The Bologna stage: endless arcades, sky-defying towers and tagliatelle alla bolognese
Diego Ghislandi | 25. June 2025
It’s sunday, 11 am. We meet our colleague Gianluca in the hotel… We are excited for the new day and for the Bologna stage. Gianluca is a specialist of Bologna and we could not have wanted a better city guide. Gianluca rides the igus:bike and we follow him with the public rental bikes: the bicycle has indeed always been a beloved means of transportation in Bologna. Its historic center, with narrow streets and famous porticoes, makes the bike a practical and eco-friendly option for getting around the city with ease.
Our first stop is the Two Towers, one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. Tall, slightly leaning, they are a landmark for anyone visiting Bologna. Our igus:bike, made of recycled plastic, does not go unnoticed among tourists.
We continue to the Sanctuary of Santo Stefano, also known as the Seven Churches Complex. The complex is a unique set of interconnected religious buildings that offers an interesting insight into the city’s religious history. We have a quick look at the beautiful treasures inside the churches before to get out again and stop for a well deserved Bolognese lunch.
The lunch break today is a bit longer and we enjoy being toghether, drinking a fresh glass of wine and making some talks about our adventure…
It’s nearly 3pm when we get back in the saddle and reach Piazza Maggiore, the nerve center of Bologna. This is overlooked by historic buildings such as Palazzo d’Accursio and the Basilica of San Petronio. We stop for a few minutes near the Neptune Fountain.
Finally, we leave the center and head for the Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca, which is located on a hill just outside the city. The uphill path, under the long portico that starts from Porta Saragozza, is challenging but impressive. When we reach the top, we can enjoy a panoramic view of Bologna and thus end our itinerary with satisfaction.
Our riders:
Gianluca Sarti
I’m Gianluca Sarti, 43, from Bologna. I’ve been an external sales technician for mechanics for 20 years, covering Bologna, Modena, and Ferrara. In my free time, I do sports, hang out with my daughters, meet friends, and enjoy good wine. I accepted the Bike Tour to challenge myself, try new ideas, and show off my beautiful city.
Map of the tour
