3 to 9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Discover Bologna's captivating secrets at your own rhythm with our expertly crafted audio experience that unlocks exclusive historical narratives and hidden stories unavailable elsewhere. Our immersive narration, delivered by passionate local historians with crystal-clear voice quality, transforms each cobblestone street into a living storyteller, revealing authentic local perspectives that traditional tours miss. Choose your own adventure among 18 prestigious attractions, diving deep into the ones that intrigue you most, while enjoying the freedom to pause, explore, and savor Bologna's charm without the constraints of group schedules. This isn't just a tour—it's your personal key to experiencing La Dotta (The Learned) through the eyes of those who know her best, offering unprecedented insights that make every moment unforgettable.
What's Included
- Admission fee
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days)
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 18 attractions with audio guide individually
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 18 attractions
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi)
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Bologna
Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Stazione di Bologna Centrale
Your journey into Bologna's soul starts at this magnificent Art Deco masterpiece, where our audio guide reveals the station's dramatic wartime secrets and architectural evolution. Discover how this transportation hub became a symbol of Italian resilience, surviving devastating bombings while maintaining its elegant facade. Learn about the hidden underground passages once used during WWII and the intricate details of the station's reconstruction that most travelers overlook. Through exclusive interviews with local historians, you'll understand why Centrale isn't just a transit point—it's a testament to Bologna's enduring spirit and the perfect introduction to a city that seamlessly blends ancient heritage with modern vitality.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Via dell'Indipendenza
Walk Bologna's grand boulevard while uncovering stories of revolution, romance, and resilience that shaped this iconic street. Our audio experience reveals how Via dell'Indipendenza earned its patriotic name and the role it played in Italy's unification. Discover the architectural gems hidden in plain sight, from noble palazzos to secret courtyards, each with tales that traditional guidebooks miss. Learn about the famous personalities who once strolled these pavements and the underground resistance movements that operated beneath your feet. This isn't just a shopping street—it's a living museum where every building whispers secrets of Bologna's tumultuous yet triumphant past.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Cattedrale di San Pietro
Uncover the surprising history of Bologna's cathedral, rebuilt multiple times yet always maintaining its spiritual significance. Our exclusive audio narratives reveal the dramatic collapse of 1599 and the architectural mysteries that followed the reconstruction. Discover the hidden symbolism in the baroque interior, including the miraculous crucifix with its own legendary tale. Learn about the cathedral's role in papal politics and the secret passages that connected it to other religious sites. Through expert insights, you'll appreciate how this sacred space reflects Bologna's complex relationship with ecclesiastical power while serving as a serene sanctuary in the heart of the bustling city.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Biblioteca Salaborsa
Step into what locals call "the living room of Bologna" and discover how this modern library transformed from ancient Roman foundations into a contemporary cultural beacon. Our audio guide reveals the fascinating archaeological excavations beneath the glass floor, where Roman streets still tell their stories. Learn about the innovative design that preserved historical layers while creating a space for digital age learning. Uncover tales of the building's previous incarnations and the passionate community effort that brought this vision to life. Through exclusive interviews with architects and archaeologists, understand how Salaborsa represents Bologna's commitment to making culture accessible while honoring its ancient roots.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Palazzo Re Enzo
Enter the opulent world of medieval power politics as our audio guide unveils the dramatic imprisonment of King Enzo of Sardinia within these very walls. Discover how a Hohenstaufen prince spent over two decades as Bologna's most prestigious prisoner, living in relative luxury while becoming part of the city's folklore. Learn about the palace's strategic importance in Guelf-Ghibelline conflicts and the ingenious architectural features designed for both grandeur and security. Through vivid storytelling, you'll understand how this Gothic masterpiece witnessed love affairs, political intrigue, and the complex dance of medieval diplomacy that shaped Northern Italy's destiny.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fontana del Nettuno
Marvel at Giambologna's bronze masterpiece while uncovering the scandals and stories that surrounded its creation. Our audio experience reveals why Bolognese nicknamed Neptune "Il Gigante" and the clever tricks the sculptor used to appease both church censors and artistic vision. Discover the fountain's role in Bologna's water management system and the symbolic messages embedded in its design. Learn about the secret repairs, romantic legends, and political statements that have swirled around this iconic sculpture for centuries. Through expert art historical analysis, you'll appreciate how this Renaissance marvel continues to embody Bologna's spirit of learned defiance and artistic excellence.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza Maggiore
Experience Europe's most harmonious medieval square while our audio guide reveals the centuries of planning, politics, and passion that created this architectural symphony. Discover how each building represents a different era of Bolognese power—ecclesiastical, civic, and noble—yet they dance together in perfect harmony. Learn about the square's role as a theater for public executions, celebrations, and revolutions that shaped Italian history. Uncover the secret meanings in the architectural details and the stories of the architects who sacrificed everything for their vision. Through exclusive historical accounts, understand why Napoleon called this "the drawing room of Europe" and how it continues to pulse with the heartbeat of Bologna.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di San Petronio
Explore Bologna's ambitious cathedral that dared to challenge St. Peter's in Rome, while our audio guide reveals why it remains magnificently unfinished. Discover the political intrigue and papal interference that halted construction, leaving a fascinating tale written in stone and missing facades. Learn about the world's largest sundial inside, created by the astronomer Cassini, and its role in historical scientific discoveries. Uncover the artistic treasures within, including frescoes that scandalized the church with their geographic accuracy. Through detailed architectural analysis, you'll understand how San Petronio embodies Bologna's eternal tension between earthly ambition and spiritual devotion, making it far more intriguing than any completed cathedral.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Palazzo Comunale
Journey through Bologna's seat of power and discover how this palazzo witnessed eight centuries of governance, revolution, and resilience. Our audio guide reveals the hidden chambers where crucial decisions shaped Italian history and the artistic treasures that survived wars and political upheavals. Learn about the dramatic frescoes that tell Bologna's story and the secret passages connecting different wings of power. Uncover tales of the remarkable leaders who governed from these halls and the democratic traditions that flourished here. Through exclusive access to historical records, understand how this palazzo represents Bologna's unique form of medieval republicanism that influenced governance throughout Europe.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita
Discover Bologna's most emotionally powerful artistic treasure as our audio guide unveils the Lamentation of Christ terracotta group that moves visitors to tears. Learn about the mysterious sculptor Niccolò dell'Arca and the revolutionary techniques that brought stone figures to life with unprecedented emotion. Uncover the sanctuary's role in Bologna's confraternity traditions and the secret charitable works that operated from within these walls. Through expert art analysis, understand how this masterpiece influenced Renaissance sculpture and why it remains one of Europe's most moving religious artworks. Experience the profound spiritual and artistic legacy that makes this sanctuary a hidden gem in Bologna's crown.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Portico del Pavaglione - World Heritage Site
Walk through history under these elegant arcades while our audio guide reveals why UNESCO recognized Bologna's porticoes as humanity's shared heritage. Discover the ingenious medieval solution to urban housing shortages that created 40 kilometers of covered walkways throughout the city. Learn about the architectural regulations that maintained harmony across centuries and the social life that flourished under these protective arches. Uncover stories of merchants, scholars, and lovers who found shelter here during storms both literal and metaphorical. Through detailed historical analysis, understand how these porticoes represent a unique urban innovation that influenced city planning worldwide while creating Bologna's distinctive character.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di San Domenico
Explore the spiritual and intellectual heart of the Dominican order while our audio guide reveals the treasures within this seemingly modest facade. Discover the exquisite chapel housing St. Dominic's remains, featuring early works by Michelangelo and contributions from artistic masters across centuries. Learn about the basilica's role in medieval theological education and the revolutionary ideas that emerged from its scholarly community. Uncover the dramatic stories of saints, scholars, and sinners who shaped Christian thought within these walls. Through exclusive theological insights, understand how San Domenico became a crucible of religious reform and intellectual development that influenced Christianity throughout Europe.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza Santo Stefano
Enter Bologna's most romantic square and discover the complex of seven churches that locals call "the Jerusalem of Bologna." Our audio guide reveals how Benedictine monks recreated the Holy Land in miniature, complete with replicas of sacred sites. Learn about the mysterious polygonal church of Santo Sepolcro and the ancient baptistery that predates Christianity in Bologna. Uncover the legends surrounding the bronze basin and the courtyard that witnessed centuries of religious devotion. Through architectural analysis and historical scholarship, understand how this unique complex represents medieval spirituality and pilgrimage culture, creating a sacred landscape that transports visitors across time and space.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano
Delve deeper into this extraordinary religious complex where our audio guide unlocks the mysteries of each interconnected church. Discover the Romanesque treasures hidden within and the crypts that house ancient martyr saints. Learn about the symbolic architecture that recreates Christ's Passion journey and the innovative building techniques that preserved structures for over a millennium. Uncover the complex's role in Bologna's spiritual life and the artistic patronage that created its magnificent decorations. Through expert theological and architectural commentary, appreciate how Santo Stefano represents one of Europe's most ambitious religious architectural projects, offering a unique pilgrimage experience without leaving Bologna.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi
Uncover Bologna's Gothic masterpiece as our audio guide reveals the artistic revolution that transformed religious architecture in medieval Italy. Discover the stunning frescoes and the miraculous icon of the Madonna that draws pilgrims from across Europe. Learn about the Servite order's unique devotion and the architectural innovations that created this soaring spiritual space. Uncover stories of noble patrons and artistic rivalries that shaped the basilica's development. Through detailed art historical analysis, understand how Santa Maria dei Servi represents the perfect marriage of northern European Gothic style with Italian artistic sensibility, creating a uniquely Bolognese expression of faith and beauty.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore
Discover Renaissance artistry at its finest while our audio guide reveals the masterpieces hidden within this elegant church. Learn about the Bentivoglio family chapel with its stunning frescoes by Francia and Costa, depicting one of Bologna's most powerful dynasties. Uncover the political intrigue and artistic patronage that created this treasure trove of Renaissance art. Discover the musical traditions that flourished here and the famous composers who found inspiration within these walls. Through expert art historical commentary, understand how San Giacomo Maggiore represents the perfect fusion of noble ambition and artistic excellence that characterized Renaissance Bologna's golden age.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Oratorio Di Santa Cecilia
Step into a hidden jewel where our audio guide unveils one of Italy's most complete Renaissance fresco cycles. Discover the Bentivoglio family's private oratory and the masterful paintings that tell the story of Saints Cecilia and Valerian. Learn about the artistic techniques that created these luminous scenes and the symbolic messages embedded for initiated viewers. Uncover the oratory's role in Bologna's cultural renaissance and the preservation efforts that saved these masterpieces from destruction. Through detailed iconographic analysis, appreciate how this intimate space concentrates the artistic and spiritual achievements of Renaissance Bologna into a perfectly preserved time capsule.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica San Francesco
Explore one of Italy's earliest and most significant Franciscan churches while our audio guide reveals its pivotal role in religious history. Discover the tomb of Pope Alexander V and the dramatic stories of saints and scholars who shaped medieval Christianity. Learn about the basilica's unique architectural features, including the soaring nave and the beautiful altarpieces by Bolognese masters. Uncover the connection to St. Francis of Assisi and the revolutionary religious movement that began here. Through exclusive historical insights, understand how San Francesco represents the intersection of spiritual reform and artistic innovation that made Bologna a center of medieval Christian culture and learning.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can choose where to start and finish according to your preference.
- How Our Self-Guided Audio Tour Works:
- 1. Receive Access Links: On your selected date of travel, before your starting time, you'll receive an email containing two important links for your audio guide.
- 2. Audio Content (Link 1): Click on our secure SoundCloud web link to access the audio guides. You can listen to individual attraction guides or the entire tour to plan your visit. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content before or during your tour.
- 3. Interactive Map (Link 2): Use our secure Google My Maps link to locate all attractions on an interactive map. Each point on the map corresponds to a stop on the tour and links directly to its audio guide.
- 4. Flexible Exploration: As you explore the city use the map to navigate between stops. At each location, simply click on the corresponding point to play the relevant audio guide.
- 5. Plan Your Route: You can use both links to plan your route in advance, deciding which attractions you want to prioritize or if you want to follow the suggested order of the tour.
- 6. Customer Support: If you have any questions about accessing or using the audio guide, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience
- Remember, this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Feel free to take breaks, spend more time at your favourite locations, or even split the tour across multiple days. The flexibility of our audio guide ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and schedule.
- What to Bring: * Headphones/Earphones * Fully charged smartphone * Internet access
- *While all the tourist attractions mentioned above are free to visit, please note that travelers will need to purchase their own tickets if any attraction charges fees for special sections or has recently implemented fees for additional services.
- Select your preferred audio guide language during booking. Language selection cannot be changed after confirmation. If your language isn't available, contact us 48+ hours in advance and we'll prepare it specially for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bologna Self Guided Audio Experience?
Cancellation Policy
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-18568P184
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Bologna Self Guided Audio Experience?
A:Apr 2025
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Admission fee.
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days).
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 18 attractions with audio guide individually.
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 18 attractions.
The following is NOT included:
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi).
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Bologna Self Guided Audio Experience is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Bologna Self Guided Audio Experience will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Admission fee
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days)
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 18 attractions with audio guide individually
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 18 attractions
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can choose where to start and finish according to your preference.
- How Our Self-Guided Audio Tour Works:
- 1. Receive Access Links: On your selected date of travel, before your starting time, you'll receive an email containing two important links for your audio guide.
- 2. Audio Content (Link 1): Click on our secure SoundCloud web link to access the audio guides. You can listen to individual attraction guides or the entire tour to plan your visit. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content before or during your tour.
- 3. Interactive Map (Link 2): Use our secure Google My Maps link to locate all attractions on an interactive map. Each point on the map corresponds to a stop on the tour and links directly to its audio guide.
- 4. Flexible Exploration: As you explore the city use the map to navigate between stops. At each location, simply click on the corresponding point to play the relevant audio guide.
- 5. Plan Your Route: You can use both links to plan your route in advance, deciding which attractions you want to prioritize or if you want to follow the suggested order of the tour.
- 6. Customer Support: If you have any questions about accessing or using the audio guide, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience
- Remember, this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Feel free to take breaks, spend more time at your favourite locations, or even split the tour across multiple days. The flexibility of our audio guide ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and schedule.
- What to Bring: * Headphones/Earphones * Fully charged smartphone * Internet access
- *While all the tourist attractions mentioned above are free to visit, please note that travelers will need to purchase their own tickets if any attraction charges fees for special sections or has recently implemented fees for additional services.
- Select your preferred audio guide language during booking. Language selection cannot be changed after confirmation. If your language isn't available, contact us 48+ hours in advance and we'll prepare it specially for you.
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