Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro (St. Peter's Cathedral), Bologna (must see)
At the southern tip of Independence Street stands the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Peter, offering free entry to visitors. Despite its cathedral status, this grand structure plays second fiddle to the city's beloved basilica, San Petronio, both architecturally and artistically.
In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII elevated the Bishop of Bologna to Archbishop, upgrading the cathedral to a 'metropolitan church'. This transformation aimed to showcase papal power, resulting in significant remodeling that obscured much of the original Romanesque-Gothic design. However, the interior boasts a majestic Baroque style and hosts several notable artworks. Among them are a 12th-century Romanesque crucifix carved from cedarwood and a 16th-century terracotta sculpture series titled "Lament over the Dead Christ" by Lombardi. Visitors can also admire a beautiful annunciation fresco by Ludovico Carracci, alongside paintings by various local artists.
For a unique experience, take a leisurely stroll down Via Altabella to catch sight of the soaring bell tower. Here, you'll find "La Nonna" (the grandmother), the largest bell in Bologna, weighing a hefty 3.3 tonnes. This bell is played using the traditional 'alla bolognese' method, a form of full-circle ringing developed in the 16th century, though sadly becoming increasingly rare.
In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII elevated the Bishop of Bologna to Archbishop, upgrading the cathedral to a 'metropolitan church'. This transformation aimed to showcase papal power, resulting in significant remodeling that obscured much of the original Romanesque-Gothic design. However, the interior boasts a majestic Baroque style and hosts several notable artworks. Among them are a 12th-century Romanesque crucifix carved from cedarwood and a 16th-century terracotta sculpture series titled "Lament over the Dead Christ" by Lombardi. Visitors can also admire a beautiful annunciation fresco by Ludovico Carracci, alongside paintings by various local artists.
For a unique experience, take a leisurely stroll down Via Altabella to catch sight of the soaring bell tower. Here, you'll find "La Nonna" (the grandmother), the largest bell in Bologna, weighing a hefty 3.3 tonnes. This bell is played using the traditional 'alla bolognese' method, a form of full-circle ringing developed in the 16th century, though sadly becoming increasingly rare.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bologna. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro (St. Peter's Cathedral) on Map
Sight Name: Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro (St. Peter's Cathedral)
Sight Location: Bologna, Italy (See walking tours in Bologna)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bologna, Italy (See walking tours in Bologna)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bologna, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Bologna
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bologna is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bologna Palaces
Bologna is famous for a huge number of ancient buildings and unique historic sites, closely associated with a huge number of mysteries and legends. There are numerous incredibly beautiful palaces in the city, richly adorned with art by great masters, intricately decorated interiors and luxurious old furniture. Each palace is fit to leave an unforgettable impression upon visitors, firmly imprinted... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Historical Churches
The historic city of Bologna is one of the most sumptuous medieval places in Italy, as well as one of the country's most visited destinations. There are churches everywhere in the city, many of which are well-preserved and well worth a visit. Magnificent and centuries-old, each of them has its own specialty and history carved into, replete with great historic artifacts associated with world... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Bologna Introduction Walking Tour
Bologna is the Emilia-Romagna region's capital. This large northern city is the seventh most populous city in Italy and has been a vital cultural center for millennia.
Archeological discoveries indicate the area has been settled since the third millennium BC. First, the Etruscans settled the area, then the Celts, and then the Romans. During the Middle Ages, Bologna was a free municipality... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Archeological discoveries indicate the area has been settled since the third millennium BC. First, the Etruscans settled the area, then the Celts, and then the Romans. During the Middle Ages, Bologna was a free municipality... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Bologna's Shopping Areas
When it comes to shopping, Bologna walks tall amid grands like Milan or Rome, with a harmonious mix of international chains, exclusive boutiques, luxury stores and open-air markets lining the streets in the city center, offering a wealth of international fashion, designer brands and top quality local delicacies in rich supply.
Shopping here is particularly pleasant on weekends when Zone... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Shopping here is particularly pleasant on weekends when Zone... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles