Basilica of San Petronio & Archiginnasio

Meeting point: Neptune square, next to the Bar Vittorio Emanuele: look for Bologna Tour staff

Description

The Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to the patron saint of the city, is the largest church in Bologna. It dominates Piazza Maggiore and, despite being largely unfinished, its imposing dimensions make it the 4th largest church in Italy and the largest Gothic brick church in the world.

In the Basilica of San Petronio it is impossible not to know what time it is. Instead of a clock, the structure houses the longest sundial in the world. It measures 67 meters and crosses the floor of the church since 1657. Domenico Cassini, an astronomy professor, built the dial. He believed that the motion of the planets depended on the sun.

With this guided tour, you will learn about the art and history of this church. Afterwards, together with your expert guide, you will visit the famous Archiginnasio Palace, located next to San Petronio. Here you can admire the history of the oldest university in the word and visit the famous Anatomical Hall.