Oratory of Santa Cecilia

Hidden gem, we entered the place only while passing by and it has been one of more beautiful discoveries of Bologna. You can enter the chapel free of charge, donations are welcome. We have been encountered by a Mrs Rita, who works there and she has explained us the story of each painting and story of Santa Cecilia. Without her passion and wonderful sharing of a story of this chapel and Santa Cecilia, we would not have understood the meaning of this place. We are very thankful to Mrs Rita. There are regular concerts here free of charge, next one 27.11.2025

A small chapel dedicated to St Cecilia and her husband Valeriano. Built in the 16th century the chapel is full of frescoes by Lorenzo Costa and other famous artists which are in excellence condition. Is worth a visit if you are passing by.

The room inside the chiesa is lovely, with beautiful frescos with unique style telling the story of Santa Cecilia, it’s not a big room but the man working there (Romeo) was very very sweet and told us all about the story of Santa Cecilia and explained all the frescos, it was a lovely 30 minutes or so. Entrance is free, no need to book tickets. There’s also a nice courtyard to take a look at and listen to the music from the music school there. Recommended if you are fans of art, especially one with Christian motifs, or want to know the story of Santa Cecilia (which is a great story) Thank you to Romeo 🙏

This is a must-visit spot! You will encounter guides inside, who will give you a free tour and explain the whole story of Santa Cecilia. It has so much detail and it’s truly astonishing. Pay the oratory a visit!

A hidden gem in Bologna with amazing murals depicting Christianity and honoring the patron saint of musicians, Saint Cecilia, which reminded me of Simon & Garfunkel's iconic song, "Cecilia you are breaking my heart, you're shaking my confidence daily, oh Cecilia I am down on my knees . . ." They told me "no photos are allowed" after I snapped a few :( I attended a recital with wonderful acoustics on my last day of my second trip to la Bella Italia, ciao Bologna!

This is a gem of a small chapel dedicated to the martyrdom of saint cecilia the patron saint of music. It is situated on the elegant porticoed via zamboni adjoining the massive San giacomo maggiore church. The ten panels from right to left as you enter shows in graphic detail the story of saint cecilia and her husband valerian and the colours and detail of the frescoes is absolutely stunning

Nice quiet spot, although small. The real plus was that we managed to attend an excellent free classical music recital at 6pm on Saturday. No photos allowed in the chapel.

Easy to miss as it is not well signed. A rather beautiful prototype with rich and vivid frescoes depicting the life of Saint Cecilia. An unsung gem of the city.