How to celebrate Halloween in Italy: enjoy a weekend in Bologna

Wandering to spend Halloween in Italy?

15 Oct 2019

Gruppo UNA

The Two Towers of Bologna.

Two towers of Bologna

Bologna's most famous landmark, the medieval Two Towers brood and loom over the city in a manner that is perfectly suited to a Halloween break. Although the Two Towers are the most prominent, the city is home to around 20 of these towers, as well as several fortified gates. Many of the city's university students subscribe to a long-held superstition that they should not climb the towers before graduation. Fortunately, this idea does not extend to tourists.

Close to both the city centre and excellent transport links​, UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro provides the perfect base for a walking tour around these historic towers and gates.​

Street parties and horror shows.

Halloween in Bologna is growing in popularity. Look out for street parties, like in Via Nosadella, where local shopkeepers and stallholders join forces to provide an afternoon of tasty food and spine-chilling thrills for all ages. Meanwhile, Via Galliera and Via Riva di Reno play host to fairground rides and puppet shows. There is even a live horror show, taking participants on a walking tour between the underground Moline canal and the Aposa stream​.​

Fast cars and leisurely lunches.

If you're looking for thrills of a slightly different kind, the Ferrari Museum in nearby Maranello​ is hard to beat. Treat yourself to a guided tour of the factory that makes the famous cars and the Fiorano track, before enjoying lunch in a local farmhouse and then moving on to Modena's Enzo Ferrari Museum. 

Enjoy some local food and wine.

Halloween Bologna events always incorporate some of the country's finest foods. Any trip to the city allows you to explore the tasty offerings of the many skilled producers whose dishes grace these events. A guided tour of the Quadrilatero food quarter is the perfect way to learn about the city's rich culinary history.

​While you can expect a particular emphasis on Bologna's best-known foods, such as Bolognese sauce, mortadella and tortellini, you will also find plenty of opportunities to discover new favourites, particularly in the form of cheese, chocolate and ice cream.

One of the city's newest attractions is Fico Eataly World, a 20-acre theme park aimed specifically at foodies. The park includes an orchard, a vineyard, workshops and pastureland, and offers the chance to learn just how your favourite Italian foods are produced. Tricycles provide easy and unusual transport around the park, and entry is free.

Relax in the Piazza Maggiore.

Whatever other Halloween vacation ideas you have for your visit to Bologna, it would be a pity not to spend time relaxing in the beautiful Piazza Maggiore. Located in the very heart of the city, the square looks much as it did in the fifteenth century and its many cafes and restaurants offer the very best of Italian cuisine. UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro and UNAHOTELS Bologna Fiera both lie within easy walking distance.

Experience the city's art and history.

As one would expect from a city with such a long history, Bologna has a wide variety of museums and art galleries. The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna is the place to go to experience some of the Old Masters, including Raphael and Titian. Meanwhile, the Museo della Storia di Bologna is an excellent venue for learning about Bolognese history and society through its informative and interactive exhibits.

Walk to Santuario della Madonna di San Luca

Santuario di San Luca Bologna

Santuario della Madonna di San Luca​ lies around 10 kilometres from the city centre. It offers a pleasantly spine-chilling addition to a Halloween weekend in Bologna, particularly if you choose to tackle the path that runs from the Piazza di Porta Saragozza.​ Running from the western side of the basilica, the path is reputed to have 666 porticos and provides a challenging, if invigorating walk.

Enjoy a Halloween holiday in Bologna with Gruppo UNA.

With 19 destinations spread throughout the country, Gruppo UNA is well placed to help you celebrate Halloween in Italy. Whether you're tempted by a resort, a villa or a city centre hotel, such as UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro or UNAHOTELS Bologna Fiera​, we would love to help you plan your next break.

​Why not take a look at the Gruppo UNA website for seasonal inspiration and special offers? Our travel experts are always happy to chat through your ideas and suggest ways of making your next trip away one to remember for all the very best reasons.

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