Bologna Piazza Maggiore

A popular gathering place and home to the city’s most grand church, Piazza Maggiore is one of the highlights of Bologna’s historic center. This public square dates from the 13th century, but its most important buildings—including Palazzo dei Notai, Palazzo d'Accursio, Palazzo del Podestà, and Palazzo dei Bianchi—took centuries to complete, and its central Fountain of Neptune wasn’t added until 1566. Stroll through the piazza to get a taste of Bologna’s vibrant atmosphere, stopping to visit the imposing Basilica di San Petronio or linger over a cappuccino at one of the porticoed cafés.

Piazza Maggiore is a top sight in most city walking or bike tours, along with attractions like the Two Towers and the churches of Santo Stefano and San Domenico. Bologna is famous for its rich local cuisine, so visitors can also opt for food tours that combine sightseeing with tastings of local specialties.

• Piazza Maggiore is pedestrian-only, so children can explore without the danger of traffic.
• Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes if you visit as part of a bike or walking tour.
• The square and its porticoes are wheelchair-accessible.
• Cafés and restaurants line the square, so you can stop for a snack or meal.

Piazza Maggiore is Bologna’s main central square, and it’s just a short walk from the Bologna Centrale train station or from the most important attractions in the city center.

Piazza Maggiore is bustling with people all day and far into the evening. The square is particularly beautiful at night, when the basilica, palaces, and central fountain are dramatically illuminated.

The porticoes of Bologna—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—stretch for almost 25 miles (40 kilometers) along the streets of the Italian city. Simultaneously functional and architecturally beautiful, the porticoes (or shaded arcades) provide outdoor promenades that are protected from sun and rain. Piazza Maggiore has porticoes lining three sides of the square; other portico-protected landmarks in Bologna include Via dell’Indipendenza, Via San Luca, and Piazza Santo Stefano.