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Basilica di San Domenico, Bologna

4.6
#6 of 88 in Historic Sites in Bologna
Religious Site · Hidden Gem · Historic Site
Just a small church when Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of the Preachers, came to Bologna in 1218, Basilica di San Domenico grew quickly after the saint’s death in 1221. Outside, you will see the Romanesque facade that dates back to 1240. The interior was redone in a Baroque style in the early 1700s. Visit the shrine to Saint Dominic, which holds his sarcophagus to this day, and admire the many works of art within the church, including early sculptures by Michelangelo. When not busy, the lights inside the chapel are often switched off, so ask for them to be turned on before you enter. Make Basilica di San Domenico a part of your Bologna vacation plans using our Bologna day trip tool.
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Tours to Basilica di San Domenico

FROM $47 BOOK WITH VIATOR 2-Hour Bike Tour of Bologna
5.0
Duration: 2 hours
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FROM $170 BOOK WITH VIATOR Bologna Food & Walking Tour - Private Tour with Local Guide - Ultimate Tour
Duration: 3 hours
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Basilica di San Domenico reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
872 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By barbierikab
    Another important church to visit in Bologna. It's architecture and decoration is really pretty and is worth the visit.  more »
  • By rdudhia211
    This may be a bit out of the tourist trek, but it is a really serene and beautiful church with original early works of Michelangelo. It gives you a really good understanding of the Dominican order.  more »
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Google
  • By Carlos Castellanos
    Just wow! Make sure you go into the choir bit at the back and check out the wood inlay seating (I'm sure there's a posh name for where the choir sit but I don't know what it is). Really quite something.
  • By Marco Moravia
    This church is magnificent, I like it. Above all I love this church because it contains the mortal remains of saint Dominic. There are also several paintings which are very beautiful.
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