What to see inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Peter in Bologna

In the heart of Bologna’s historic centre, just a few steps from Piazza Maggiore, stands the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Peter, the main place of worship in the city’s diocese. Built on the remains of earlier religious buildings, the current Baroque structure was completed in the 18th century and remains one of Bologna’s most significant ecclesiastical landmarks.

Visitors to the Cathedral step into a space steeped in history, art and devotion. Every part of the building, from the presbytery to the crypt, reveals details of interest to those keen to explore sacred architecture, artistic masterpieces and the city’s liturgical traditions.

But which are the most remarkable areas to see inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Peter in Bologna? How can the site be reached, and what are its visiting hours? Here’s everything to know before planning a visit.

What to see in the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Peter in Bologna

A visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Peter in Bologna offers an insight into a remarkable blend of history, art, and architecture. Every part of the church, from the publicly accessible areas to those open only through guided tours, reveals distinctive features and precious artworks that trace centuries of devotion and craftsmanship.

The main points of interest within the Cathedral include:

• The Baroque façade
• The bell tower and the great bell known as Nonna (“Granny”)
• The central nave
• The side chapels
• The high altar and apse
• The Lamentation over the Dead Christ
• The Romanesque crypt
• The Cathedral’s treasury
• The pipe organs

Baroque façade

The main façade, overlooking Via Indipendenza, is designed in the late Baroque style. Completed during the 18th century, it is distinguished by two monumental statues of St Peter and St Paul. The entrance features a portal framed by marble mouldings and topped with a broken pediment.

Bell tower and the “Nonna” bell

The Cathedral’s bell tower stands at around 70 metres, making it one of the tallest in the city. Within it lies an older tower of early Christian origin, incorporated into the later structure. The main bell, affectionately known as “Nonna” (“Granny”), is one of the largest manually rung bells in Italy and is still sounded during the principal liturgical celebrations, in keeping with Bolognese tradition.

Central nave

The central nave is spacious and filled with light. Its barrel vault rests upon Corinthian columns, while the walls are articulated by niches and richly decorated cornices. The marble floor stretches for nearly ninety metres, drawing the gaze towards the chancel. The overall space is harmoniously proportioned and offers excellent visibility, inviting both architectural and artistic contemplation.

Side chapels

Lining either side of the nave are ten chapels, five on each side. Each features distinctive decorations, secondary altars, altarpieces, and liturgical objects. Among the most remarkable are:

• The Baptistery Chapel, containing a marble font crafted in 1698;
• The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament (also known as the Lambertini Chapel), adorned with marble decorations and featuring an altarpiece by Donato Creti;
• Other chapels are dedicated to saints especially venerated in Bologna, such as St Roch, St Anne, and St Charles Borromeo, showcasing works by Giuseppe Marchesi, Antonio Rossi, and other local artists.

High altar and apse

The presbytery, redesigned in the 16th century by Pellegrino Tibaldi, is preceded by a triumphal arch leading into the apse. Here, a large fresco depicts Christ handing the keys to Saint Peter, surrounded by the apostles.

Above the high altar stands a 12th-century cedarwood Crucifixion, one of the Cathedral’s oldest and most significant works.

Lamentation over the Dead Christ

In a dedicated space is a terracotta sculptural group depicting the Lamentation over the Dead Christ, attributed to Angelo Gabriello Piò. The life-size figures are modelled with striking realism and deep emotional intensity. The composition captures one of the most dramatic and moving moments in the Cathedral’s iconographic journey.

Romanesque crypt

Beneath the chancel lies the crypt, which dates back to the 13th–14th centuries. The space is divided into small aisles with ribbed cross vaults supported by stone columns. Inside, visitors can find:

• Secondary altars;
• a contemporary bronze crucifix by Nicola Gualandi;
• historical tombs and relics.

Access to the crypt may be limited depending on liturgical celebrations.

Cathedral Treasury

The Tesoretto, the Cathedral’s treasury, is a collection of liturgical objects and sacred furnishings. It can be visited with a guide or during specific events. Among the treasures on display are:

• Silver reliquaries;
• chalices and processional crosses;
• sacred vestments embroidered in gold and silk;
• ancient illuminated Gospel books.

Pipe organs

The Metropolitan Cathedral of St Peter in Bologna houses three pipe organs:

• the main organ, built by Rotelli in 1929 and located on the counter-façade;
• the modern Paccagnella organ from 1997, featuring 54 stops;
• and the Bartolotti crypt organ, dating back to 1785, used for smaller liturgical services.

During religious festivities and sacred concerts, the music played on these instruments accompanies the celebrations with great solemnity.

How to get to the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Peter in Bologna and opening hours

The Metropolitan Cathedral of St Peter in Bologna is located at 7 Via Indipendenza, just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Maggiore and the Fountain of Neptune. Thanks to its central location, it is easily accessible by all means of transport.

How to get there:

• On foot: from the railway station, it takes around 10 minutes along Via Indipendenza.
• By bus: the nearest stop is “Indipendenza – Arena del Sole”.
• By car: access to the city centre is restricted by a ZTL (limited traffic zone). The most convenient car park is in Piazza VIII Agosto.
• By bicycle or scooter: racks and parking bays are available nearby.

Opening Hours.

The Cathedral is open all year round and entry is free. Tourist visits are permitted outside of religious services.

Standard hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 7:00 am – 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
• Sundays and public holidays: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Certain areas, such as the Tesoretto and the crypt, can only be visited by prior booking or as part of a guided tour on specific days.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini