Museum of the History of Bologna in the Palazzo Pepoli

What it is

The Museum of the History of Bologna occupies the Palazzo Pepoli, a medieval palace of the family that ruled the city in the 14th century, on Via Castiglione, a few steps from the two towers. It tells the history of Bologna in chronological order, from the Etruscans to today, with interactive displays, objects and projections. It is a good place to begin your visit to the city: you leave with the order of the city's history in your head.

What you see

The route moves in chronological order. The first room, Etruscan Bologna, reconstructs a street of Felsina, the Etruscan name of the city; from there you pass through the Roman city, the medieval one, that of the university and the modern one until you reach Bologna today.

The museum combines original pieces, interactive displays and projections, so it works whether you like to read calmly or prefer to see and listen.

Opening hours

It opens on Mondays and from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 19:00. It is closed on Tuesdays. Allow an hour and a half for the full visit.

Prices

• General: €10.
• Reduced, €7: over-65s and adult groups of ten or more.
• Reduced, €5: ages 13 to 18, university students with a card and residents of Bologna.
• Free: under-12s, people with disabilities and one companion, holders of the Bologna Welcome Card and the Card Cultura, and tour guides.

The audio guide is included and is in Spanish, as well as Italian, English and French. It works on your phone, so bring headphones.

Booking

Bologna Welcome, which sells the tickets, recommends booking ahead. The ticket is valid only for the day and time chosen, but can be changed or cancelled up to 24 hours before. Groups and schools book by email.

Getting there

The entrance is at Via Castiglione 10, about five minutes' walk from Piazza Maggiore and two from the two towers. Bologna's centre is a restricted traffic zone: come on foot or by bus.

With children

It is one of the easiest museums in the city with children: they enter free up to age 12 and the interactive displays keep them engaged. With teenagers, the ages 13 to 18 fare is €5.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible for people with reduced mobility for the most part, except the uneven floor of the first room, which may be difficult. For deaf people there are introductory panels and graphics, although they require an intermediate level of language. There is a lift.

Rules

You cannot enter the rooms with rucksacks or large bags: there is a cloakroom. Animals do not enter the museum, except guide dogs, although they can stay in the covered courtyard.

Combine it with

On leaving you have the two towers and Piazza Santo Stefano, covered by the guided walk through the centre. To see the city from above, go up the Clock Tower, in Piazza Maggiore, and to continue with the history of the university, visit the Archiginnasio and its anatomical theatre.