Piazza Maggiore Tourism

Piazza Maggiore is the principal square in Bologna, Italy, and has been the heart of the city since the 13th century. Surrounded by several important buildings, including the San Petronio Basilica, the Palazzo d'Accursio, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo dei Notai, the square has been a central spot for social, political, and cultural gatherings over the centuries. The Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest in the world, dominates the Piazza Maggiore and is known for its splendid Gothic architecture and the incomplete facade. The Palazzo d'Accursio serves as the town hall and contains the city's art collections and other municipal offices. The Piazza itself is a large open space that invites people to stroll, socialize, and participate in various events and markets that take place throughout the year. A notable feature of the square is the Neptune Fountain, a masterpiece of Mannerist sculpture by Giambologna, which is located on the adjacent Piazza del Nettuno. Piazza Maggiore is a pedestrian area and serves as a connecting point to Bologna’s extensive porticoes, leading to many shops, cafés, and traditional eateries.