What to do in and around Bologna during the night of San Lorenzo
Updated on 05 August 2025 From Bologna Welcome
Are you ready to make a wish?
With its famous hills and numerous parks, the Bologna area is the perfect backdrop for celebrating the Night of San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence) while chasing shooting stars.
But who was Saint Lawrence? He was a martyr and deacon of the Church of Rome who, in 258 A.D., faced suffering with courage and humor, becoming a symbol of generosity and resilience.
Here’s your guide to events, places, and experiences in Bologna from August 8 to 10, 2025 for watching shooting stars on the Night of Saint Lawrence:
• Unmissable Events
• Places to Explore
• Experiences to Try
- Unmissable events
Night of Shooting Stars in Pianoro
Discover the wonders of the night sky with astronomers from Sofos APS and INAF – the Astrophysics and Space Science Observatory of Bologna – using telescopes from Astra Nova Lab.
Where: Velodrome of Pianoro – Parco del Ginepreto, Via del Lavoro 34, Pianoro (BO)
When: August 10 – 9:30 PM
Info and reservations: via Facebook
Dinner under the stars in the maze
In a magical setting inside a corn maze lit by hundreds of candles, enjoy a special dinner menu crafted for the occasion.
Where: Crop Circles – Via Fiorentina 3403, Medicina (BO)
When: August 10 – 8:30 PM
Access: reservation required on the official website
Stelle
Just outside Bologna, summer evenings come alive with Stelle: a magical experience of nature, soft lights, and headphone music beneath the starry sky. A shared and intimate sound journey that touches the heart.
Where: Fienile fluò – Via di Paderno, 9
When: 8 Augost – at 10pm
Access: Reservation via official website
Suoni DiMondi
In Piazza Lucio Dalla, Suoni DiMondi lights up summer with the energetic Ema Yazurlo: cumbia and electro‑swing rhythms transform the square into a cosmopolitan party filled with music, dancing, and unforgettable vibes.
Where: Piazza Lucio Dalla
When: August 9 – 9:00 PM
Admission: free
Calicidi Stelle
For those who love to toast under the stars, Calici di stelle invites you to slow down and savor. A touring wine tasting across Emilia‑Romagna wineries; this year’s event takes place at Agrivar, amidst the hills of Varignana, with tastings, music and convivial atmosphere under the night of wishes.
Where: Amphitheatre on the lake, Cantina Agrivar - Via Cà Masino 1091 – Castel San Pietro Terme – Loc. Varignana (BO)
When: 10 August – 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Access: Admission with reservation on the official website
GaggioMontano con Crinali
Nature, sounds and walking: a dispersed concert among woods and trails of the Apennines, offering music far from city lights. In Bologna’s Apennines, Crinali presents concerts immersed in pristine landscapes where music, silence and fresh air create a rejuvenating experience. Check the official website for meeting points and tickets.
- Places to discover
Bologna and its surroundings offer charming corners and breathtaking views—perfect for admiring the San Lorenzo night sky or simply experiencing the city from a new perspective.
The Secrets of Bologna
A walk through Bologna is a journey through history, art, and unique sights. From the majestic Piazza Maggiore to the Basilica of San Petronio, passing by the Two Towers and the famous portico leading to the Sanctuary of San Luca, the city surprises at every turn.
Must-see stops include:
the little window on Via Piella, the lively Quadrilatero district with its traditional shops, the Archiginnasio, the city’s museums, the evocative complex of the Seven Churches of Santo Stefano.
Escape the Heat
Even in August, despite the heat, Bologna offers cool and fun experiences among hidden gardens, air-conditioned museums, and shaded porticoes. The night of San Lorenzo presents a special opportunity for open-air events and stargazing, offering moments of relaxation, culture, and magic under the summer sky.
Bologna on a Budget
Bologna provides many free experiences. From free-entry museums and scenic walks under the porticoes, to vibrant markets and peaceful green spaces, there are plenty of ways to soak up the local culture and atmosphere without breaking the bank.
The Hidden Charm of the 300 Steps and San Pellegrino Park
This park in the hills around Bologna offers sweeping views from the historic center to the mountains, with medieval towers, red-tiled roofs, and domes. It’s a peaceful setting, perfect for walking, relaxing, and enjoying unforgettable sunsets.
San Michele in Bosco
San Michele in Bosco boasts a spectacular view of Bologna, featuring the famous "telescope effect," which makes the Asinelli Tower appear strikingly close. It’s an ideal spot for memorable photos or stargazing. The church is open until 6:00 PM, while the "telescope effect" viewpoint remains accessible until 7:30 PM from the entrance of the Rizzoli Hospital.
- Experiences to Enjoy
The Archiginnasio Palace and the Anatomical Theatre
Built in 1563, Bologna’s Archiginnasio is a symbol of Renaissance faith, culture, and knowledge. A guided tour or audio guide will take you through its frescoes, noble family crests, and the renowned Anatomical Theatre—a true masterpiece carved in wood. A deep dive into ancient knowledge, perfect to experience on the eve of San Lorenzo.
Where: Piazza Galvani 1
Hours: Open until 7:00 PM
Entry: Ticket required, with the option of a guided tour or audio guide
Clock Tower at Sunset
Experience the magic of sunset over Bologna from the top of the Clock Tower. From its two panoramic terraces, you can admire the city in all directions—red rooftops and medieval towers bathed in golden light. Surrounded by frescoes and ancient mechanisms, it’s a unique experience blending history and wonder.
Where: Piazza Maggiore
Last entry: 8:00 PM
Discover Bologna – Guided Tour of the Historic Center
A walking tour through medieval towers, porticoes, and historic squares, led by multilingual experts, to discover Bologna and its hidden corners—from the heart of Piazza Maggiore to San Petronio—before watching the sunset over the hills.
Where: Bologna’s historic center
Duration: About 2 hours
Entry: Various times, reservation required
Under the starry sky of San Lorenzo, Bologna becomes an open-air stage, where every event is a chance to discover, every place a dreamlike setting, and every experience an unforgettable memory.
It deals with the communication, promotion and valorisation of places, experiences, itineraries and events in the metropolitan area of Bologna and the Bologna-Modena Tourist Territory in the fields of culture, tourism and sport. It manages and edits the contents of the website bolognawelcome.com.
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