6 Must-See Sites in Bologna, Italy

Considered one of the most important buildings in Bologna, Archiginnasio of Bologina is currently home to Anatomical Theatre and Archiginnasio Municipal Library, the largest library in Emilia-Romagna. Within this palace, you’ll also find the University Chapel of Santa Maria dei Bulgari. This building dates back to the 16th century. © Sergiomonti | Dreamstime.com

A minor basilica and church in Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio is a 14th-century church home to the relics of Bologna’s patron saint, Saint Petronius. Both inside and outside the church are façades and carved scenes of various religious moments and icons. Fun fact: This church has a whopping 22 side chapels. The church’s location also means easy access to other landmarks in the square. © Liliana Marmelo | Dreamstime.com

Situated within Poggi Palace, this university museum features collections and labs of the ancient Academy of Sciences of the Institute of Bologna. Exhibitions include ships and ancient geographical maps, prints and scientific innovations. © Marktucan | Dreamstime.com

Dating back to the Middle Ages, Quadrilatero is a lively neighborhood and Bologna’s oldest market. Here, you’ll find various street food vendors, bakers, shops and more. In fact, there’s few better spots to find something everyone wants to eat than here thanks to places like Mercato di Mezzo, an indoor market, restaurant, pizzeria, pasta bar and more. © Ariadna De Raadt | Dreamstime.com

In Piazza del Nettuno stands the Fountain of Neptune, a monumental fountain designed and constructed in the 1500s by Tommaso Laurenti. Symbolizing the election of Pope Pius IV, the statue features inscriptions on four sides, giving insight into its construction. Did you know the trident held by Neptune on this fountain was used by the Maserati brothers as the emblem for their first car and is still used today? © Sergey Dzyuba | Dreamstime.com

Bologna has its own Venice of sorts on Canale delle Molino. Peer through the famous little window of via Piella to spot the canal and bridge. Don’t worry if you can’t find this window; there’s others in the area in via Oberdan and via Malcontenti. © Onlyfabrizio | Dreamstime.com