Top Experiences in Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio (Teatro Anatomico dell'Archiginnasio)

Bologna is a beautiful medieval city located in the heart of the Emilia Romagna region in in the northern Italy. Famous worldwide for its oldest university in Europe, this picturesque town offer to visitors a rich cultural and historic experience with a plenty of monuments worth seeing. During our private tour you will discover its authentic neighbourhoods with ancient piazzas, UNESCO-listed porticoes, medieval towers and hidden corners known only to locals. Led by your expert guide with an art background you will get a unique insight into the history and culture of Bologna and enjoy the fascinating stories and curiosities about its glorious past.

Of all the cities in Emilia Romagna, Bologna is perhaps the most open and convivial. It’s hard not to fall in love with its porticoes, its main square and alleys dense with trattorias and restaurants. Strolling through the center with your guide, you’ll discover why Bologna has deserved recognition as a "fat" city as well as a "learned" one since the Middle Ages. You’ll see some of Bologna's most important historical buildings. You’ll discover the history and legends of the Bolognese tortellino, the versions of the broth, the variants of the filling. There will be plenty of curiosities and anecdotes about local street food, tigelle, fried crescentine, mortadella, cured meats and traditional desserts. After a delicious tasting of the finest chocolate produced by the oldest Italian chocolate house and artisanal gelato, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what has made Bologna a gastronomic capital, a motherly and welcoming city, a crossroads of excellently elaborated experiences.

If you're looking for a fun and curious way to visit Bologna, you've come to the right place!

With this guide created by a local, you will be able to visit all the most important monuments at your own pace. You'll get to know the stories and curiosities of Bologna! But also you will discover everything about local foods, Italian aperitivo in authentic local restaurants, and much more!

If you’re fascinated by art and history you’ll relish the chance to visit piazza Maggiore which includes the palaces constructed for public administration (Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo di Re Enzo and Palazzo del Capitano del popolo), as well as piazza del Nettuno, the Santo Stefano complex, San Petronio, Asinelli and Galisenda towers and much more.

Our expert English-speaking guide will share interesting anecdotes and urban legends as you wander by some of the city’s best known monuments, as well as explore hidden canals and porticos.

Bologna is a truly magical place and this tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

A journey from the medieval reminders of the ancient city to the Renaissance and beyond, seeing the signs of its past.
An enchanting tour to discover the timeless atmosphere of the historical center of Bologna, the location of the oldest University in western world, dating back to 1088 A. D.

Take part in a unique experience and discover one of Italy's most enchanting cities. In the course of the tour, you'll get to uncover the history of Bologna, where the first university of Europe was built in the 11th century. In Piazza San Domenico you'll get to admire the monuments of the most illustrious professors of the Middle ages and inside the Museo Medievale, you'll learn all about with the vivid bas-reliefs that show the professors teaching an audience of students, all thanks to the engaging narration of your dedicated expert guide.

Also, you'll get to walk to the Archiginnasio Palace, home to city's schools from the 16th to the 19th century, and its 17th Century Anatomy Theater decorated with wooden sculptures related to Medicine.

In the course of just 2.5 hours you'll learn all there is to know about the enthralling history of this charming city.

Bologna is known in the world for mainly 4 reasons: the towers, the porticos, the university and the food.

In this tour you will find out why did the porticos and the towers come to define the skyline of Bologna and how the oldest university of the western world was born exactly here in 1088.
You will discover that mortadella, our pride and joy, exists since Roman times and "spagnetti bolognese". . . . doesn't really exist.

Outstanding churches and palaces, beautiful squares and narrow alleys will be the frame for all these stories.

Bologna is the city where the first university of the Western world was founded. It is known as the city of music, culture and food. In this tour you will discover which historical periods significantly marked the history and architecture of Bologna. Walking through its narrow streets is the best way to enjoy the city medieval atmosphere and its 40 km-long porticoes. You will visit one of the few still-preserved ghettoes of the region as well as the Archiginnasio, the first official seat of the Alma Mater Studiorum (the university).

This is the ideal tour of Bologna if you want to get to know the best of the city on a half-day walk in the historic center. You will discover the history and culture behind each building and you will also receive further information to make unique and unforgettable your stay. We will end up in the medieval market area where you can receive some suggestions for your lunch and dinner based on typical local products.
The tour is carried out by a local expert and certified local guide.

This walking tour was created for those who are in the city and do not want to miss the chance to admire the beauties of Bologna but at the same time savor the flavors of typical products such as salumi, crescentine and good wine.

Piazza Maggiore, Palazzo Daccursio, Via d'azeglio, Archiginnasio, are just some of the destinations you can admire.

The market of the quadrilateral will welcome you with its ancient perfumes where you can taste the authenticity of high quality products

Absolutely not to be missed

We provide tours with the best local certified guides, our guides had to pass a severe exam about the history of the city to obtain this grade level. The experience we provide is unique and will make the difference for bringing back a great memory of this amazing city. We can arrange the tour in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and many other languages please ask us your needs.
The price is intende for the WHOLE GROUP!

The best of Bologna in a two and a half hour walking tour with a private guide.
Admire the city's beautiful arcades, declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, and discover wonderful buildings such as the Basilica of San Petronio, the fourth largest church in Italy, which houses the largest sundial in the world!

Stroll through the historic center of the city to learn about the history, culture and ancient traditions of Bologna, admiring its points of interest, such as the Statue of Neptune or the Two Towers.

At the end of the tour, you will be able to enjoy a small food tasting in the city center.

We provide tours with the best local certified guides, our guides had to pass a severe exam abouth the history of the city to obtain this grade level. The experience we provide is unique and will make the difference for bringing back a great memory of this amazing city. We can arrange the tour in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and many other languages please ask us your needs.

Visit the red streets of the historic center of Bologna, visiting the symbolic places of the city and discovering their secrets
Art, history and gastronomy, but also secrets, legends and suggestions of contemporary life: discover everything that has made Bologna one of the most popular destinations for tourists in recent years with a certified guide, as well as a true Bolognese DOC, on a tour private dedicated to you

Be the hero of a quest and follow clues to discover amazing places and local stories in Bologna.

You will learn about Bologna’s terracotta art and many of the stories behind the city’s most iconic places. You will see the historical Ghetto, walk along the legendary Via dell’Independenza, and much more.

Are you up for discovering Bologna with a twist of mystery? You’ve come to the right place.

Highlights:
Uncover the stories behind Bologna’s central square
Learn about the puzzling history of the Old University
Discover the city’s most famous marketplace
Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, an outdoor escape game, and a treasure hunt.

The city game will take you about 1 hour to complete, but there’s no time limit which will allow you to go at your own pace. You won't need a guide, just download the app, go to the starting point, and begin the adventure.

A mix of art masterpieces, history, food stories, legends and secrets described by a local art lover with a great experience and knowledge of the city. The tour itself will be like a dive into history and time. All information about art will be experienced by the visitors as a trip enriched with details about life, food, culture, music and traditions of those ages.

The beauty of Bologna is not only that it's got (almost) everything that you expect of a big city, but on a human scale, Bologna is not only the seat of the oldest Western World University, founded in 1088, it also has an established reputation of capital of gastronomy and a well preserved medieval city centre containing some 40 kilometres of porticoes built over 1,000 years.

During this walk we will take you to disvover the history and the birth thousand-year-old history of the Studium, founded during XXI century and its rise. You will see some beautiful heritage such as the monumental tombs of Glossatori and some places related to Alma Mater Studiorum namely Bologna Universisty.

You will also see Guglielmo Marconi's birthplace (Marconi was awarded with a Nobel Prize and was the father of the radio communication), the Archiginnasio Building hosting the world biggest collection of coat of arms, Galvani Square with the monument dedicated to the scientist, Palazzo della Mercanzia, Palazzo Poggi to end up in Verdi Square.

An unmissable walk to discover some of the most significant aspects of Bologna so called "La Dotta" The DOC

Bologna has been named Unesco Creative city since 2006: get the opportunity to discover the "musical" side of the city with this walking tour that will take you around the town centre to discover all the stories and facts of the music and Bologna.

Explore Bologna on two wheels on a two-hour bike tour focused on the history of the city. A local guide will take you on a tour of monuments and medieval squares. You will admire the oldest university in the world, the majestic Piazza Maggiore, to get to the Two Towers, one of the greatest attractions of the Emilian capital. We will lead you to the discovery of the ancient medieval port and its history through the many canals that developed around the city. You will discover the history of the Jewish community by crossing the medieval Ghetto of Bologna to then reach and admire the symbol of the city: the Two Towers. Cycling among the beautiful arcades you will reach Piazza Maggiore, home to the most important buildings of the city: the Basilica of San Petronio, the elegant Fountain of Neptune and the imposing Palazzo Re Enzo. The bike tour will end in Via Piella looking through the famous small window, you can still see the waters and canals.

Thanks to this FULL DAY tour you'll have the chance to discover the stunning wonders of this land: Bologna and Ravenna. Both cities were protagonists in the historic panorama of this part of Italy.

The presence of the University, the oldest in the Western world, has made BOLOGNA a cultural center of extraordinary importance. We'll visit the most evocative monuments and places in the city center.

RAVENNA, a Unesco site known worldwide because of its early Christian era mosaics, gives you the opportunity to see preserved monuments from the 5th and 6th century.

We will meet in Bologna in the morning and we will visit the city center highlights. Then together we'll catch the train to Ravenna.

The tour will start with a minimum of 4 participants, otherwise you'll be offered a different date or the total amount will be refunded

Would you like to visit the city on two wheels, just like a local? During our bike ride through Bologna our tour leaders will show you the city's best-known places and its secret corners, and also give you lots of tips on what to do and where to taste Bologna's famous cuisine.
The Bologna bike experience is a good idea if you wish to discover the city with a local, in a sustainable and fun way. Pedaling between churches, monuments and historic buildings, our tour leaders will provide you with some explanations of the city's most and least known attractions, but without lingering in lengthy explanations. This way you will be able to see many different landmarks in a short time, as well as fully enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant city.

We guarantee that our tours will run with a minimum of just four people.

A classic walking tour through the streets of the city centre. With this guided tour you will discover the history of Bologna and its main cultural attractions. The ancient market area, the so-called Quadrilatero, the statue of Neptune and the Basilica of San Petronio are just some of the stops on this wonderful tour.

Our tour starts at the vibrant heart of Bologna, Piazza Maggiore, where the imposing Basilica di San Petronio and the Fountain of Neptune stand out. Moving on to the historic Archiginnasio, we delve into its ancient halls, including the intriguing Teatro Anatomico, showcasing the city's rich history of learning.

Next, we explore the lively Quadrilatero Market, brimming with sensory delights. We then marvel at Bologna's iconic skyline dominated by the majestic Due Torri, symbolizing its medieval heritage.

Continuing our journey, we visit Santo Stefano and its seven churches, passing through renowned galleries like Galleria del Leone and Galleria Cavour.

Throughout, we stroll under the city's elegant porticos, providing shelter and charm in all weather.

The Archiginnasio is one of the most important buildings in Bologna. Located in the heart of the historic center of the city, it was the seat of the ancient university, and is now the seat of the Municipal Library.
The Anatomical Theater was the room used for anatomy lessons held at the medical faculty of Bologna.

With this audio-guided tour* you will discover the history of the oldest university in the world and the testimonies of its long and important activity.

At the end of the tour you will enjoy a product tasting in the city center.

*If your phone does not have a jack connector, please remember to bring your headphones.

Set the pace for your self-guided tour and listen to the audio guide that will tell you the history of the Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio, from its birth to the bombings of 1944 that severely damaged the structure, and admire the details of the ancient headquarters of the Faculty of Medicine of Bologna.
Walk the stairs, visit the great halls of artists and layers and step into the hidden gem of Bologna, the marvelous Anatomical Theater, completed in 1737 and entirely carved in wood.

Sit in one of its benches and admire the details of the ceiling and the angel woman, the hand-carved walls, the statues of the great scientists and philosophers, the astronomical symbols, and the anatomical models in spruce and imagine that the vivisected animals and humans were right in the middle of that room, in the oldest university in the world!

At the end of the tour, make your way to the Quadrilatero Market, a five-minute walk away, where a tasting of local products awaits you with a glass of wine.

Bologna, the capital of the Reggio Emilia region, is one of the most historical cities in whole Italy. It’s existence dates back to 1000 BC. The city hosts the first university in the whole World.

You will enjoy, with your private official tour guide, getting to know the most emblematic and representative sites of the city. Bologna has a very active public life and high economic activy.

Enjoy this walking tour of Bologna. Pick up will be set from a centrally located meeting point in the city of Bologna, always walking distance. If your hotel is walking distance, please include this at the time of booking.

Amongst other monuments, please enjoy these sites:

- Piazza Maggiore
- Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell
- Basilica di San Petronio
- Archiginnasio di Bologna

SAVE COVID-19 SAFE - As this is a private tour we take care of maintaining social distance.

Welcome to the magical city of Bologna! On this 2-hour walking tour, you will get to experience the architectural wonders of the city, which offers every style, from Gothic, to Baroque, to Renaissance to Classical. Our tour begins at the Archiginnasio Palace, which serves as the main office building for the oldest university in the world – University of Bologna. After, we will walk to Piazza Maggiore, where the Basilica of San Petronio is located.
Following this, we will head to Piazza del Nettuno, which is formed by three administrative buildings placed together. Next, we will see Palazzo del Podestà, which has become the Bargello Museum. Thirdly and lastly, we will explore Captain of the People’s palace.
After, we will see two different towers: the Asinelli tower and the Garisenda Tower. The first offers a panoramic view of the city, but not before climbing more than 400 steps. To conclude your tour, we will explore the area of Quadrilatero, which is home to markets and shops.

It is an extremely complete tour to discover the wonderful Bologna. A day of culture, art and gastronomy among the main attractions of the city. The program has been carefully studied in order to be able to combine the great potential of Bolognese gastronomy, and those of the rich architectural and artistic heritage, such as the splendid churches, palaces, the very ancient university, canals and towers, and finally a rich museum of ancient art, the National Art Gallery.

An enchanting tour to discover the timeless atmosphere of the historical center of Bologna, the seat of the most ancient European university, dating back to 1088 A. D.

This visit will give you the chance to witness the real heart of the city, walking through its most ancient area and monuments.