Private tour in Bologna Barbara Eletta C

History & Art in Bologna - Walking Tour

4.5

(6) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Barbara Eletta C.

4.6

Guide rating

10

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

After many years as a teacher of art and music (MA and PhD), in schools and in University, I decided to become a tour guide. I lived in Bologna since I was 15, previously having lived in Milan, with a short stay in Venice in my adult age. I have also travelled in Europe, USA, India and as far as Antarctica. The peculiarity of guiding a tour is the close yet temporary relationship which arises between the traveller and the guide. Therefore, I try to create a synergy through historical accounts, curious or funny historical anecdotes, describing the everyday life in town, and the appreciation of all the artworks, monuments and precious palaces it presents. These high cultural value, together with a vivid experience of the city, can open the travellers to new ways of perception. In Bologna food has the same importance as a work of art, and even though delicious food specialties are known all over Italy, in this town there is a real celebration of food that dates back to ancient times. There's even historical documents which testify laws and rules applied to the making of food specialties! A tasting tour will have real meaning here. I can lead a tour in a Pinacoteca, or in any painting collection of both ancient, modern, and even contemporary art. Not to forget the Museum of Music, (Bologna is a UNESCO City of Music), collections of musical instruments, or even a visit to a violin maker at work. What drives me is the enthusiasm in transmitting the value of Beauty, in sharing a visit to the most ancient pub in town dating back to 16th c. , and leading a walk in order to feel as local citizen, dealing not only with old history, but with contemporary life as well. 2009- PhD in General Pedagogy, Social Pedagogy and General Didactics. Sector: Didactic of Art, University of Bolzano, Italy. 1981- Degree in Lit Hum and Philosophy, Degree course in Disciplines of Art, Music, Theatre, University of Bologna, Italy. 1996-98 Bologna Fine Arts Academy: Etching, History of Art and Drawing. 1994-99- Florence, Italy, course at the "Fiorenza de Angelis" painting school 1996-2000 Florence, Italy, "Scuola di Luca", Art Therapy 4 y. school. 1978-84- Music Conservatory: violin, musical theory 2018 Licensed Tour Guide 2006-2016 Faculty of Lit Hum and Philosophy, University of Rome. Guest prof.History of Contemporary Art 2000-2010 University of Bolzano, Italy, Primary Education. Faculty. Contract prof.: Didactic of Art. 1994-present- Teacher on painting and drawing. Collaborations with institutions (RAI -Italian RadioTV, Cinema Library), research centres (Alinari Studio-Florence). Publications of essays on art and education, art and science, personal drawings and book curating. I am not available as a driver. For out of town tours I can arrange train+taxi or arrange hiring a proper car with driver. Family and children welcome. I'm not prepared to perform tours for people with significant disabilities.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Barbara Eletta C.

Overview of your Bologna tour

Visit the highlights of the town, plus the more secluded, unknown spots. Monuments, churches, statues, medieval houses, squares and the famous Porticoes of Bologna, 62 km altogether, the oldest ones dating back to the 12th century. 12 sections of them have been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest porticoes are built of wood, others made of stone or brick, or reinforced concrete. Walking under the archways, you are simultaneously in a magical space, both internal and external. You'll learn about what makes Bologna so loved and iconic, and discover legends known only by locals. You'll be able to draw a mental picture of what life was like here in ancient times, and see how it is contemporaneously too! As if you had gone on a magical Time Machine, you'll appreciate history, art and the bolognese traditions in a beautiful way. This tour will take part in the city centre, which is not so large, yet vastly rich and multifaceted, so just a walk will be full of surprises! Customizable itinerary:

Recent Reviews

Christopher W.United States
March 2026

Barbara provided a fabulous tour that was an excellent introduction to Bologna. As someone who has lived most of their life in this region, she was able to provide a great deal of information about life in the city. I plan to book with her again on my next visit to Bologna. Grazie!

Joshua M.United States
October 2025

Eletta is not only an incredibly knowledgeable about the city of Bologna, but she is also a wonderful host with a sweet personality. Our tour of the city was informative and fun!

Mary Jo W.
April 2025

Wonderful way to learn about Bologna. Barbara was an excellent native guide who showed us the history of Bologna through the architecture, artifacts and food Enjoyed her insights on local issues (no cars in historic district on weekends ). Her food selections of chocolate and vinegar were high quality and historic in nature Lunch was wonderful. A local restaurant where I had wonderful tortellini en broth Overall. Highly recommend

Suzanne T.United States
February 2025

An excellent tour of Bologna historical/ artistic highlights in 2.5 hrs.

Anika B.United States
September 2023

Excellent tour and great overview of a very large city with art and history everywhere you look. It was great to see some of the highlights of the Bologna city center and very helpful to orient ourselves. Barbara is very knowledgeable and very accommodating to side interests--pointing out great places to eat and shopping areas.

Your Bologna tour itinerary

-The tour starts from the main square, surrounded by imposing palaces and monuments. -Go to Palazzo d'Accursio Courtyard, seat of the Town Hall since Middle Ages. -Admire the Neptune fountain, and next to it, Palazzo Re Enzo, as I share a relevant story of the courage of bolognese people, and their passion for food. -See the Sala Borsa public library, an example of Liberty style, our Art Noveau. -Visit San Petronio Basilica with its stunning interior and frescoes. -Then, Archiginnasio Library- an imposing public library, once the seat of the 1st University in the world- will leave you speechless. Inside, visit the famous Anatomical Theatre. -A visit to a tower in front of it , then we'll cross the old central Market, where a pub is still serving wine since the 15th century. - After the elegant Santo Stefano square, and a quick visit at the magnificent complex of the 7 churches, one behind the other, the last stop of the tour will be the two highest towers, symbol of the town, just 10 mins away.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking.

What's included
Private Guide
Services: Tour organization
What's not included
Other
Food Drinks Snacks
Tastings
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Tickets: Archiginnasio
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Meeting location

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

If the hotel is far from the centre, we will meet in front of Apple Store, Via Rizzoli, 16, Bologna. Otherwise I'll come to the hotel to pick you up.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Art And Culture
Tour reference number
1038983
Languages
Italian
English
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

4.5

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Bologna best suited for?

This private tour in Bologna is perfect for travellers interested in history, art, and architecture. You'll explore the city's rich heritage, including its famous porticoes and medieval sites. It's ideal for those who want to connect with a local like Barbara Eletta C. for deeper insights into Bologna's culture and traditions.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Bologna be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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