engineers, designers and Ferruccio Lamborghini’s closest collaborators. As a public relations assistant, and later as curator of the historical archives of the Lamborghini Museum, Cristina is now recognized as one of the greatest storytellers in the history of the brand. On this exclusive tour, Cristina will accompany you inside the main Lamborghini museums, sharing personal memories, unpublished episodes and direct testimonies accessible only to those who can enter behind the scenes. This is not just a visit, but a privileged journey into Lamborghini’s living memory — told DA those who truly lived the legend.

Discover Florence on a day tour from Bologna by high-speed train in First Class. Upon arrival, meet your Guide in front of the Museum of Mercy and immediately enter the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore : thanks to exclusive skip-the-line access through a reserved side door, you will completely avoid the long waits. The Certified Guide will accompany you for 30 minutes among the secrets of Brunelleschi's Cathedral and Dome, then you can stay inside to continue the visit independently. The ticket also includes independent access to the Museum of Mercy. After some free time for Lunch or Shopping, an atmospheric group walking tour awaits you in the afternoon. With an expert Guide you will stroll through elegant squares, markets and iconic bridges, discovering the stories and masterpieces of the cradle of the Renaissance. The tour will end in front of the Duomo, where you will greet the Guide before reaching the station for the return to Bologna in total relaxation.

MOTOR*STARS (since 2004) takes you to discover Italy’s iconic Motor Valley on a stress-free, seamless full-day tour from Bologna. Designed for true car enthusiasts, this experience gives you privileged access to the world of Italian supercars: - Pagani Factory and Museum - Ferrari Museum in Maranello - Lamborghini Factory and Museum Travel in a small group (maximum 7 guests) for a more personal and exclusive atmosphere, with transfers in a licensed luxury Mercedes van. Between visits, enjoy a traditional Bolognese lunch with drinks included, for a complete and authentic experience. This isn’t just a tour — it’s the easiest way to experience the best of the Motor Valley in one unforgettable day. Tour conducted in English. Book now - guaranteed factory availability and limited slots.

The Rocca di Riolo Terme welcomes you with its imposing silhouette in the heart of the Romagna Apennines: towers, bastions, and walls that for over six centuries have guarded stories of power, intrigue, and everyday life. Crossing the entrance gate, you’ll embark on an engaging journey through medieval architecture, military strategy, and Renaissance atmospheres. The carefully curated interior rooms bring the past back to life with evocative displays and storytelling, while the ramparts offer breathtaking views over the gentle surrounding hills. Choose to explore the fortress at your own pace, or enjoy an even more memorable experience with a candlelight guided tour: a truly immersive, one-of-a-kind journey through soft lights and dancing shadows, where the passions and pivotal moments of Caterina Sforza’s life come vividly to life. An authentic experience, perfect for those who wish to discover the timeless charm of this unique place.