Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore, in Bologna

Piazza Maggiore is the great central square of Bologna, the monumental heart of the town since the Middle Ages. The Bologna audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this vast space surrounded by palaces and the basilica, a place of life of the town.

The monumental heart of the town

Piazza Maggiore is the historic and monumental heart of Bologna, one of the finest squares of Italy. Laid out from the Middle Ages, it is the centre of the political, religious and social life of the town for centuries. It is bordered by an exceptional ensemble of buildings: the majestic basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo d'Accursio which shelters the town hall, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo dei Banchi with its elegant portico, and the Palazzo dei Notai. A vast paved space, the square is a place of gathering, promenade and events, permanently lively with inhabitants and visitors. A stone's throw away is the famous Neptune fountain. The beating heart of the town, Piazza Maggiore is the ideal starting point to discover Bologna.

What to see

You admire the vast square bordered by an exceptional ensemble of buildings: the basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo d'Accursio and the town hall, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo dei Banchi with an elegant portico and the Palazzo dei Notai, a stone's throw from the Neptune fountain. Piazza Maggiore is the monumental heart of Bologna. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

Piazza Maggiore lies in the heart of Bologna, reachable on foot. It is a vast freely accessible public space; the surrounding buildings and shops have their own hours. It is permanently lively and hosts events and demonstrations according to the calendar.

What surrounds Piazza Maggiore in Bologna?

An exceptional ensemble of buildings: the basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo d'Accursio which shelters the town hall, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo dei Banchi with an elegant portico and the Palazzo dei Notai, a stone's throw from the Neptune fountain.

Where is Piazza Maggiore?

In the heart of Bologna, in Italy.