San Colombano, church building in Bologna, Italy
San Colombano is a church and museum complex in central Bologna comprising a worship space with medieval frescoes and an upper oratory decorated with paintings from prominent Baroque artists. The museum section displays around ninety functional historical musical instruments, including harpsichords, clavichords, and keyboard instruments from different eras.
The church was founded in 610 AD by Bishop Pietro of Bologna and built over a late Roman structure. It underwent major renovations in 1591 that shaped much of what visitors see today.
The oratory displays frescoes depicting Christ's suffering and resurrection, created under the guidance of Ludovico Carracci. These paintings remain central to how the space looks and feels when you walk through it.
You can enter both the church and oratory to view the frescoes and decorations, and explore the collection of musical instruments in the museum section. The complex sits in the heart of Bologna and is easy to reach on foot, with stairs leading to the upper level.
Recent restoration uncovered a thirteenth-century wall painting attributed to Giunta Pisano showing Christ on the cross with Mary and John. This work had been hidden beneath other layers until modern conservation efforts brought it back to light.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
