Standing proudly on Via Indipendenza the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Pietro is Bologna’s main religious monument and a timeless symbol of the city’s spiritual heritage. It was elevated to the rank of “Metropolitan Cathedral” in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, who granted the local diocese its archiepiscopal status—a milestone in Bologna’s ecclesiastical history.
Although the first documented church dates back to the 10th century, the Cathedral’s current appearance is the result of a major renovation carried out in 1605, which reshaped the earlier Romanesque-Gothic structure. Inside, the cathedral reveals a rich Baroque atmosphere adorned with masterpieces by renowned artists such as Prospero Fontana, Ludovico Carracci, and Donato Creti, offering visitors an immersive journey through centuries of sacred art.
The Cathedral Treasury is another highlight, housing invaluable liturgical vestments and sacred objects from the 14th century, precious witnesses to the devotional practices and craftsmanship that marked Bologna’s medieval and early modern religious life.
Equally impressive is the bell tower, the second tallest in the city at 70 meters. Its bell chamber hosts the largest bell still playable in the traditional “Bolognese style”, characterized by a full rotation of the bell and a distinctive, rhythmic peal unique to the region.
Visitors staying in the Locanda dell’Orsa, in Via Marsala 18, can easily reach the cathedral with a pleasant 5–7 minute walk through Via Marsala toward Via Indipendenza.
