Church of San Giacomo Maggiore

The Church of San Giacomo Maggiore, in Bologna

The Church of San Giacomo Maggiore, or St James the Greater, is an important church of Bologna, in the university quarter. The Bologna audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary rich in works of art, linked to the powerful Bentivoglio family.

The sanctuary of the Bentivoglio

The Church of San Giacomo Maggiore is one of the most important sanctuaries of Bologna, located on Via Zamboni, in the heart of the university quarter. Founded in the thirteenth century by the order of the Augustinians, it mixes the Gothic and Renaissance styles, and is preceded by a long portico. Its interior is rich in remarkable works of art, accumulated over the centuries. It is notably famous for the Bentivoglio chapel, a sumptuous chapel of the powerful family that dominated Bologna in the Renaissance, adorned with frescoes and paintings of great masters. Nearby is also the oratory of Saint Cecilia, decorated with an admirable cycle of frescoes. A witness of the faith and the artistic patronage of Bologna, the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore is discovered with respect, in the calm of its nave and its chapels.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the important Gothic and Renaissance church preceded by a long portico, rich in works of art, notably the sumptuous Bentivoglio chapel adorned with frescoes and paintings of great masters, and the nearby oratory of Saint Cecilia with an admirable cycle of frescoes. The Church of San Giacomo Maggiore testifies to the patronage of Bologna. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of San Giacomo Maggiore lies on Via Zamboni, in the university quarter of Bologna, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services and appropriate dress; access, the oratory of Saint Cecilia and hours follow their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

Why is the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore of Bologna famous?

For its works of art, notably the sumptuous Bentivoglio chapel, of the powerful family that dominated Bologna in the Renaissance, adorned with frescoes and paintings of great masters, and the nearby oratory of Saint Cecilia with an admirable cycle of frescoes.

Where is the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore of Bologna?

On Via Zamboni, in the university quarter of Bologna, in Italy.