Basilica di San Petronio

A massive cathedral in the very centre of Bologna that’s definitely not to be missed. There is so much to see inside and try and take in that more than one visit may be required. It’s also a great place for a seat and rest especially when it’s so hot outside.

Basilica di San Petronio is a breathtaking testament to Gothic grandeur in the heart of Bologna. Its unfinished façade gives it a raw, historical charm, while the vast interior inspires awe with soaring arches and stained glass windows that filter the light like a quiet prayer. Home to the world’s longest indoor meridian line, the basilica is as much a marvel of science as it is of faith. Whether you’re drawn by architecture, history, or quiet reflection, San Petronio offers a deeply moving experience in one of Italy’s most underrated treasures.

So many churches and cathedrals in Italy it is a challenge to see them all and a bigger challenge to know which ones might hold something even more special than the last. The Basilia di San Petronio is worth stopping in and visiting. While there is so much to see some of the artwork in the side chapels are remarkable and masterpieces in their own right. Take a little time to research before your visit and you'll find some very interesting paintings. Many com for its fresque of the Last Judgment. The prophet Mohammed is painted naked, his head devoured by a devil, in hell. The Basilica's half-finished marble façade is decorated with works by famous sculptors such as Jacopo della Quercia, Aspertini and Alfonso Lombardi. The central door features sculptures by Jacopo della Quercia depicting prophets and stories from the Bible, as well as a Madonna with a Child, Saint Ambrose and Saint Petronius. These sculptures would later inspire none other than Michelangelo, who spent some time in Bologna as a young man. The façade also features sculptures by Properzia de’ Rossi, one of the rare female sculptors of the Renaissance.

The Basilica di San Petronio is more than just a church, it’s one of the most awe-inspiring spaces in Bologna, blending massive scale, scientific ingenuity, and quiet grandeur. It’s the sixth-largest church in Europe, and standing beneath its soaring vaults, you feel every bit of that scale. What made our visit truly special was witnessing the sunbeam cross the enormous meridian line, a sundial built into the floor that still tracks solar noon with remarkable precision. It was a quiet moment, but deeply powerful; like watching time and faith align in a single ray of light. What many don’t realize is that this basilica was originally intended to be even larger than St. Peter’s in Rome, until the Vatican halted its expansion. That ambition still lingers in the unfinished façade and colossal proportions. Every chapel feels like its own world, and the blend of Gothic structure with Renaissance detail invites you to linger. San Petronio isn’t just a church; it’s a testament to Bologna’s boldness, intellect, and soul. If you’re lucky enough to catch the sundial in action, it’s a moment that stays with you.

Large historical church with a great collection of religious art. There is also a meridian line, that uses the sun to tell you what day and month it is. It was pretty accurate and very fascinating how centuries ago they were able to set this up.

An impressive Basilica, with lovely use of the lightening through the windows and the amazing sun calendar, through the ceiling onto the floor.

Basilica di San Petronio is an awe inspiring church in the heart of Bologna. Its massive façade, though unfinished, adds to its unique charm, and the interior is absolutely breathtaking. The intricate artwork, stunning stained glass, and impressive meridian line make it a fascinating place to explore. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the panoramic view from the terrace is worth the visit.

Impresionant! The construction is big. There are some arts inside. Big crucifix in the center. It's free to enter, appreciate in contrast to other churches. All after all it is Lord's house.

Situated in Piazza Maggiore the imposing front face of the basilica stands out immediately, its half-brick, half-finished white and red marble lower half stark in contrast. The finished face of the cathedral is sparsely adorned compared to similar church buildings of the same period. Inside the soaring cream-colored vaulted ceilings also contrast with the terra-cotta column and archway edges, another reflection of the white and red colors of the city. The main apse ceiling appears modest and undecorated, though a few of the smaller chapel ceilings exemplify the colorful murals that may have been intended for the total ceiling once finished. Interestingly enough when looking up some history this basilica was meant to serve as a more of a civil center rather than purely religious building. Entry is free (donations suggested) and no advance reservation is needed. When I came by on a Tuesday afternoon in April the church was finishing up a service, all the while allowing passersby to enter and visit, of course asking to maintain a respectful silence. Parishioners lit candles and prayed in front of the local patron saint as well as at individual chapels. Intriguing to get a glimpse into how different cultures interact in places of worship.

The Italian Gothic basilica is dedicated to Saint Petronius, who was the bishop of Bologna in the 5th century. A life size statue of him is in the basilica. It was built in 1390 and its main facade is still unfinished. The building was transferred from the city to the diocese in 1929 and was consecrated in 1954. 28,000 people can fit inside, it is enormous. The altar contains a 15th-century wooden crucifix. At the back, a fresco of the Madonna and cartoons. The ornate ciborium of the main altar was built in 1547. The 15th century wooden choir was completed by Agostino de 'Marchi. The vaulting and decoration of the central nave is by Girolamo Rainaldi, who completed it in 1646. The nave contains twenty-two side chapels each more ornate than the next. In 2002 five Al Quads terrorists were arrested, they were planning to blow up the basilica. They were angry a fresco depicts Mohammed in hell being devoured by demons.

The huge, Gothic Basilica of San Petronio was originally supposed to be bigger than St. Peter's in Vatican City, but Pope Pio IV apparently commissioned an extension to the university next door, and put a stop to the grand plans. It's still incredibly impressive, though - the façade is half marble, half exposed brick; and inside, you'll find frescoes, bronze busts and the world's biggest sun dial. Dedicated to Saint Petronius who is actually the patron saint of Bologna, the church has a Gothic design and it is noted for both its sheer size and its unfinished front facade. Inside, the church feels truly enormous - the brick columns seem to go on forever and the main altar captures your attention as you walk down the central aisle. This is a church not to be missed.

So, it was just our luck that the same day that we rolled into Bologna to live it up was also the day of San Petronio! We got to attend a service at this very crowded basilica honoring the saint along with the rest of the people of Bologna. The piazza in front of the church is a kind of gathering point for all people, local and tourists, with several sitting on the steps and enjoying the free wifi spot. Since it was the saint's day and admission was free, we decided to go in to check everything out. The basilica here is standard as far as several hundred year old Italian basilicas go. And by standard, I mean that it is devastatingly beautiful. This is not as gothic as the basilica in Firenze, but more gilded that the other cathedral on the other side of Bologna by the university. The paintings and frescoes here are very well maintained and wonderful representations of art from the era they church was built in. I will also add that the acoustics here are very good, even without microphones. If you're stopping through Bologna, you should check this place out. It's free, takes up maybe 30 minutes of your time, and is a very well maintained piece of cultural importance.

Pretty awesome thing. I believe it is the fifth largest church in the world. It's free and there's not much to it - I believe it is simply one HUGE room. You really cannot miss it, and should not miss it. Doesn't cost anything and doesn't take much time. You don't even have to put it on your list because you will inevitably pass it.

This magnificent building stands in Piazza Maggiore and is the fifth largest church in the world! It would have been the largest, outdoing even St Peters in Rome, if Pope Pius 1V hadn't put his foot down. It was begun in the 14th century and work continued for hundreds of years. The 17th century vaults and pillars of the central nave are beautiful and there are many fine carvings, stained glass windows and paintings to see, particularly 'Madonna with Saints' by Lorenzo Costa. Well worth a visit.