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La Basilica di San Petronio

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Piazza Maggiore, Bologona

Some of these ancient exquisite buildings in Bologna deserve their own post…the Basilica in Piazza Maggiore is one of them! We came to Mass here 30 years ago and are still in awe of its size and the beauty inside.

Capacity for 28,000 people.
Magnificent altar.
Original ornate wooden inlaid seats behind the alter from 1390.
2 rows of 10 more seats were added on in the 15th century.
Behind the alter, two organs!
This brass rod inlaid in the floor that uses the light from a hole in the cathedral ceiling to determine the date and time throughout the year. Constructed in 1390, still accurate! This meridian line is one of the largest astronomical instruments in the world and at local noon an elliiptical image of the sun falls exactly on the line. It was constructed by Cassini who was teaching astronomy at the University.
Relics of Bologna’s patron saint are preserved in this side chapel.
Magnificent individual chapels all along both sides of the Basilica.

Every inch of the ceiling is painted – breathtaking!
Even in the evening light the marble exterior glows a pretty warm pink.

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2 Responses

  1. Jan Cosgrove says:
    May 21, 2023 at 1:51 am

    The Cosgrove clan walked the Cinque terra 15 years ago! The stairs were a challenge to say the least. Italy is fabulous. Didnt realise they had been so severely affected by flooding, very sad. Caio!!!

    • David&Michelle says:
      May 21, 2023 at 7:15 pm

      The whole of Emilia-Romagno area has been devastated, Cinqe Terre not affected at all. It’s been red alert rain level for the week now 🙁 We hope to get out of Bologna tomorrow which has not flooded! I can imagine all you Cosgrove’s doing the walk – hope you stopped off at each village for icecream 🙂 Caio Jan x