Piazza Maggiore
Piazza Maggiore
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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Top ways to experience Piazza Maggiore
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Santo Stefano
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  • Dianne H
    Southampton, United Kingdom31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Will definitely come back.
    Stunning. A real must. Very busy, amazing architecture, plenty of cafes to watch the world go by. Be prepared to pay over the odds if you eat or drink in the piazza but you're on holiday 😎
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 March 2023
  • macedonboy
    Glasgow, United Kingdom179,691 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic Square
    This public square dates back to the 13th century when the municipality acquired land to build a square to reflect the growing importance of Bologna. It’s a traditional European style square and bounded on all four side by some of the most important buildings of the city, including the Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo dei Notai, the Palazzo d’Accursio, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo dei Banchi. There’s also no shortage of cafes to get your caffeine fix. The tourist office is also in this square if you need help.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 20 July 2023
  • Karen H
    Preston, United Kingdom171 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Town square with interesting buildings
    Main square in Bologna. Most tours start from here and it’s a good place to acclimatise with. Holds the cathedral, council government building (in old palace), library with tribute to 2nd WW resistance fighters, fortress, Neptune fountain. Lovely ancient buildings to see. Have an Aperol Spritz at the Bar Vittorio Emanuele. In June July the square had an outdoor cinema showing Italian and foreign language classic films. Free of charge.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 31 July 2023
  • LulaCardona
    Lisbon, Portugal259 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Piazza Maggiore in Bologna
    The Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna, is a place that defies the mere description of a city square. It's not only the epicenter of history, architecture, and culture but also a place where personal memories blend seamlessly with centuries of tradition. Upon our first visit to this magnetic location, the Possieduto, the magnificent Cattedrale di San Petronio, and the grand governmental buildings took us on a historical tour that transcended time. The square is home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, and its past is etched in every stone and every corner. St. Petronio's facade, one of the largest churches in the world, never fails to impress. Its incomplete façade speaks volumes about Bologna's complex history and the city's free spirit. The nearby Palazzo d'Accursio, with its vibrant frescoes and intricate carvings, paints a picture of the city's past governance and civic pride. But Piazza Maggiore is more than a cluster of historic buildings. It's a living, breathing space where culture, leisure, and everyday life meet. Many an evening we've spent here, watching the nightfall with a glass of wine from the neighboring Signorvino, or enjoying a film under the stars as part of a special exhibition. The square transforms into an open-air cinema, art gallery, and performance space, adapting to the seasons and the city's vibrant cultural calendar. The atmosphere in Piazza Maggiore is lively yet relaxed. Musicians, artists, tourists, and locals intermingle, creating a cosmopolitan vibe that's both welcoming and intriguing. The array of cafes and eateries that border the square offer endless opportunities to sit, relax, and absorb the essence of Bologna. But what makes Piazza Maggiore truly special is the way it embraces you, the way it becomes part of your story. For us, it has been a place of discovery, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. Whether viewing a thought-provoking art exhibition or simply watching the world go by, Piazza Maggiore offers a unique and unforgettable experience. In the end, Piazza Maggiore is not just a historical site or a beautiful setting; it's a symbol of Bologna itself. It's where the past meets the present, where art meets life, and where every visitor finds something uniquely their own. It's a square that never fails to surprise and delight, making every visit a new adventure. It's not just a place we've been to; it's a place we keep returning to, drawn by its allure and the endless possibilities it offers.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 August 2023
  • Jason S
    Melbourne, Australia1,693 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots to see in Public Square
    Very large Piazza in the heart of the city. I would recommend this square being your starting point for your visit to Bologna. In this historical square surrounded by centuries old buildings also has cathedral, government offices, statues, water fountains, restaurants and lots more. Being just of the Main Street all main attractions are within a few blocks from this square. Very good to see during the.day and but make sure you visit at night different feel and atmosphere to the square. Loved the Neptune water fountain and the size of the square. Certainly one of the top tours yet attractions in the area to see.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 12 August 2023
  • Judy A
    Jersey, United Kingdom76 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    Beautiful square and a great base. Gets very busy at night time and there was an open air cinema that was well attended. The rows of restaurants were just off the square. The roads around the square are closed to traffic at the weekend which was a nice touch.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 15 August 2023
  • ErkiBear
    London, United Kingdom380 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    make this your first and regular stop during your trip to Bologna!
    Piazza Maggiore is fantastic! We were lucky enough to be in Bologna at the time of the Portici festival and there was something going on in the square most days and every evening. The square is surrounded by bars and restaurants, has a tourist information office, various museums, the basilica and the road train to San Luca leaves from there so make this your first and regular stop during your trip to Bologna!
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 October 2023
  • mrc282
    World8,028 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    main square in bologna
    start your visit from here for bologna if you are driving, the easiest lot is parcheggio staveco, which is outside of ZTL "danger" zone. then walk 10-15 min to this square. for best view of porticoes, of which the city is known for, i recommend via farini, in the vicinity of piazza santo stefano
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 11 November 2023
  • Angelo S
    Hilliard, Ohio3,630 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Living Room of Bologna
    Largest Piazza in Bologna dominated by the facade of the Basilica di San Petronio and bounded by the main city hall and clocktower, and two impressive building groups fronted by large porticoes. A couple of different bars to grab a seat and watch the world go by. During the day, street artists and some buskers. At night during the summer, movies on a large screen or street performers.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 December 2023
  • sueoversizedjordan
    Bologna, Italy13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't miss the details.
    Sculptures in the piazza are of particular interest. The temporary exhibition took place in the past September 2020 and could happen more. In fact we could meet the Bolognese Nettuno at other cities too, like in Laeken in Belgium (La fontaine de Neptune) but perhaps not the Nereids. They are quite special. Not to mention that the cityscape is amazing. This is thanks to the operation of the city government keeping with Unesco heritage regulations. New buildings and businesses must not interfere with the existing landscape of the city.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled on business
    Written 30 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles10,013 reviews
Excellent
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488
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69
Terrible
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sueoversizedjordan
Bologna, Italy13 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Business
Sculptures in the piazza are of particular interest. The temporary exhibition took place in the past September 2020 and could happen more.
In fact we could meet the Bolognese Nettuno at other cities too, like in Laeken in Belgium (La fontaine de Neptune) but perhaps not the Nereids. They are quite special. Not to mention that the cityscape is amazing. This is thanks to the operation of the city government keeping with Unesco heritage regulations. New buildings and businesses must not interfere with the existing landscape of the city.
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Davieland
Auckland, New Zealand630 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
After a short walk from the station we came to this pretty piazza. Many historic buildings and a wonderful church. This is a must do when in Bologna.
Written 5 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Angelo S
Hilliard, OH3,630 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Largest Piazza in Bologna dominated by the facade of the Basilica di San Petronio and bounded by the main city hall and clocktower, and two impressive building groups fronted by large porticoes. A couple of different bars to grab a seat and watch the world go by. During the day, street artists and some buskers. At night during the summer, movies on a large screen or street performers.
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

A'ndrea
York Beach, ME33 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
What a beautiful piazza! It is richly steeped in history. Cobblestone streets, quaint shops, church, restaurants, etc. We enjoyed it at Thanksgiving time. Not too busy, good weather. Charming square, not to be missed.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mrc282
World8,028 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
start your visit from here for bologna

if you are driving, the easiest lot is parcheggio staveco, which is outside of ZTL "danger" zone. then walk 10-15 min to this square.

for best view of porticoes, of which the city is known for, i recommend via farini, in the vicinity of piazza santo stefano
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cuisinartisan
Coral Gables, FL67 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
The main square of any European city is its calling card. In Bologna if you go to the main square in the evening you’ll find it dark. Just as you’ll find dark its two towers and every other monument in town. And it’s a metaphor for the city overall. Bologna could be a poster child for urban decay and neglect. The vandalism and visual pollution is breathtaking, the disrepair and abandonment of its aging infrastructure is a slap in the face, and the piles of rotting garbage by the ubiquitous oversized dumpsters is galling. How can stewards of one of the oldest European universities and a treasure trove of world art allow it to happen? How can you live in the richest region in Italy and be assaulted by filth and decay and poor attempt at graffiti? The contrast between the renaissance art in the Pinacoteca and the degradation of its surrounding streets is worthy of a third world ghetto. Everyone is clamoring that Venice should be saved. First save Bologna.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ErkiBear
London, UK380 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
Piazza Maggiore is fantastic! We were lucky enough to be in Bologna at the time of the Portici festival and there was something going on in the square most days and every evening. The square is surrounded by bars and restaurants, has a tourist information office, various museums, the basilica and the road train to San Luca leaves from there so make this your first and regular stop during your trip to Bologna!
Written 13 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

betterthanwork
Nottingham, UK1,337 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
This square is the jewel in the Bologna crown. The highlight is the cathedral of course, but there are beautiful buildings on all sides.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

andycoldham
Crawley, UK908 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
The main square in the centre of Bologna, everything starts here the streets leading of the square are full of tasty restaurants, the square houses the largest church in town and is often lit up with strobe lighting. The square is also closed off to traffic at weekends and is not to be missed.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Judy A
Jersey, UK76 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
Beautiful square and a great base. Gets very busy at night time and there was an open air cinema that was well attended. The rows of restaurants were just off the square. The roads around the square are closed to traffic at the weekend which was a nice touch.
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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PIAZZA MAGGIORE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Piazza Maggiore

According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Piazza Maggiore: