Bologna: Walking In-App Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG)

Explore Bologna’s rich history and stunning architecture with the convenience of a self-guided audio tour right on your phone. This immersive experience lets you discover the city’s iconic landmarks, from the towering Basilica of St. Petronio to the world-famous leaning towers, at your own pace. With an English-language guide and live GPS mapping, you’ll uncover Bologna’s cultural heritage in an engaging and informative way. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an enriching sightseeing adventure, this tour promises to transport you through Bologna’s captivating past. What secrets and surprises might you uncover along the way?

Key Points

• A self-guided walking audio tour of Bologna, available in English, that lasts around 2 hours.
• Key highlights include the Basilica of St. Petronio, Basilica of St. Domenico, two famous leaning towers, and the University of Bologna.
• The tour allows visitors to explore the city’s top attractions at their own pace using a downloadable app.
• The audio guide provides commentary on the architectural and historical significance of the tour sites.
• Optional experiences during the tour include the Sanctuary of San Luca and the San Luca Express.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This self-guided walking audio tour of Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, allows visitors to explore the city at their own pace using the WeGoTrip app. The tour lasts around 2 hours and the audio guide is available in English.

Key highlights include the Basilica of St. Petronio, known for its late Gothic architecture, and the Basilica of St. Domenico, which features statues by a young Michelangelo.

Visitors can also see the two famous leaning towers, including the highest one in Europe, as well as the University of Bologna, the world’s oldest continuously-operating university.

Optional experiences include hearing the ‘miracle of the rain’ legend at the Sanctuary of San Luca and taking the San Luca Express up to the church on the hill.

Key Highlights

The Basilica of St. Petronio stands as a prime example of late Gothic architecture, captivating visitors with its grand facade and intricate details.

The Basilica of St. Domenico, on the other hand, houses stunning statues created by a young Michelangelo, offering a unique glimpse into the master’s early artistic prowess.

Of course, no visit to Bologna would be complete without seeing the city’s iconic Two Towers, including the highest leaning tower in Europe.

For those eager to dive deeper into the city’s rich history, the University of Bologna, the world’s oldest continuously-operating university, is a must-see destination that showcases the enduring legacy of this remarkable city.

Basilica of St. Petronio

Dominating the skyline of Bologna, the Basilica of St. Petronio is an architectural marvel that showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Constructed over several centuries, this late Gothic cathedral captivates visitors with its grand facade, intricate details, and impressive scale.

Architectural Features	Significance
Towering facade with ornate marble carvings	Reflects the city’s devotion to Catholic faith
Unfinished interior with only the first two bays completed	Demonstrates the ambition of the original design
Sundial line on the floor measuring the equinoxes	Showcases the advanced astronomical knowledge of Bologna’s scholars
Detailed bronze doors depicting biblical scenes	Highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of the era

Exploring the Basilica of St. Petronio is a must-do activity for any visitor to Bologna, offering a glimpse into the city’s storied past and enduring artistic traditions.

Basilica of St. Domenico

Just a short stroll from the iconic Basilica of St. Petronio stands another impressive religious landmark – the Basilica of St. Domenico.

This 13th-century church boasts a captivating blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural elements, creating a visually striking exterior.

As you explore the interior, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning statues, including a young Michelangelo’s work.

The basilica’s highlights include:

• The impressive Gothic-style façade
• The intricately carved marble portal
• The ornate Baroque altar and chapels
• The tomb of St. Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order

This peaceful sanctuary offers a moment of calm amidst the bustling city, inviting you to learn about Bologna’s rich religious heritage.

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Two Towers

Towering over Bologna’s historic center, the Two Towers stand as iconic landmarks that have captivated visitors for centuries.

These leaning structures, a symbol of the city’s power and ingenuity, draw the eye with their striking silhouettes against the skyline.

The taller of the two, the Asinelli Tower, reaches an impressive height of 97.2 meters, making it the tallest leaning tower in Europe.

Its counterpart, the shorter Garisenda Tower, leans even more dramatically, creating a unique and visually striking contrast.

Climbing the 498 steps of the Asinelli Tower rewards visitors with panoramic views over Bologna, allowing them to appreciate the city’s medieval layout and architectural wonders from a unique vantage point.

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna stands as a beacon of academic excellence, tracing its origins back to 1088 and earning the distinction of being the world’s oldest continuously-operating university.

As you explore the city, be sure to visit this iconic institution, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of Europe.

Some key facts about the University of Bologna:

• It’s home to over 80,000 students and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
• The university’s main campus is centrally located, making it easy to incorporate into your walking tour.
• Architectural highlights include the ornate Archiginnasio building and the historic Aula Magna (Grand Hall).
• The university’s legacy continues to this day, with renowned scholars and innovators emerging from its hallowed halls.

Sanctuary of San Luca

Perched atop the picturesque Bolognese hills, the Sanctuary of San Luca is a beloved pilgrimage site that captivates visitors with its rich history and stunning architecture.

This breathtaking religious complex is known for the legendary ‘miracle of the rain‘ tale, which you can explore during your self-guided walking tour.

The sanctuary’s basilica dates back to the 17th century and features a striking portico that stretches for nearly 4 kilometers, making it the world’s longest portico.

As you ascend the historic walkway, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Bologna’s rooftops and surrounding countryside.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the captivating legend of the miraculous rain that’s said to have fallen at the sanctuary.

Tour Inclusions

The self-guided audio tour provides a downloadable app experience on your smartphone, complete with a detailed route and live GPS map to guide you through Bologna at your own pace. The tour inclusions make exploring the city simple and convenient.

Key features include:

• Downloadable self-guided audio tour on the WeGoTrip app
• Detailed route with live GPS map on your smartphone
• Audio guide in English to provide commentary as you walk
• Easy access to explore Bologna’s key highlights at your leisure

With these inclusions, you can learn about Bologna’s rich history and architecture, all while navigating the city effortlessly on your own schedule. The self-guided format empowers you to discover the city at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use the App Offline During the Tour?

Yes, you can use the app offline during the tour. The audio guide and map are downloadable, so you don’t need an internet connection once you’ve downloaded the content to your device.

Is There a Way to Pause the Audio Guide?

Yes, the WeGoTrip app allows users to pause the audio guide whenever needed. This feature lets travelers take breaks and explore the city at their own pace without missing out on the informative commentary.

Does the Tour Have Any Child-Friendly Features?

The tour doesn’t have any specific child-friendly features, but families can explore the city at their own pace and pause the audio guide whenever needed. The sights are generally engaging for all ages.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Tour Route?

The tour does not provide information about specific restroom facilities along the route. However, as a self-guided walking tour, visitors can use their discretion to find public restrooms in the city during the tour.

Can I Book Additional Experiences Through the App?

Yes, you can book additional experiences through the WeGoTrip app. The app offers optional experiences like visiting the Sanctuary of San Luca and taking the San Luca Express to the church on the hill.

Recap

The Bologna: Walking In-App Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG) is an excellent way to explore the historic city at your own pace.

With its immersive audio guide and live GPS map, visitors can discover Bologna’s iconic landmarks, architectural wonders, and cultural heritage in a personalized and enriching sightseeing experience.

Whether you’re interested in the Basilica of St. Petronio, the leaning towers, or the world’s oldest university, this tour provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: