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Basilica di San Domenico

Religious buildings
Basilica di San Domenico
Bologna

Restoration work is currently underway and is expected to be completed in July 2026


The Basilica of San Domenico (Basilica di San Domenico) is one of the richest churches in Bologna in art history and was erected by the Dominican Friars as a place to store the remains of San Domenico di Guzman, founder of the order and who arrived in Bologna around 1200. Inside there are priceless works of art by authors such as Guercino, Filippino Lippi and Ludovico Carracci. In the Chapel of San Domenico stands the ark embellished with sculptures by Michelangelo, Nicola Pisano, Alfonso Lombardi and surmounted by a marble cornice modelled in 1469-73 by Niccolò da Puglia called “dell’Arca”, also author of the Lamentation over the Dead Christ (Compianto sul Cristo Morto) preserved in the church of Santa Maria della Vita. The masterpiece of Renaissance inlay is the wooden choir of Fra’ Damiano da Bergamo, defined by contemporaries as the eighth wonder of the worldand also admired by emperor Carlo V. The church also has a bell tower, erected in 1313 in Gothic style and 51 metres high. While the Convent of San Domenico houses the Library with a heritage of 90.000 volumes that span from Dominican philosophy, to Dominican theology, history and spirituality.

Map

Basilica di San Domenico

Piazza San Domenico, 13 - 40124

Entrance

free

Booking info to sandomenicobologna@gmail.com

Interests

  • Art & Culture

Insights

The Museum

Built in 1956, the museum is situated between the Sacristy and the Choir. which is a masterpiece of the Renaissance inlay and it is considered the 8th world's wonder.

The museum is made up of two rooms where there are reliquaries and sacred ornaments, as well as an impressive collection of works by painters and sculptors such as Guercino, Luca Cambiaso, Filippino Lippi and Ludovico Carracci. 

Timetables

Monday

7am-1pm; 3:30pm-8:00pm

Tuesday

7am-1pm; 3:30pm-8pm

Wednesday

7am-1pm; 3:30pm-8pm

Thursday

7am-1pm; 3:30pm-8pm

Friday

7am-1pm; 3:30pm-8pm

Saturday

7:15am-1pm; 3:30pm-7:30

Sunday

7:55am-12:30pm; 3:30pm-7pm

Opening hours are subject to change. During religious services, tourist visits may be restricted or suspended.

Library Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; afternoons by appointment.

Museum Opening Hours:
Visits upon request (Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM; Sundays and public holidays, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM).

Church Opening Hours

Weekdays:
7:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Saturdays and the eves of public holidays:
7:15 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Sundays and public holidays:
7:55 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Opening hours may vary on the Tuesdays dedicated to San Domenico.

Images

Contacts

Basilica di San Domenico