16 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Bologna - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Bologna

Museo di Palazzo Poggi Anatomy & Obstetrics Collection

An extraordinary collection of 18th century anatomical waxworks.

Saint Catherine of Bologna

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

Bologna's Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale

An amazing collection of wax anatomical models and terratological models.

Finestrella di Via Piella

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

Towers of Bologna

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

Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio

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

Bologna Zoological Museum

This zoological museum began as the first great curiosity cabinet.

Relics in the Basilica of San Domenico

A diverse collection of wax, bone, papier-maché and mummified relics.

See All 16 Things to Do in Bologna See All 16 Places

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Unique Food & Drink in Bologna

Mortadella

Baloney's predecessor is sweet, delicately spiced, and bigger than your head.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Rome Behind Locked Doors: Music, Magic, and Secret Crypts

Join us as we go beneath Rome’s streets and behind its locked doors to explore hidden and overlooked places, witnessing a capital city that most tourists rarely experience—strange, magical, and filled with intrigue.

Community Forums / Southern Europe / Italy

Top Discussions in the Italy Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
Where is your favorite place to eat and see something unusual in Rome?	1 July 23, 2019	1632	July 23, 2019
Uffizi Gallery Trip	3 July 30, 2019	1023	July 30, 2019
Stumbling Stones of Rome	3 July 24, 2019	1530	July 24, 2019
Drive Through Lazio Countryside	7 May 1, 2020	850	May 1, 2020
Montebore	3 December 3, 2019	1405	December 3, 2019

New Post Visit the Forum

Explore Bologna, Italy

Launch Map

Bologna Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Bologna Activity

Roseparis wants to go to The Demon of Palazzo Salina

DragonGirlRiku wants to go to Saint Catherine of Bologna

jkaufman96 wants to go to Museo di Palazzo Poggi Anatomy & Obstetrics Collection

filippomarm wants to go to The Demon of Palazzo Salina

filippomarm wants to go to Roman Ruins of Salaborsa Library

Stories About Bologna

Snapdragons (<em>Anthirrinum majus</em>) 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

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.