basilica di san petronio

homesteads

We had to go through security to enter, but we were happy they were trying to keep us safe. Truly amazing place. We didn't have to pay to get in, although a guide book I read before coming said £2.50 . Maybe it was because it was winter. (FEB 15) Like nearly everywhere else in Bologna there was nothing in English and no-one spoke English. Well worth a visit.

Tony130258

Worth a visit. We visited when full of scouts! However it is a beautiful enchanting working basilica. The front is odd, somewhat unfinished! The works of art within are lovely one looks like Dantes inferno!

Gianinaaa

The outside of the Basilica is very unique, but I still prefer the inside especially because of the meridian line. Very big and fascinating.

hill0ld

Although It was under construction when I visited, it was beautiful. It is just beside the main square of Piazza Maggiore.

Drmuelita

Very nice but you have to pay to visit a place wich is under construction. Anyway is a place that you should visit. Very nice view of the main square

Nhu_Phuong

Many people would say this is a beautiful church but I'd say it's average. I've seen much better churches around Italy. This one was not that impressive for me. Maybe the rustic look could be charming for many others. However, it's hard to resist the urge of going into this church since it's right in the main square of the city and it looks giant.

kostasm26

A good place to visit in Piazza Maggiore. A lot of paintings inside also a small museum!!! I recommend!!!!!

noelp281

It is one of the biggest churches in the world! The interior contains paintings by famous artists - I liked the paintings by da Modena and di Paolo, The sundial on the floor by Domenico Cassini attracted our attention too.

MTRose

This is one big basilica, dominating the center of the medieval center. The "unfinished" facade is the trademark of this church. I like it, and it's Interesting history. The museum inside has some interesting artifacts. I was not keen on them charging extra just to see the 'mohammad' fresco though. We didn't see anyone paying extra to see it and most people don't know it's there and/or don't care that it's there.

81randala

It's a strange unfinished basilica with a fascinating history. Designed to eclipse the immensity of St. Peter's in Rome, the basilica's construction was curtailed by the politics of the time. We were fortunate to hear an organ recital inside. The music was superb and the organ's sound impressive.

805teacher

The facade of this basilica is interesting, because it is unfinished, and quite odd looking in its upper and lower contrast to each other. And it is right next to the University of Bologna which has a very famous history in education in Europe.

bronwynt216

This church sits in the Piazza Maggiore and was founded in 1390 originally intended to be larger than St Peters in Rome. Funds for the building were diverted to Palazzo Archiginnasio leaving the church lopsided in its interior design.

Bazerelli

The outside of this church looks unfinished, which it is but the inside is breathtaking. Such a high ceiling and beatutiful artwork. It is the fifth biggest church in Italy (fifteenth in the world) but there is a silence and reverence for such a big church. Only open at certain times of the day so don't miss it.

Thedogesl

As our tour guide pointed out, this church would have been larger than St. Peter's in Rome but Pius VI had construction halted before it got to that size. As a result, wings on the east and west sides were clearly truncated, giving the outside an unfinished look. Inside, though, it's pretty magnificent. You can't take pictures inside but, trust me, it's impressive. It looks out on the equally impressive Piazza Maggiore, often used for festivals or just for buskers.

mrai_1

If you happen to be around in a sunny day, try to visit at noon (astronomical noon) to see Cassini's calendar based on the height of the sun.