Basilica of San Petronio

Even in a city as beautiful and culturally rich as Bologna, the Basilica of San Petronio is a very special destination for any visitor, whether you arrive at one of Bologna’s stations or in your hire car.  Dominating the beautiful Piazza Maggiore, this gigantic structure is the fifth largest church in the world, stretching for 132 meters in length and 60 in width, while the interior vault reaches 45 meters inside and 51 meters in the facade.

Dedicated to Bologna’s patron saint, Saint Petronius, construction of the basilica was begun in 1390 and in some senses this stunning church has never been completed – The main facade at the front of the building remains unfinished despite proposals and commissions by some of Italy’s leading architects through the centuries.

Once inside you’re bound to be impressed by the unusually colourful, elaborate and vibrant interior decoration and stained glasswork.  And if all that isn’t enough, then as you leave you can refer to the world’s largest sundial, erected in 1655, for how long is left until dinner in one of Bologna’s countless fine restaurants.