This basilica is located in the heart of the city, in piazza Maggiore. Its a huge building which commenced in the 14th century and took nearly 200 years to complete. It is steeped in history free to enter, and a must see site of Bologna. The interior of the church is stunning and its well worth paying the extra few euros to go into the inner chapel.

Fascinating place of worship to visit whether you are religious or not. The unfinished church (due to the lack of funding and death of the architect) is set in the Piazza de Maggiore in the centre of Bologna. It is clear to see from the contrasting upper and lower parts of the exterior how the cathedral is incomplete. The interior in itself also looks unfinished yet full of amazing artwork in the chapels that surround the main section of the cathedral. Can get busy, so it's best to get there early. Well worth a visit.

Awe inspiring basilica in the middle of Bologna right off of Piazza Maggiore. While there are three or four basilica (basicilice?) in Bologna, San Petronio is a must visit due to its' size and location. This is one of the few places I have seen that will actually enforce the wearing of appropriate attire. If you are not, you have the option to purchase a disposable covering. Large open space on the inside with a number of beautiful frescoes (including one with Mohammed!) and intricate chapels along the outside. There is a central calendar line and a significant amount of detail to explore throughout.

A beautiful religious place worth a visit. A great place to relax. The longest meridian line is inside. The biggest sundial still used to study the sun. Interesting to see a meridian with the astrology signs on it in a basilica.

A beautiful church, free on the day to visit. Some beautiful alcoved statues to religious icons. A serene and peaceful place that you must see. Thre are optional things and just need to make sure you time your visit right. The ceilings in the alcoves are beautifully decorated.

One of the largest Basilicas in europe. Its amazing to see the the fascade both gothic medievel and rinascimentale. It is also has un finished sides. This one is not in the shape of a cross. There is a sundial located inside and many side alters. There is a controversial painting inside.

Basilica di San Petronio dominates Piazza Maggiore in the centre of Bologna. Named after the city's Patron Saint, this is considered the largest and most important church in the city. Opening hours are 8.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 6pm daily. Entry is free. However there is a (€5 per adult) entry free to visit the inside of the Bolognini (Magi Chapel) on the left hand side of the interior that require a small payment to enter and see up close. Historically, construction on Basilica di San Petrino started in the late 14th-century. The exterior was in construction starting from around 1390 but it was halted midway and never completed, given the basilica the unique unfinished appearance that you see to this day. The interior features an enormous nave lined with 22 chapels filled with historic artworks, sculptures and fresco lined inner walls, some of which are spectacular, particularly the Magi Chapel mentioned above where you can view the remarkable wall fresco series depicting the Episodes in the life of San Petronio. One of the World's longest sundial lines is situated within the church as well. If visiting and viewing the respective chapels leisurely best to allow at least 30-45 minutes for a walkthrough of Basilica di San Petronio.

Usually the main thing in the city is the cathedral as the center of the diocese. It's not like that in Bologna, the Cathedral of St. Petra does not have anywhere near the importance that this basilica has. And it's not so much about this status, but, for example, that the coronation of the Spanish King Charles V by the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire took place here. And Charles V, over whose empire, according to him, the sun never set, had plenty to choose from. Looking at the facade of San Petronio, it seems that the builders, having started laying out the facade with marble, then either got tired or stopped working because they were not paid. However, there is a version that this was the original plan at the time of construction, which lasted from 1390 to 1663. The dimensions of the church are 130 by 60 meters with 45-meter vaults are impressive. This is the sixth church in Italy, including San Pietro, which, strictly speaking, is in the Vatican. According to the city magistrate, the Bologna temple was supposed to surpass St. Peter's Cathedral, for which the Bolognese demolished 8 churches, freeing up space. However, Pope Pius IV prevented this by allegedly building a university building next to the already begun basilica, which stood until 1808. According to his logic, there should have been no more churches than St. Peter's Cathedral. In this regard, changes had to be made to the project. This explains the absence of a dome in the church. There have already been so many changes in the project that the architect Antonio di Vincenzo didn`t risk to make the structure heavier, leaving the Gothic vaults. The facade of the basilica is decorated with sculptures by Properzia de Rossi, one of the rare female sculptors of the Renaissance. The interior of San Petronio will be more interesting than the exterior. The basilica boasts the oldest organ in Italy from 1475 by Lorenzo di Giacomo of Prato. The church has a painting by Lippi and a chapel of Napoleon's sister Eliza buried here. But the most controversial work is in the Bolognini Chapel. The painting by Giovanni da Modena depicts hell, in which the prophet Muhammad is tormented, who is devoured by the devil. This is an interpretation of Dante, who placed the founder of Islam in the ninth circle of hell. Due to fears of provoking Muslim fundamentalists, it is forbidden to take photos in the chapel. Gothic vaults/ from the Asinelli Tower.

This immensely grand basilica is at the heart of Bologna. The interior is extremely beautiful and contains unique stained glass. The square in front of it is also huge and gives photographers a unique opportunity for photos with the Church as a Background. It also contains the Meridian Line passing through.