San Petronio Basilica (Basilica di San Petronio)

Overview

San Petronio Basilica, also known as Basilica di San Petronio, is a magnificent 14th-century church located in the heart of Bologna. It is one of the largest churches in Italy and is dedicated to the city's patron saint, Saint Petronius. The basilica is renowned for its impressive Gothic architecture and the stunning astronomical meridian line on its floor.

San Petronio Basilica is a significant religious and historical landmark in Bologna. It has played a crucial role in the city's religious life and has been a witness to many important historical events.

Religious Site Architectural Landmark

Location

Address

Piazza Gavani, 5, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Neighborhood: City Center

Coordinates

44.494900, 11.342600

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

tuesday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

wednesday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

thursday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

friday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

saturday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$0 (free entry)

Children

$0 (free entry)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-May, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better light for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• Spring flowers
• Easter celebrations

summer

hot

• Extended opening hours
• Outdoor concerts

autumn

cool and pleasant

• Autumn colors
• Harvest festivals

winter

cold

• Christmas decorations
• Winter markets

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Dress modestly
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Check mass times if visiting during services

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Camera Modest clothing

seasonal

Jacket in spring/autumn Umbrella in spring/autumn Sunglasses in summer

not allowed

Large backpacks Photography during services

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

• Slippery floors
• Crowds

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

Euro

Typical Costs

entry $0 (free entry)

donation $2-5

guided tour $10-15

souvenirs $5-30

Dress Code

Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), Comfortable shoes for walking, Walking shoes or sandals, Revealing clothing, Hats worn indoors

Booking Tips

• Not typically required, but check for special events
• Official website or local tourist office
• Varies by tour
• Available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Bologna Welcome

Size: 200 MB

Features: City map, Attraction information, Event calendar, Audio guides

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Piazza Gavani, Nearby cafés

Charging Stations: Nearby cafés and restaurants

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport

Distance: 6 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

Taxi

$20-25 20 min

Public transport

$6-7 30 min

From City Center

Distance: 1.5 km

Walking

20 min

Bus

$1.50 10 min

Taxi

$10-15 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: It's a symbol of Bologna's rich history and religious heritage

Historical Significance: The basilica has been a central religious and cultural site for centuries, hosting important events and figures

Insider Tips

The best views of the basilica are from the piazza early in the morning
The local cafés offer excellent espresso and pastries
Guided tours provide fascinating historical insights

Local Recommendations

• Try a cup of coffee at a nearby café
• Visit the nearby Two Towers for a panoramic view of the city
• Ask locals about the legend of the basilica's unfinished facade

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Ciao

thank_you Grazie

where_is Dov'è

how_much Quanto costa

beautiful Bello

ticket Biglietto

Guide Languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main facade

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the full facade

Result: Stunning architectural details

#Bologna #SanPetronio #GothicArchitecture

Interior nave

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: High-angle shots to emphasize the height

Result: Impressive interior views

#ChurchInterior #Basilica #SacredArchitecture

Photography Rules

allowed areas Exterior, Nave and aisles (when no services are being held)

prohibited areas Altar area during services, Sacristy and restricted areas

flash photography Not allowed during services or in restricted areas

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Allowed in exterior areas, restricted indoors

selfie sticks Allowed in exterior areas, restricted indoors

Nearby Attractions

Two Towers of Bologna

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Historical Landmark

Piazza Maggiore

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Public Square

Bologna Museum of Modern Art (MAMbo)

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Museum

Reviews

4.7

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early to avoid crowds"
"Don't miss the astronomical meridian line"
"Check out the nearby cafés for a coffee break"

Contact Information

+39 051 225 020

info@basilicasanpetronio.it

www.basilicasanpetronio.it

Social Media

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