The Atlas Obscura Guide To Bologna

22 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Bologna, Italy

Updated February 18, 2025

Unusual Attractions in Bologna

The Finestrella sul Canale (Canal Window)

Bologna, Italy

Finestrella di Via Piella

A small window on Via Piella offers a lovely and rare peek at Bologna's lost canals.

Anatomical exhibits at the Museo di Palazzo Poggi

Bologna, Italy

Museo di Palazzo Poggi Anatomy & Obstetrics Collection

An extraordinary collection of 18th century anatomical waxworks.

Bologna, Italy

Towers of Bologna

Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the Middle Ages, but only 22 survive.

Bologna, Italy

Saint Catherine of Bologna

The mummified relic of St. Catherine sits forever on a golden throne.

Bologna, Italy

Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio

In the world's oldest university is a stunning 17th century anatomical theater carved from spruce.

Bologna, Italy

Bologna's Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale

An amazing collection of wax anatomical models and terratological models.

Bologna, Italy

Bologna Zoological Museum

This zoological museum began as the first great curiosity cabinet.

See All 22 Things To Do in Bologna

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Bologna

Bologna, Italy

Antica Aguzzeria del Cavallo

Once known for its horse-powered knife sharpening, this 200-year-old shop offers an array of blades and hard-to-find culinary tools.

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Museums 4

Architecture 4

Statues 2

History 2

History & Culture 2

Libraries 2

Music 2

Anatomy Museums 2

Relics And Reliquaries 2

Medical Museums 2

Wax Anatomy 2

Relics 2

Saints 2

Musical Instruments 2

Hidden 2

Medieval 2

Music History 2

Natural History Museums 1

Napoleon Bonaparte 1

Taxidermy 1

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Stories About Bologna

The partial skull found in Marcel Loubens Cave is more than 5,000 years old

Solved: The Mystery of a Lonely Human Skull in an Italian Cave

Scientists found answers in a single piece of evidence.

by Gemma Tarlach

March 5, 2021

Snapdragons (Anthirrinum majus) grow from Bologna’s ancient fortifications.

A Century-Old Botanical Catalog Shows How Urban Plant Life Has Changed

In Bologna and other cities around the world, it’s the age of the hardy invader.

by Isaac Schultz

July 9, 2019

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Bologna

22 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Bologna, Italy

Unusual Attractions in Bologna

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Bologna

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Bologna, Italy

Bologna Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Bologna Activity

Stories About Bologna

Solved: The Mystery of a Lonely Human Skull in an Italian Cave

A Century-Old Botanical Catalog Shows How Urban Plant Life Has Changed

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