Piazza Santo Stefano, Medieval square in central Bologna, Italy
Piazza Santo Stefano is a triangular square in central Bologna, surrounded by Gothic and Renaissance palaces featuring continuous arcades on both sides. The structure creates a connected passage linking the center with the Basilica complex.
The square developed during the Middle Ages around the Santo Stefano Basilica complex, which locals called Seven Churches due to its interconnected religious buildings. This name shows how the religious structures shaped the identity and development of this area.
The square takes its name from the Basilica of Santo Stefano, and it remains a gathering place where residents meet under the covered arcades. The porticoes create a sheltered area where the rhythm of daily life in Bologna unfolds.
The square is easily reached on foot from the Two Towers and is centrally located for access from different parts of the city. The arcades house numerous dining options and cafés throughout the day, offering places to sit and observe the surroundings.
The façade of Palazzo Bolognini Amorini Salina is decorated with terracotta heads representing different people from medieval Bologna. These small sculptures display varied expressions and features, showing the diversity of the population who lived during that era.
Location: Bologna
GPS coordinates: 44.49227,11.34814
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Bologna offers many photography subjects, from medieval towers to Renaissance palaces. The covered arcades stretch for miles, connecting squares, churches, and historic buildings. The Neptune Fountain stands beside Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city. The Two Towers rise above the streets and have been landmarks for centuries. Santo Stefano Basilica consists of several connected churches, while the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca sits on a hill, reached by one of the longest porticoes in the world. The university district shows buildings from medieval and Renaissance periods, including the Archiginnasio with its anatomical theater. The botanical garden provides a quiet green space, and parks like Giardini Margherita and Montagnola Park offer places to rest. Smaller discoveries like the window on Via Piella give views of the Moline canal. Palaces, libraries, and museums complete the photographic range of this city that has kept its historic character.
Santo Stefano Church
41 m
Corte Isolani
128 m
San Giovanni in Monte
160 m
International Museum and Library of Music
181 m
Palazzo Pepoli
121 m
Museo Ottocento Bologna
161 m
Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande
158 m
Palazzo Isolani
24 m
Palazzo Sanguinetti
183 m
Palazzo Bolognini Amorini
39 m
Palazzo di Residenza della Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna
185 m
Palazzo Sampieri Talon
137 m
Torre degli Alberici
177 m
Church of St. Michael
185 m
Casa Saraceni
181 m
Museo della Storia di Bologna
126 m
Palazzo Hercolani-Bonora
87 m
Casa Isolani
122 m
University Library of the Department of History Cultures Civilization. Modern History Section
174 m
Museo di Santo Stefano
33 m
Museum of the History of Bologna
143 m
Palazzo Rossi, Bologna
145 m
Case Seracchioli
185 m
Casa-torre Alberici - Casa Bolognini
181 m
Case Bovi
17 m
Palazzo Malvasia
141 m
Casa Rossini
137 m
Ex Convento di San Giovanni in Monte
178 mReviews
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