Piazza XX Settembre is a prominent and bustling urban square in Bologna, located just north of the central train station and in front of the leafy Parco della Montagnola, which together form a vital corridor between transit, greenery, and the historic centre. Named in 1909 to commemorate the Breach of Porta Pia and the final consolidation of Italian unification in 1870, the piazza occupies the former site of the city’s third ring of walls surrounding Porta Galliera. As one approaches from Via dell’Indipendenza, Bologna’s main post, Risorgimento boulevard connecting Piazza Maggiore to this piazza, one immediately perceives the square’s scale and civic presence. 

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Via dell’Indipendenza is Bologna’s principal artery, stretching nearly 1,100 metres from Piazza Maggiore to Piazza XX Settembre, where it meets the train station and coach terminal. Conceived in the late 19th century, the street was a decisive urban intervention, uniting and straightening ancient thoroughfares such as Canton dei Fiori, Via Malcontenti, Campo de’ Fiori, and the Borgo di San Giuseppe, to create a grand boulevard worthy of Italy’s newly unified capital cities. The concept was initiated in 1861 by engineer Coriolano Monti, supported by Antonio Zannoni, and formally declared of public utility in 1865. 

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Rising prominently over Piazza Maggiore in the heart of Bologna, the Basilica di San Petronio is one of the most iconic and historically significant churches in Italy. Though often overshadowed by more famous cathedrals in cities like Florence or Milan, San Petronio stands as a remarkable testament to Bologna’s medieval ambition, artistic legacy, and civic pride. Dedicated to Saint Petronius, the 5th century bishop and patron saint of Bologna, the basilica reflects the city’s desire to assert its religious and political independence during a period of great urban growth and competition among Italian city-states.

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In the heart of Bologna’s historic centre, just steps from the bustling Quadrilatero district, stands the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita, a remarkable church that blends Baroque elegance with profound spiritual and artistic heritage. Though often overlooked by visitors focused on Bologna’s more famous landmarks, this sanctuary is home to one of the most moving sculptural masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance and offers a unique window into the city’s religious and cultural history. The origins of Santa Maria della Vita trace back to the 13th century, when a group of flagellants known as the Battuti founded a hospital and oratory on the site. These lay penitents dedicated themselves to caring for the sick and the poor, and the name “della Vita” (“of Life”) reflected their mission of compassion and service.

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The Portico di San Luca is one of Bologna’s most iconic landmarks and a remarkable feat of religious devotion, architectural ingenuity, and civic pride. Stretching for nearly four kilometres (exactly 3,796 meters), this monumental covered walkway connects the city’s historic centre to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, perched atop Colle della Guardia, a wooded hill overlooking Bologna. With its 666 arches, a number traditionally symbolizing the devil, which the sanctuary is said to symbolically “crush”, the portico stands as both a spiritual pilgrimage route and a beloved symbol of the city. Construction of the portico began in 1674 and continued into the 18th century, with the aim of protecting the annual procession of a sacred icon of the Virgin Mary from the sanctuary to Bologna’s Cathedral during the Ascension festival.

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Portico di San Luca, click the image.

Perched atop Colle della Guardia, overlooking the terracotta rooftops of Bologna, the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca is one of the city’s most revered landmarks. This majestic sanctuary has long held a special place in the spiritual and cultural identity of Bologna, serving as a symbol of protection, faith, and tradition. Visible from miles away, it is both a pilgrimage destination and a beloved icon that connects the city’s medieval past with its vibrant present. The origins of the sanctuary date back to the 12th century, when a small hermitage was established on the hill. It was here that a sacred icon of the Virgin Mary and Child, believed to be of Byzantine origin, was brought from the Eastern Mediterranean by a pilgrim in 1160. Over time, reports of miracles and divine protection associated with the image drew increasing numbers of devotees, prompting the construction of a more substantial church to house the icon.

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Located in the heart of Bologna, the Biblioteca Comunale dell’Archiginnasio stands as one of Italy’s most historically significant public libraries. Located within the grand halls of the Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio, this institution is not only a treasure trove of knowledge but also a testament to Bologna’s rich cultural and academic legacy. The Archiginnasio itself was constructed in the mid-16th century, commissioned by Pope Pius IV in 1562 as the first unified seat of the University of Bologna, Europe’s oldest university. Designed by architect Antonio Morandi, known as “Il Terribilia,” the building served as the centre of university life until the early 19th century, when the university was relocated to other sites in the city.

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