Cenobio di San Vittore
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
Set in the wooded hills outside Bologna, the Cenobio di San Vittore is one of the city’s premier examples of medieval architecture. Made up of a church and cloister, the 12th-century complex dazzles with original frescoes, a wooden choir dating from the 15th century, and the serene cloister lined by marble columns with carved capitals and other Romanesque architectural details.
The basics
Lovers of art and architecture can pair a visit to the Cenobio di San Vittore with a walking or cycling tour of Bologna’s premier cultural sights in the old town, including the Piazza Maggiore, the San Petronio Basilica, and the Two Towers. The San Vittore complex is a short drive from the city center, so you can also stop here as part of a driving or cycling tour of the Bologna hills, a gastro tour of Food Valley, or a Motor Valley tour that stops at the area’s car museums.
Things to know before you go
- The complex can be visited only with a guided tour and is not regularly open to the public.
- Photography is allowed inside the church and cloister, so charge your camera before visiting.
- This unique 12th-century site is particularly interesting for art and architecture buffs.
- There are steps at the church entrance, making the Cenobio di San Vittore inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
The Cenobio di San Vittore sits on Monte Giardino in the Barbiano Hills, about a 20-minute drive from Bologna’s historic center. You can reach the complex with a rental car or as part of a private driving tour of the Bologna countryside, which often includes stops in the nearby Food Valley or Motor Valley.
When to get there
This historic complex is not regularly open to the public, so visitors need to reserve a spot on one of the periodic guided tours in advance. Contact Bologna’s tourist information office for a schedule of upcoming tours or to book a private guided tour with an official guide.
Bologna’s treasures of medieval architecture
Though Bologna is known for its gourmet delicacies, this storied city is also a mecca for fans of medieval architecture and is home to a few of Italy’s most important historic buildings. Two of the city’s most distinctive features—its soaring Two Towers and its UNESCO–listed porticoes—date back to the Middle Ages, and architecture buffs will also appreciate landmarks like the 14th-century Palazzo della Mercanzia and Piazza Maggiore. The latter is lined by medieval gems, including Palazzo D’Accursio, Palazzo del Podestà, and Palazzo Re Enzo.
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