DISCOVER BOLOGNA WITH ALL FIVE SENSES: A SENSORY JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF THE CITY
Bologna isn’t just a place to visit: it’s a place to listen to, savor, touch, observe, and breathe in. It’s a city that speaks to every sense, and those who truly experience it know this well. From its ancient porticoes to its historic shops, from the aromas of its trattorias to the sounds of its lively squares, every corner of the old town invites you to feel. If you're seeking an authentic experience, your sensory journey begins right here, at the Art Hotel Commercianti, in the vibrant heart of Bologna.
SIGHT – Bologna to Behold
The first impression is visual: the warm hues of brick, the red rooftops, and medieval towers that pierce the sky. As you stroll through the historic center, your gaze wanders architectural details and breathtaking views.
● Piazza Maggiore: the civic heart of the city, home to the majestic Basilica of San Petronio Bologna’s largest and most iconic church, rich in history and artistic treasures.
● Finestrella di Via Piella: the “Little Venice,” where water mirrors the city’s charm.
● Torre degli Asinelli: climb to the top for a panoramic view of Bologna from above.
● The city’s endless porticoes—UNESCO World Heritage—frame every perspective with timeless elegance.
Staying in a hotel with a view of the Basilica of San Petronio means waking up each day to one of Italy’s most iconic cityscapes.
HEARING – Bologna to Listen To
Bologna is a city that resonates: footsteps echo beneath the porticoes, bells mark the passing hours, voices fill the markets, and music drifts from cafés. And then there are the silences—the hush of churches and libraries.
● Voltone del Podestà: the acoustic whispering gallery beneath Palazzo del Podestà
● Cappella Musicale di San Petronio: organ concerts and sacred music in one of Bologna’s oldest musical institutions
● Teatro Comunale and the Cineteca: places where sound becomes art
● A pet-friendly hotel with the option to rent bicycles in central Bologna is perfect for those who love to stroll and listen to the city at their own pace, perhaps with a companion
SMELL – Bologna to Savor with the Nose
In Bologna, the scent of home greets you instantly: warm bread, simmering ragù, freshly brewed coffee. The porticoes carry the aroma of wet stone and old books. Each neighborhood has its own fragrance, and every season brings something new.
● Quadrilatero: a sensory maze of delicatessens, bakeries, and spices
● Mercato delle Erb: fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and street food temptations
● Biblioteca dell’Archiginnasio: the nostalgic scent of paper, wood, and history
● Start your day with a buffet breakfast at the hotel, where local aromas welcome you from the very first bite
TASTE – Bologna to Savor
Bolognese cuisine is a sensory heritage. Every dish tells a story, every ingredient is rooted in the land. From tortellini in broth to mortadella, from friggione to lasagna—flavor takes center stage.
● Historic trattorias: authentic tastes passed down through generations
● Gourmet restaurants: modern reinterpretations of tradition
● Market tastings: a journey through cheeses, wines, and sweets
● Artisan gelato, warm crescentine, local wines—each bite is a small masterpiece
A stay at a hotel in Bologna’s historic center is the perfect starting point to explore the city—especially at the table.
TOUCH – Bologna to Feel
Bologna is a city you sense with your fingertips. The cool marble of churches, the warm wood of bookshops, the stone of palaces, the textured paper of ancient books—it’s a tactile city that invites connection.
● Porticoes: each column tells a story, each pavement holds a memory
● Museums and archives: maps, manuscripts, and vintage objects that beg to be explored
● Artisan workshops: fabrics, ceramics, musical instruments—surfaces worn by time, each with a soul to uncover
Staying in a historic hotel in Bologna means living inside walls that have witnessed centuries of history.
WHERE TO EXPERIENCE BOLOGNA WITH ALL FIVE SENSES
The Art Hotel Commercianti, nestled beside the Basilica of San Petronio, is the perfect place for those who want to experience Bologna in an authentic and sensory way. Every detail of the hotel is designed to offer comfort, beauty, and a deep connection to the city.
The hotel offers:
● Rooms with viewoverlooking the Basilica of San Petronio
● Private parking in the heart of the historic center
● Meeting room with elegant medieval charm
● A 4-star hotel in Bologna offering a refined stay, meticulously designed spaces, warm hospitality, and services tailored to every need to complete the experience.
Bologna to Feel, Not Just to See
To discover Bologna with all five senses is to let yourself be fully immersed. It’s more than a tourist visit—it’s a journey into the soul of the city. Every sense awakens emotion, and Bologna welcomes them all with generosity.
Book your stay now at Art Hotel Commercianti and experience Bologna like never before