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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Bologna

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

Updated March 5, 2021

Unusual Attractions in Bologna

Bologna, Italy

Museo di Palazzo Poggi Anatomy & Obstetrics Collection

An extraordinary collection of 18th century anatomical waxworks.

Bologna, Italy

Finestrella di Via Piella

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

Bologna, Italy

Saint Catherine of Bologna

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

Bologna, Italy

Towers of Bologna

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

Bologna, Italy

Bologna's Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale

An amazing collection of wax anatomical models and terratological models.

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 Zoological Museum

This zoological museum began as the first great curiosity cabinet.

Bologna, Italy

Fountain of Neptune

Legend has it this fountain built to symbolize the Pope’s power hides a strange secret concerning Neptune's manliness.

See All 19 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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Guided Tours of Bologna

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Culinary Naples: Producers, Purveyors, and Pizzaioli

From street food to lavish feasts, piping-hot coffee to smooth aperitivos, folk songs to opera, hilltop farms to urban wilds, immerse yourself in the greatest culinary and cultural experiences of Naples, meeting lively local Neapolitani for whom this is the only way to live.

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wants to go to Museum for the Memory of Ustica
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has been to Roman Ruins of Salaborsa Library
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has been to Fountain of Neptune
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wants to go to Museo di Palazzo Poggi Anatomy & Obstetrics Collection

Stories About Bologna

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

Scientists found answers in a single piece of evidence.

by Gemma Tarlach

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

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