What to do over the long weekend of San Petronio

On October 4th, Bologna celebrates its patron saint, San Petronio, to whom the basilica of the same name in Piazza Maggiore—so strongly desired by the community—is dedicated. On this day, and in the days around it, the city comes alive with celebrations, activities, and events.

• At the Basilica of San Petronio

Friday, October 3rd – celebrations inside the Basilica will begin at 5:00 PM with the First Vespers at the Chapel of San Petronio. In the evening, at 9:00 PM, the traditional Concert of San Petronio will take place: the Choir and Orchestra of the Cappella Musicale di San Petronio, conducted by Maestro Michele Vannelli, will perform the Vespers “Ecce Sacerdos Magnus” by Don Giuseppe Carretti.
Information and reservations on the official website ➝

Saturday, October 4th – on the Patron Saint’s Day, Holy Masses will be celebrated in the Basilica at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:30 AM. At 5:00 PM, the Solemn Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Archbishop Matteo Maria Zuppi.

• Experiences in the city center

Those wishing to explore the wonders of the historic center can join the Discover Bologna tour, a guided visit through the city’s landmark sites, or enjoy a privileged view of Piazza Maggiore from the two panoramic terraces of the Clock Tower at Palazzo d’Accursio. Finally, why not rediscover the Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio, the oldest seat of the University of Bologna, with its new offering of guided tours or audio guides?

On October 5th at 3:00 PM, families can take part in the Family Tour at Palazzo Pepoli, an experience for both children and adults to discover the Museum of the History of Bologna. For the more adventurous, this weekend marks the start of visits to the Bologna Underground, a unique opportunity to explore the city from an unusual and surprising perspective, taking advantage of the canal low-water period. Finally, numerous guided tours are available over the weekend to uncover all the secrets of the Certosa, Bologna’s monumental cemetery.

• Musical events

In addition to the concert at the Basilica of San Petronio, many events fill the city with music during these days. Sunday, October 5th, at Palazzo Pepoli, the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Teatro Comunale will perform a concert in the Museum’s splendid halls, blending history and music in a unique experience. At the same time, the Respighi Festival continues, a series dedicated to Ottorino Respighi and 20th-century Italian music, with two events on Friday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 5th starting at 8:30 PM.

• A weekend of sports

The first weekend of October transforms Bologna into a stage filled with sporting events.

On Saturday 4, Bologna hosts the return of the Giro dell’Emilia, starting from Mirandola and finishing with a spectacular climb up to San Luca hill, one of the city’s landmarks: the greatest cycling champions once again race through our territory.
On Sunday 5, the PalaDozza turns the spotlight on Serie A2 basketball with the match between Fortitudo Bologna and UEB Gesteco Cividale, a game that promises strong emotions.
Later in the afternoon at the Dall’Ara Stadium, the Bologna FC takes the field against Pisa Sporting Club, in a Serie A match that will gather all rossoblù fans. Tickets are also available at the ticket desk BW Ticket of Bologna Welcome in Piazza Maggiore 1/e, as well as on official sales platforms.

• Outdoors and green escapes

On the occasion of the Patron Saint celebrations, the metropolitan area also offers the chance to enjoy unique experiences among history, nature, and local flavors.
Saturday, October 4th – embark on a journey through time with a guided tour of the Levizzano Rangone Castle, discovering the ancient residence and its surroundings in the Modenese hills.
Sunday, October 5th – join the bike tour through nature and architecture with the Bike Tour at the Barchessoni Mirandolesi, exploring meadows, irrigation canals, and rural architecture.
From Sunday, October 5th, in Castel del Rio the traditional Chestnut Feast returns, an unmissable opportunity to savor the flavors of the Apennines and experience the atmosphere of an authentic festival.