Palazzo d'Accursio
Historic town hall with a clock tower offering panoramic views and a rich art museum, all in the heart of Bologna.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Palazzo d'Accursio
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic town hall with a clock tower offering panoramic views and a rich art museum, all in the heart of Bologna.
"Amazing view of Bologna from the top would definitely recommend."
🎟️ Combo Ticket is Key
Buy the €10 tower ticket; it includes museum access. Strict timed entry for the tower, so book ahead!
✨ Free Courtyard Views
Access amazing Piazza Maggiore views from the courtyard without a ticket! Look for stairs on the right.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Clock Tower Ascent
Clock Tower
Climb to the top for panoramic views of Piazza Maggiore and Bologna's rooftops. A must-do for any visitor!

Art Museum Collection
Art Museum
Discover a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts. A treasure trove for art lovers.

Piazza Maggiore Vista
Clock Tower Summit
Gaze down upon the vibrant heart of Bologna from an unparalleled vantage point. The iconic piazza unfolds below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Clock Tower Views & Ticket Bundles
Explore Beyond the Tower
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket is Key
Buy the €10 tower ticket; it includes museum access. Strict timed entry for the tower, so book ahead!
✨ Free Courtyard Views
Access amazing Piazza Maggiore views from the courtyard without a ticket! Look for stairs on the right.
🚶♀️ Explore the Museum
Don't skip the art museum! It's included with your tower ticket and has a fantastic collection.
☁️ Rainy Day Views
Even on a rainy day, the tower offers great town views. Weather won't stop the experience!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket is Key
Buy the €10 tower ticket; it includes museum access. Strict timed entry for the tower, so book ahead!
✨ Free Courtyard Views
Access amazing Piazza Maggiore views from the courtyard without a ticket! Look for stairs on the right.
🚶♀️ Explore the Museum
Don't skip the art museum! It's included with your tower ticket and has a fantastic collection.
☁️ Rainy Day Views
Even on a rainy day, the tower offers great town views. Weather won't stop the experience!
🎧 Informative Audio Guide
The free audio guide for the tower is informative, though sometimes descriptions can be lengthy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the spectacular views from the Clock Tower and the impressive art collection within the museum. The value of the combined ticket is frequently highlighted, making it a highly recommended experience. Some find the ticketing details slightly confusing, and the audio guide can be lengthy, but these are minor points against an otherwise excellent visit.
"This visit is so much more than you bargained for. Brilliant tour of the clock tower and various art galleries and the palace.
Amazing view of Bologna from the top would definitely recommend."
Carolyn Jenkinson
"Excellent art exhibition and tour of the clock tower. Spectacular views from the top. Don't miss the art exhibition too as it is included with the ticket!"
Angel Samson
"Visited the clock tower and the ticket let us visit the museum. The clock has amazing architecture behind it and when you watch all the components move.
Went to the top on a rainy day. Get to see in all directions of the town. Wasn’t able to see in the distance due to the weather. Ticket was reasonably priced and we purchased it before we visited."
Sarit Shah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo d'Accursio is centrally located in Piazza Maggiore, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of Bologna's historic center. If arriving by public transport, numerous bus lines stop near Piazza Maggiore.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Piazza Maggiore is restricted. It's best to use public parking garages located a short walk away, such as the Garage Europa or Parking Staveco.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from Bologna Centrale train station to Palazzo d'Accursio. Follow the main streets towards the city center.
Absolutely! Many bus routes stop directly at or very near Piazza Maggiore, which is where Palazzo d'Accursio is located. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient routes.
The most iconic approach is through Piazza Maggiore, offering a grand first impression. You can also enter via the internal courtyards.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the public spaces and courtyards is free. However, to access the Clock Tower and the Art Museum, a combined ticket is required, typically costing around €10.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book your Clock Tower tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as they have strict timed entry slots.
The standard ticket usually includes access to the Clock Tower climb and the Palazzo d'Accursio's art museum, which features a significant collection of paintings and artifacts.
Yes, you can freely explore the beautiful internal courtyards of Palazzo d'Accursio, and some visitors report finding great views of Piazza Maggiore from these areas without a ticket.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the public spaces are accessible during the day. The Clock Tower and Museum have specific operating hours, so it's best to check the official website before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the stunning Art Museum with its impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts. The Clock Tower offers a unique climb with rewarding views.
The climb involves numerous stairs and can be strenuous for some. It's a rewarding experience, but be prepared for a good workout.
While there's a free audio guide for the Clock Tower, dedicated guided tours for the museum might be available. It's advisable to check for current offerings.
The museum boasts a diverse collection, including Renaissance paintings, medieval artifacts, sculptures, and historical objects, offering a comprehensive look at Bologna's artistic heritage.
Photography is generally allowed in most public areas and the museum, but check for any specific restrictions, especially for flash photography or in certain exhibition rooms.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the Clock Tower offers unparalleled panoramic views of Piazza Maggiore and the city. The internal courtyards also provide beautiful architectural shots.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light over the city. Weekday mornings can offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Yes, the intricate clock mechanism is a fascinating subject. Be sure to capture its complexity when you visit the tower.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of signage regarding flash photography or specific exhibits where photography might be prohibited.
Expect stunning wide-angle shots of Piazza Maggiore, the surrounding terracotta rooftops, and the distant hills of Bologna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Consider the timed entry for the tower carefully, ensuring it aligns with your children's energy levels. The free courtyard access is a great way for kids to explore and burn off energy before or after a ticketed visit. Pack snacks and water, as the climb can be tiring.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pro-tip: Take advantage of the free access to the palace's beautiful courtyards. These areas offer stunning architectural views and a great sense of the palace's grandeur without spending a euro. It's a fantastic way to experience a part of the Palazzo d'Accursio for free.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Best Shots: Aim for the late afternoon golden hour for warm, dramatic lighting. The internal courtyards offer excellent opportunities for architectural photography with interesting light and shadow play. Don't forget to capture the vibrant life of Piazza Maggiore from above.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Clock Tower: A Climb to Remember
Visitors often mention the timed entry system for the tower, emphasizing the importance of booking tickets in advance to secure a preferred slot. While the climb involves many stairs, the reward of seeing Bologna spread out below, especially during the golden hour, makes it well worth the effort. The free audio guide, though sometimes lengthy, adds an informative layer to the experience, detailing the tower's history and function.
Remember to check the weather before your visit, as visibility can be affected on foggy or rainy days. However, even with less-than-ideal conditions, the unique perspective from the tower remains a memorable part of visiting Palazzo d'Accursio.
Palazzo d'Accursio's Art Museum: A Hidden Gem
The museum's contents are meticulously displayed across various rooms, making for an engaging exploration. From Renaissance masterpieces to historical busts, the sheer volume and quality of the works ensure there's something to captivate every art enthusiast. The preservation of these pieces is commendable, allowing visitors to appreciate them in their full glory.
For those interested in art history or simply seeking a more comprehensive cultural experience, dedicating time to the Palazzo d'Accursio museum is highly recommended. It transforms a visit to the town hall into a journey through centuries of art and history.
Navigating Tickets and Access
Crucially, the Clock Tower operates on a strict timed entry system. This means booking your tickets in advance online or at the ticket office for a specific time slot is essential to avoid disappointment. Arriving precisely for your booked slot is also advised.
It's also worth noting that the internal courtyards of Palazzo d'Accursio offer impressive views of Piazza Maggiore and can be accessed freely. While not a substitute for the tower's height, these areas provide a beautiful introduction to the palace and its surroundings without requiring a ticket.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit