Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna

The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna is the city's foremost art museum, housing an extensive collection of paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries, with a strong emphasis on the Bolognese school. Visitors can admire works by Vitale da Bologna, Giotto, Raphael, Parmigianino, and the Carracci family, among others. The museum is housed in a former Jesuit novitiate, offering spacious galleries that allow for a contemplative experience. Its layout guides you chronologically through the evolution of painting in Bologna and Emilia-Romagna, providing insight into the region's artistic heritage. The collection includes altarpieces, frescoes, and portraits, with highlights such as Raphael's 'Saint Cecilia' and the magnificent 'Madonna in Maestà' by Cimabue. The museum also features temporary exhibitions and a well-stocked art library.

Don't miss

• Raphael's 'Ecstasy of St. Cecilia' (1515) – a masterful altarpiece with exquisite detail.
• Cimabue's 'Madonna in Maestà' (c. 1280) – a rare early Italian panel painting.
• Works by the Carracci family, including Annibale Carracci's 'The Beaneater'.
• The collection of Bolognese Baroque paintings by Guido Reni and Domenichino.
• The frescoes detached from local churches, displayed in dedicated rooms.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna

Cheapest way inBologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide4.6★ · 159 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$8 per personSee dates →Most bookedBologna Food & Market Tour with Local Dishes, Pasta, Wines & More4.9★ · 1,596 travelers2–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$88 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleHistoric Center Walking Tour in Bologna5★ · 11 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$29 per personSee dates →