Landmark · Bologna
Basilica di San Petronio: free entry days, tickets & hours
Independent guide, not the official San Petronio website. Official links are under Sources.
San Petronio is free to enter.
- Open today 10:00–18:00.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeBasilica, Cassini meridian and Museo di San Petronio are free · 10:00–18:00 | everyone | Individuals and adult groups under 15 need no booking. Dress code: shoulders and knees covered, no hats; no luggage, food or drink. School/parish groups pay €2 and must book. | No |
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- The 67 m Cassini meridian line across the left aisle is free to see - at solar noon a sunbeam crosses it.
- The museum at the end of the left aisle is free too.
- The panoramic terrace is permanently closed - don't plan on it.
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: San Petronio
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Official prices
San Petronio ticket prices
| Paid route: Cappella dei Re Magi (Bolognini, with Giovanni da Modena frescoes), Cappella di San Sebastiano, Cappella di San Vincenzo Ferrer — Reduced €3 for ages 11-18 and over-65s; free under 10. | €5 |
| Visit inside other single chapels or the presbytery (email booking a week ahead) | €3 |
Prices from the official website, checked Oct 2026. Free options are listed above.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
| Mon | 10:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00–18:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–18:00 |
| Thu | 10:00–18:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sat | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–18:00 |
Visits every day 10am-6pm (last entry 5:50pm). Museum and paid chapels 10am-5:30pm (last entry 5:15pm). School and parish groups from 11:40am.
Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna, Italy
Also free nearby
Make a free afternoon of it
Worth paying for nearby
Paid highlights within walking distance
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about San Petronio
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Sources
Where this comes from
- basilicadisanpetronio.org/visite/ · checked Saturday, 24 October 2026
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.