To visit Piazza Maggiore is to experience the essence of Bologna. In the Middle Ages, the city’s citizens gathered in the square to hear decrees, shop and barter for goods, and even witness executions. Today, enjoy the Italian pace of life and see some of Bologna’s most beautiful medieval buildings surrounding the square.
See Bologna’s humble beginnings in Palazzo del Podestà, the oldest building in Piazza Maggiore. Built around 1200, the palace was home to high-ranking city officials. Check out the Torre dell‘Arengo, which houses a massive bell that used to warn the people of Bologna of an emergency.
Above the entryway to the pink Palazzo d’Accursio o Comunale, note the statue of Bologna native Pope Gregory XIII blessing passers-by. Walk through the palace’s courtyard and to the Sala Farnese on the second floor. After you take in the hall’s splendid frescos, admire the equally splendid view of Piazza Maggiore from its windows.
You can’t miss the unfinished façade of the Basilica of San Petronio. Construction began in 1390 on what was intended to be the biggest church in the Christian world. The Pope, however, did not want a church to outsize St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, so construction dragged on for centuries and was ultimately abandoned. Although it is unfinished, the church is still one of the most arresting sights in Piazza Maggiore — and one of the largest Catholic churches in the world.
In the center of Piazza Maggiore, find the large Fountain of Neptune. The fountain was built in 1564 by famed Flemish sculptor Giambologna. Despite its practical function, the fountain caused quite a stir because of its nudity. The statue of Neptune, which stands over 10 feet (3 meters) tall, has gained the nickname “Il Gigante” in Bologna.
One of the best ways to experience Piazza Maggiore is to act like a Bolognese native. Sit at an outdoor café to enjoy aperitivo time and watch the city unfold before your eyes.
