There are many things to see in Bologna. The Basilica of Santo Stefano, the Piazza Maggiore, the San Luca Express, and the Giardini Margherita park are just a few. You can also take a tour of the city's historic sites, including the former Jewish Ghetto. Here you'll find cool shopping, restaurants, and local culture. The area is also a great place to relax with a nice lunch.
Basilica of Santo Stefano
The Basilica of Santo Stefano is a complex of religious edifices in Bologna, Italy. It is located in the Piazza Santo Stefano and has the dignity of a minor basilica. It houses a large, impressive marble altar, and is one of the most visited churches in the city.
The church has frescoes depicting the life of the saint and his martyrdom. There are also five ancient columns that divide the church's crypt, one of which is said to be the height of Jesus.
San Luca Express
The San Luca Express is one of the most scenic ways to travel through Bologna, Italy. The ride from San Luca train station to Bologna city center takes less than an hour, and the scenic route is perfect for families with young children. There are also several dining options within the city, including traditional trattorias. Most restaurants are open for lunch, and some offer reservations.
The San Luca Express is a tourist train that runs daily year-round. It stops at the San Luca Sanctuary before returning to Piazza Maggiore. While on board, you can take plenty of pictures of the sights and listen to an audioguide about the city and the sanctuary.
Giardini Margherita park
If you're looking for the best things to do in Bologna, you shouldn't miss visiting the Giardini Margherita park. Located near the city center, this park is great for a family day out. It has a lake, several playgrounds, and a small museum. The park is also easy to get to by foot. It's also close to two other parks: Parco Villa Ghigi, which is outside of the city center, and Parco Talon, which is just south of Casalecchio di Reno.
There are many places to go in Bologna, but if you're traveling with kids, you'll want to rent a car. A car rental is the best option for exploring the countryside, but make sure you book a reputable rental agency. While Bologna is a great city to visit with children, it's probably not a great idea to bring them during the busy tourist seasons. It's difficult to find a hotel in Bologna unless you book months in advance. During the busy times of year, the city is crowded, so you may want to avoid visiting during the trade fair or Cosmoprof week. Alternatively, you can visit Bologna in the winter or early spring, when temperatures aren't too hot and the weather is more pleasant.
Sanctuary of the Madonna
The Sanctuary of the Madonna in Bologna is a basilica church located on a hill 300 metres above the city plain. It is a popular place for pilgrimages. The church is located south-west of the city's historic center. This basilica church has been in existence since the 12th century.
Initially, the Sanctuary of the Madonna was a small hermitage chapel. It was tended by two holy women and was first assigned an icon by Gerardo Grassi in 1160. Later, in 1294, Dominican monks moved to the site. The Dominican order remained in the building until it was dissolved by Napoleon in 1799. Architects Carlo Francesco Dotti, the most famous of the Papal States in the eighteenth century, designed the interior of the sanctuary. Giovanni Giacomo built the external tribunes.
