Guests' reviews
Marcel Jaskulski | Feb 13, 2018
One of the places that you have to see when you're in the Bologna especially if you're into history. Look out on the floor. You will find not only the clock and time line there. Behind the glass there is even more history!
Filippo Vitale | Dec 24, 2017
Stunning church!
Beautiful during daylight, especially during a solar midday as you can see the massive meridian working. On December 21 you can actually see the oval of light on its farest point. I would suggest to come early to get closer to the sunlight landing point.
It is possible to book a tour on its roof but it is always subject to availability so I would suggest to book far ahead of time.
Dick Tracy | Dec 3, 2017
Was enjoying the visit with rich historical and architectural significance, until I was told by an old hag who works there to remove my hat. I have no qualms of removing the hat out of courtesy and respect of the sanctuary, but I have a problem being singled out while the rest of tourists still allowed to wear their hats without restrictions.
Seems like people from certain ethnic origin being singled out for damnation, while others for salvation. Kudos to Lord of Discrimination.
Senor Anonimo | Feb 12, 2018
Not the prettiest church you'll visit in Italy, although it's "peculiar" due to its halfway finished façade. In the interior you will see the typical decor and artifacts to be expected in a church plus some astronomical stuff remaining from the middle ages
Francesco Scarfò | Oct 23, 2017
This is one of the most famous place in Bologna just in front of Piazza Maggiore.
The Basilica is very big but inside I don't like it.
I don't like the policy inside it's really bad system... try it... inside you can adopt a stone and you must pay a ticket for taking pics... very bad system!!!!
I recommend it.
Felipe Santarelli | Mar 30, 2018
Very nice church, bright and spotless. Need special bracelet to be allowed to shoot pictures. There are other options to admire ie museum inside .....
Lucian Popescu | Apr 21, 2018
Exterior is quite non-impressive. Built in a Gothic/Romanesque style typical of Medieval Italy, then enlarged in later ages. The most important parts are the many chapels, some adorned with stained glasses and old paintings. By far the most important sight is "Capella dei Re Magi" (Chapel of Magi), holding one of the best Gothic paintings in the world. That alone convinced me to visit Bologna...
Josh Sole | Apr 14, 2018
Rough exterior, but very nice interior. Definitely worth the stop if you're in the area. 2€ is not too much to take some nice pictures. --- One strange thing though, my group exited the building and realized that one friend did not leave with us. Two security guards absolutely refused to let us re-enter the building to get our friend, offered no explanation as to why, and did not offer any solution other than walking ALL the way around this enormous church just to step back inside and tell our friend it was time to go. --- If this was based on some type of tradition or rule, they made no attempt to inform us, and came off as very rude. One man even left his post to go stand in between my group and the exit until our friend came out, presumably making SURE we didn't go back in. All very strange, considering that entrance is free.
Kevin Patrick | Apr 22, 2018
Insider's tip: it's not well publicised but as at April 2018 there is a viewing platform open to the public, giving the most magnificent views over the city. The cost is €3 per head, it opens at 10am and the entrance is on the Piazza Galvani. The only "downside" is that it utilises the workman's lift and scaffolding being used for the restoration - so not for the faint hearted! If you are up for it, you will be rewarded by the most amazing panoramas over Bologna, from the Two Towers right round to San Luca. Amazing!!!
Ognian Dimitrov | May 12, 2018
Extremely interesting church. Outside is built in Romanesque style, while the interior is in Gothic style.
I think it is one of the largest brick buildings in Italy.
Georgi Velichkov | Jun 18, 2018
Very beautiful and old inside is full with icons incrustations and columns with different decorations. But be careful because taking a picture in the cathedral is forbiden, but at the price of two euro they lift this rule for you. So basically a picture inside costs two euro. Also you have a special area for praying and also area where you can pay to go inside because it has the most beautiful elements in the cathedral.
