WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BOLOGNA HIGHLIGHTS & HIDDEN GEMS TOUR – APPROX. 4 HOURS

About this wheelchair accessible Bologna highlights & hidden gems tour

Discover the core of Bologna on this wheelchair accessible walking/rolling tour that brings together history, architecture, and local culture. Move along the famous covered walkways, known as Porticoes, and the charming streets of Bologna to discover several highlights of the city. Along the way, your guide introduces you to Bologna’s medieval past.

Accessibility note: Due to the history of the center of Bologna, some of its streets are cobbled or slightly uneven. However, your guide will always select the most accessible route.

Piazza Maggiore

The first highlight on your tour is Piazza Maggiore: Bologna’s central square and an important place for civic life since the 13th century. Surrounded by historical buildings, this large open space once hosted markets, public gatherings, and political events. Today, it remains the city’s main meeting place, where the past and present blend seamlessly. The square’s layout and relatively even stone paving make it one of the most accessible areas in Bologna, offering plenty of space to move and pause while taking in the surroundings.

Basilica of San Petronio

From Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio immediately captures your attention. With its monumental scale and distinctive unfinished façade, this impressive building overlooks the square. Its construction started in 1390 and works lasted for several centuries. The works on the façade started in 1538 but remain unfinished to this day, allowing you to appreciate the striking contrast between marble and brick.

In case you wish to enter, the Basilica of San Petronio is largely wheelchair accessible, featuring a step-free entrance equipped with a ramp. This entrance can be accessed from Via de’ Pignattari. Inside, the floor is smooth and flat, making it comfortable to explore the basilica.

Courtyards of Palazzo d’Accursio

Your journey continues to the courtyards of Palazzo d’Accursio, Bologna’s historic town hall. This building has served as the city’s administrative center for many centuries, and its courtyards offer a quieter perspective on Bologna’s past.

The Quadrilatero Market

From here, you move into the city’s oldest market district. For centuries, people have come here to buy and sell fresh pasta, cured meats, cheeses, fish, wine, and much more. Today, you can still see small local shops selling regional products, and the area feels lively and full of energy. The streets are sometimes narrow and can get busy, but they are mostly step-free. Your guide will always choose the best possible accessible route to make your journey smooth and worry-free.

The Seven Churches of Santo Stefano

The final highlight of your tour is the Santo Stefano complex, also known as the Seven Churches. This group of historic religious buildings has a long and fascinating past, although its exact origins are still debated by historians. Some believe it dates back to early Christian times, while others think parts were built later, inspired by the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

Please note if you wish to visit the inside of the Basilica of Santo Stefano: the building is only partially wheelchair accessible due to its historic nature.

Ready to Explore Bologna?

This tour offers an engaging way to experience Bologna’s history, culture, and daily life. From lively squares to quiet corners, each stop shows a different side of the city. With a carefully planned route and a knowledgeable guide who shares all the ins and outs about everything Bologna has to offer, you can enjoy the city comfortably and at your own pace.