Piazza Santo Stefano

Piazza Santo Stefano, in Bologna

Piazza Santo Stefano is one of the finest squares of Bologna, dominated by the complex of the Seven Churches. The Bologna audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this spiritual and picturesque place, the heart of the religious soul of the town.

The triangular square and the Seven Churches

Piazza Santo Stefano is one of the most charming and atmospheric of Bologna. Of triangular shape and lined with medieval and Renaissance palaces with fine façades and arcades, it offers a very prized picturesque setting. But its jewel is the basilica of Santo Stefano, nicknamed the complex of the Seven Churches. It is indeed a unique ensemble of sanctuaries, courtyards and chapels nested in one another, built and altered over the centuries around a very ancient place of worship. There you discover notably a reconstruction of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a peaceful courtyard and a labyrinth of spaces imbued with spirituality and silence. A place of contemplation laden with history and faith, Piazza Santo Stefano and its Seven Churches are discovered with respect, in the calm of this sacred site of Bologna.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the charming triangular square lined with medieval and Renaissance palaces with arcades, and above all the basilica of Santo Stefano, the complex of the Seven Churches, a unique ensemble of nested sanctuaries, courtyards and chapels, including a reconstruction of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Piazza Santo Stefano is the spiritual heart of Bologna. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

Piazza Santo Stefano lies in the heart of Bologna, reachable on foot. The square is freely accessible; the basilica and the Seven Churches are a place of worship, which can be visited with respect for services and appropriate dress, according to its own hours that vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

What is the complex of the Seven Churches in Bologna?

The basilica of Santo Stefano, a unique ensemble of sanctuaries, courtyards and chapels nested in one another, built over the centuries, including a reconstruction of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, on Piazza Santo Stefano.

Where is Piazza Santo Stefano?

In the heart of Bologna, in Italy.