Bologna Old Town Walking Tours
Explore Bologna’s handsome medieval old town: the grand Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, the leaning Two Towers, the city’s 40km of UNESCO porticoes, and the ancient university, the oldest in the world. A walking tour reveals the rich history and warm red-brick beauty of “La Dotta”.
173 tours · prices per person, book with partner
Old Town in Bologna — FAQ
What is there to see in Bologna old town?
Highlights include the grand Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, the leaning Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda), the UNESCO porticoes, the Archiginnasio of the world’s oldest university, and the Quadrilatero market.
Why is Bologna called La Dotta and La Rossa?
Bologna is nicknamed “La Dotta” (the Learned) for its university, the oldest in the world founded in 1088, and “La Rossa” (the Red) for its warm red-brick rooftops and porticoes.
What are the Two Towers of Bologna?
The Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, are Bologna’s medieval leaning landmarks; you can climb the taller Asinelli Tower’s 498 steps for sweeping views over the red-roofed city.