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Church · Bolonha, Emília-Romanha
Basilica di San Petronio
The largest church in Bologna, built of brick with an unfinished façade facing the Piazza Maggiore. Running across the floor is the meridian by Giovanni Domenico Cassini, from 1655.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Basilica di San Petronio
Dedicated to San Petronio, the basilica began to be built in 1390, designed by Antonio di Vincenzo. It is 132 metres long and 60 metres wide, and is considered the largest brick Gothic church in the world. It is not Bologna's cathedral: that title belongs to the Cattedrale di San Pietro on the Via dell'Indipendenza.
The façade was never completed. The lower band has marble and sculptures made between the late 14th and early 16th centuries, including reliefs by Jacopo della Quercia around the central door; the upper part remained in brick. Work was interrupted several times due to lack of funds and disputes with the papacy.
On the floor of the left nave runs the meridian drawn by the astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini in 1655. A small hole in the roof lets a beam of sunlight through which, at solar noon, falls on the bronze line marked with the signs of the zodiac. The instrument was used for astronomical studies and for adjusting the calendar.
The 22 side chapels house works from several centuries. The Cappella Bolognini has frescoes by Giovanni da Modena from the early 15th century, depicting scenes of the Last Judgment and the journey of the Magi. This chapel has a separate, paid entrance.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
40 minutes to 1 hour for the nave, the meridian and the chapels.
Best time
Around solar noon you can see the beam of sunlight on the meridian, which varies with the time of year. In the morning the church is usually quieter. During Masses tourist visits are restricted; check the schedule before you go.
How to get there
It occupies the south side of the Piazza Maggiore, in the centre, about a 20-minute walk from Bologna Centrale station.
Tip
Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter. Large backpacks and suitcases are often not accepted. For photographing the interior there may be a charge for a permit; confirm at the entrance.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basilica di San Petronio
Is San Petronio the cathedral of Bologna?
No. It is the city's largest church and the basilica of the patron saint, but the cathedral is San Pietro, on Via dell'Indipendenza.
Why is the façade unfinished?
Work stopped several times over the centuries due to lack of funds and disputes between the city and the papacy. Only the lower band was clad in marble; the rest remained in brick.
How does the meridian (solar line) work?
A hole in the ceiling projects a point of light onto the floor. At solar noon it hits the meridian line, and its position throughout the year indicates the date, marked by the signs of the zodiac.