10 undiscovered spots to explore in Bologna

Looking for places to discover in Bologna off the beaten track? Fancy exploring the city by rediscovering it through as-yet-unknown places?

Here are some suggestions for the most unusual places in the red-roofed city

The Church of San Giovanni in Monte and its small forecourt were formerly a convent of the Lateran Canons. Used as a prison in Napoleonic times until 1984, it is now a place of meditation and study. Take a look inside the complex and, just outside, stop in the square to appreciate its welcoming silence, so detached from the city chaos despite its central location. 

At dusk, you cannot miss a visit to the Orti di via della Braina, a green area hidden from the outside, in the heart of the medieval centre and unnoticed by most. Accessible in summer when the Scaccomatto restaurant moves there with only a few seats, the area retains its intimate and suggestive atmosphere, ideal for a candlelight dinner.

Another enchanting spot can be found at the Giardino di via Ca' Selvatica, a private garden open by appointment once a year during the Diverdeinverde event. Until 1975 it served as an ornithological garden, with hundreds of species of exotic and rare birds. The collection was later sold. The current owners are trying to bring it back to its former vocation by creating a small nature oasis.

Continuing in the centre, pay a visit to the Botanical Garden, a veritable mirror of the plant world. Covering an area of about 2 hectares with a rectangular layout, it houses 1800 species and numerous monumental tree specimens. Together with the Herbarium, it had originally a purely didactic function in the teaching of medical botany; now it is a full centre for the development of botanical sciences.

The former 14th-century icehouse of Palazzo Maccaferri, now the site of I Portici, is an underground cistern used in the Middle Ages for cold storage of foodstuffs. Over the last century, it was provided with several underground chambers used as a shelter by citizens during air raids. After renovation, it was given a new lease of life with a glass floor that allows diners to overlook the restaurant's wine cellar from their table. 

The Theatre of Villa Mazzacorati-Aldrovandi is the region's most prestigious private theatre ever built inside an 18th-century villa, a gem of surprising beauty and unparalleled acoustics. Strongly desired by the amateur actor Giovan Francesco Aldrovandi, it has been the site of various theatrical performances. It was inaugurated in 1763 with Voltaire's tragedy ‘Alzire’.

The Romanesque Crypt of San Zama may bear witness to the first Christian community in the city as the mortal remains of the first bishops of Bologna, including Bishop Zama to whom the crypt is dedicated, were buried in this sacred place.

Due to the lack of electricity, a torch will be provided during the visit, so adventure is guaranteed!

Speaking of Bologna's underground passages, the Valverde Reservoir is also well worth a visit. Otherwise known as Bagni di Mario due to its erroneous attribution to thermal use, it is a in fact a large Renaissance cistern designed by architect Tommaso Laureti to supply the Neptune Fountain. 

A stone's throw from the Reservoir is Villa Ghigi Park, accessible via some lovely landscaped steps. The summit offers a unique breathtaking view of the city, a perfect spot for a pleasant picnic in the hills of Bologna. 

Fans of the hilly landscape cannot but relish a stop at the 300 Scalini (300 Steps), appropriately named because of the number of steps you have to climb before reaching the Park of San Pellegrino with its fascinating view of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

A photo is a must here!