Landmark · Bologna
Basilica of Santo Stefano (Seven Churches): free entry days, tickets & hours
Independent guide, not the official Santo Stefano website. Official links are under Sources.
Santo Stefano is free today.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeFree entry to all seven churches and cloisters (donations welcome) | everyone | Donation invited, not required. The crypt is reserved for prayer (no tour explanations). Groups over 20 should use earpieces; over 40 enter in parts. | No |
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- Volunteers of 'Pietre Vive' give free guided visits on some Saturdays/Sundays, 3:30-6pm - check the basilica site for dates.
- The triangular Piazza Santo Stefano in front is one of the city's loveliest squares.
Calendar
Free days at Santo Stefano
- SAT24OCTSaturday, 24 October 2026 · today
- SUN25OCTSunday, 25 October 2026 · tomorrow
- TUE27OCTTuesday, 27 October 2026 · in 3 days
- WED28OCTWednesday, 28 October 2026 · in 4 days
- THU29OCTThursday, 29 October 2026 · in 5 days
- FRI30OCTFriday, 30 October 2026 · in 6 days
313 free days for everyone in the next 12 months. Closures and public holidays are already taken out. Group-only days need proof of eligibility.
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: Santo Stefano
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | 09:30–12:30, 14:30–19:00 |
| Wed | 09:30–12:30, 14:30–19:00 |
| Thu | 09:30–12:30, 14:30–19:00 |
| Fri | 09:30–12:30, 14:30–19:00 |
| Sat | 09:30–12:30, 14:30–19:00 |
| Sun | 09:30–12:30, 15:00–19:00 |
Tourist visits Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm and 2:30-7pm; Sundays and holidays 9:30am-12:30pm and 3-7pm. Monday: complex closed (only the Chiesa del Crocifisso opens 6-7:30pm for Mass), except holiday Mondays. Visits may be limited during services.
Via Santo Stefano 24, 40125 Bologna, Italy
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FAQ
Santo Stefano: common questions
Is Santo Stefano free?
Santo Stefano is free for everyone to all seven churches and cloisters (donations welcome).
When is Santo Stefano free?
Free entry to all seven churches and cloisters (donations welcome). The next free date is Saturday, 24 October 2026.
What day is Santo Stefano closed?
Santo Stefano is closed on Mondays. Tourist visits Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm and 2:30-7pm; Sundays and holidays 9:30am-12:30pm and 3-7pm. Monday: complex closed (only the Chiesa del Crocifisso opens 6-7:30pm for Mass), except holiday Mondays. Visits may be limited during services.
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about Santo Stefano
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Sources
Where this comes from
- santostefanobologna.it/it/visita-la-basilica/ · 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.