Bologna has some hidden gems that take you around the city.
La Piccola Venezia: Via Piella, 5, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy: This literally translates to ‘The Little Venice’. It has a view that is similar to Venice through a small window. You will find the window on Via Piella, but there is another view of the canal from Via Guglielmo Oberdan. From Via Guglielmo Oberdan you will see the view between a fence with locks.
Archiginnasio of Bologna: Piazza Galvani, 1, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy: This is a library and anatomical theater. It is in a 16th-century building filled with frescoes and coats of arms in each room. Entrance: Must be 14 years old and have a valid identity document.
Biblioteca Salaborsa: Piazza del Nettuno, 3, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy: This is the large library in the center of town close to the two towers and Piazza Maggiore, and across The Fountain of Neptune. It is a nice place to study but underneath the library is the old city of Bologna. When you walk into the library, you can see the old city through some glass, but the entrance to walk around the old city is downstairs. There is a donation box to enter.
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca: Via di San Luca, 36, 40135 Bologna BO, Italy: San Luca is a baroque-style Roman Catholic sanctuary church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with a cupola. If you are in the city center there is a ‘San Luca Express’ which is a train-looking vehicle that takes you to the hilltop. It includes a tour, round trip transportation (1 hour each way), and departs 10 times a day. Rates: Adults: 3 euro | Reduced Ticket (6-10 year olds): 5 euro | Kids (0-5 year olds): 3 euro | Runs from the 1st of march - every day. However, the walk isn’t bad either. It’s 3.8km (2.36 miles) from the bottom of the church steps. You can take a bus from the city center to the steps and you walk under beautiful romanesque arches.
Belvedere di San Michele in Bosco: Salita di S. Benedetto, 10, 40136 Bologna BO, Italy: This is a scenic spot that is a little closer to the city center. You still get a panoramic view of the city but it is easier to climb. It also has a map of the city at the top so you can orient yourself. Near the viewpoint is the Church of San Michele in Bosco and Parco di San Michele In Bosco. After the short climb, walking around the park is very peaceful.
Tips:
When touring around Italy, a good phrase to remember is ‘dov'è ____’ meaning ‘where is _(insert destination)_’. Pronounced ‘doe-vey’.
Check out the post ‘Where to eat in Bologna, Italy’
Arrive at Bologna Centrale (Train Station) or Bologna Autostazione (Bus Station) or Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ).