The Basilica di San Petronio stands on Piazza Maggiore, the central square of Bologna in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is a Gothic basilica dedicated to Petronius, the patron saint of the city, and it sits among the main civic buildings that frame the square, so it is easy to reach on foot once you are in the historic centre.
What to see inside
The interior is large and quiet, and the eye is drawn upward along its tall Gothic lines. Among its features, the one most often mentioned is the meridian line, the longest sundial in the world, which runs across the floor of the church. Follow it along the nave and you can appreciate both the scale of the building and the careful astronomical work recorded in its pavement.
The basilica is also counted among the largest churches in the world by volume, which becomes clear once you stand inside and look down the length of the nave.
Planning your visit
- Location: Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna, Italy
- Best paired with: a stroll around the square and the nearby streets of the old town
- Contact: +39 051 225442
Because the basilica is at the heart of the city, it works well as a stop between other sights, or as a place to pause in the square. If you are interested in churches, astronomy, or simply the atmosphere of a large Gothic interior in an Italian city, it is a worthwhile visit. Check with the basilica directly by phone before you go for current arrangements.
