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

• 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 also several "Case di Quartiere" ("Neighborhood Community Centers"): welcoming public spaces designed to promote citizen participation in community life. In particular, Croce Coperta (Navile district), Il Parco (Borgo Panigale), and Santa Viola (Santa Viola district) offer cool indoor environments, relaxation areas, and a rich program of cultural and social activities. These are places where you can drop in freely, charge your phone, drink a glass of water, or simply sit and have a chat.

• Gardens and Parks

For those who prefer to stay outdoors, the city’s green spaces offer many cool corners to escape the heat. From the Giardini Margherita to the Montagnola Park, including Parco 11 Settembre, Parco dei Cedri, Ca’ Bura, Parco Pier Paolo Pasolini, or the Klemlen Garden—Bologna offers numerous shaded spots where you can stroll or rest away from the city bustle. Open spaces like Piazza Lucio Dalla also provide seating and shaded areas ideal for recharging your energy.