Places to escape the scorching heat

• Palazzo Pepoli – Museum of the History of Bologna

Located in the heart of Bologna, Palazzo Pepoli is a 14th‑century building constructed by the eponymous family and now home to the Museum of the City's History. Its Inner Courtyard is air‑conditioned and always open, featuring a cozy café and a bookshop - offering the perfect refuge from the summer heat. Why not take the opportunity to wander through the museum’s rooms and discover Bologna’s history, in a journey from the Etruscan era to the present day?

Address: Via Castiglione 10

• Archiginnasio Municipal Library

The Archiginnasio Municipal Library is now the largest in Emilia‑Romagna, thanks to thousands of volumes, manuscripts, and text collections. In the same building — the oldest seat of the University of Bologna — you’ll also find the Anatomical Theatre and the Stabat Mater Hall. The library is air‑conditioned, fully serviced, and open free of charge to anyone wishing to read, study, or consult its texts.

Address: Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio, Piazza Galvani 1

• Salaborsa Library

Salaborsa is Bologna’s central library — a cultural hub open to all, with an extensive collection of books, magazines, and multimedia resources. It offers numerous study spaces and rooms for cultural events. At its heart lies the enchanting Covered Square, with its transparent floor: air‑conditioned and accessible, it features a café and plenty of seating for anyone looking to cool off.

Address: Piazza del Nettuno 3

• Other libraries

During heat warnings, the Municipality of Bologna also expands the network of air-conditioned places by making available numerous neighborhood libraries,:

• Biblioteca Borgo Panigale Miriam Ridolfi
• Biblioteca Corticella Luigi Fabbri
• Biblioteca Casa di Khaoula
• Biblioteca Luigi Spina Casa Gialla
• Biblioteca Natalia Ginzburg
• Biblioteca Jorge Luis Borges
• Biblioteca Scandellara Mirella Bartolotti
• Tassinari Clò Villa Spada
• Biblioteca Istituto Storico Parri

 View them all on the official map of climate shelters of the Municipality

• International Museum and Library of Music

The International Museum and Library of Music in Bologna, opened in 2004 and housed in the prestigious Palazzo Sanguinetti, exhibits a rich collection of printed music, manuscripts, librettos, and autographs from the 16th to the 18th centuries. It’s the perfect cool retreat for music lovers in search of a refreshing break.

Address: Palazzo Aldini Sanguinetti, Strada Maggiore 34

• MAMbo – Museum of Modern Art of Bologna

MAMbo is the city’s contemporary art hub: inaugurated in 2007 in the former bread oven, it traces the history of Italian art from the post‑war period to today and is constantly evolving. Its spacious exhibition halls featuring both permanent collections and temporary installations offer not only creative inspiration but also a pleasant climate retreat.

Address: Via Don Giovanni Minzoni 14

• Neighborhood Community Centers

Among the city's climate shelters are several Case di Quartiere (Neighbourhood Community Centres): public spaces that are open, welcoming and designed to encourage participation in community life. They offer cool indoor environments, relaxation areas and a rich programme of cultural and social activities. These are places where anyone can freely stop by, recharge their phone, have a glass of water or simply sit down and enjoy a chat with others.

• Casa di Quartiere Croce Coperta
• Casa di Quartiere Il Parco
• Casa di Quartiere Santa Viola
• Casa di Quartiere Lunetta Gamberini
• Casa di Quartiere Katia Bertasi
• Casa di Quartiere Centro Sociale Montanari
• Casa di Quartiere Fondo Comini

• ExDynamo

Just a short walk from the central station and the bus terminal, ExDynamo is a welcoming bike station with a cool, refreshing atmosphere — perfect for a revitalizing break in summer. It’s a key stop for cyclists exploring the city or travelling through, offering secure parking and a wide range of services. You’ll also find a professional bike workshop here, where you can repair your bicycle, rent one, or purchase new and second-hand models.

Address: Via Indipendenza 71/z

• Gardens and Parks

For those who prefer to stay outdoors, Bologna’s green spaces offer plenty of cool spots where you can escape the heat. From the Margherita Gardens to the Montagnola Park, passing through Parco 11 Settembre, Parco dei Cedri, Ca’ Bura, the Renato Bentivogli Gardens, Padre Caroli Garden, Piazza Giovanni XXIII Garden, Lavinia Fontana Garden, Klemlen Garden and Pier Paolo Pasolini Park, there is no shortage of shaded areas where you can take a stroll, read a book or simply enjoy a break from the city's pace.

Places such as Piazza Lucio Dalla, while not technically parks, also offer equipped public spaces and shaded seating areas, perfect for recharging your batteries and enjoying a refreshing moment outdoors.

➝ Check out the map of climate shelters by the Municipality of Bologna