San Giuseppe ai Cappuccini is a 13th century church and convent of ValdiPietra founded here then abandoned to the Cappuccini monks 1256. The present one was restored by Antolini 1841-44. 17th-18th century works of art including terracotta sculptures by Vincenzo Testoni, Merozzi, Bernardi, Putti, Franceshini, Samacchini, Fontana, Michieli, Maltatesta.

This 15th century church is a jewel in Bologna’s crown. Artists such as Ercole, Domenichino, Conegliano, Perugino, Dalmasio, Guercino have created an art gallery from this place of worship – not forgetting the famous painting St. Cecilia by Raphael. Also a prison and court during Napoleon’s reign. Architecture is Gothic, Renaissance and classical.

San Michele in Bosco was a religious retreat here since the 3rd century. Churches were built and destroyed many times over. Presently this one in renaissance and gothic style dates to 1430 and hosted several Popes. Paintings 15-1600s are by many artists: Bernadino, Canuti, Tolomei, Brescia, Pizzoli, Arpino, Tiarini, and sepulchre by Lombardi.

Footage of Nocturnal Chancel and cloister, San Michele in Bosco, frescoes line some parts of the hospital where you least expect. Artists include Innocenzo da Imola, Carraci, Tiarini, Reni, Brizio and Masari. An otherwise impressive cloister needs a lot of restoration work.

San Giacomo and Santa Cecilia Oratory is in via Zamboni sporting a mix mash of styles over the centuries. A renaissance interior. Behind this lies the Oratory of Santa Cecilia – inside are Bologna’s most precious frescoes.

San Domenico houses works of art as well the 8th wonder of the world. The remains of the founder of the Dominicans are inside a marvellous sculpture by Nicola dell’Arca. There’s a history of constant renovations, rebuilds and general work from 12th century to its present state. Great artists contributed to this magnificent Church including Michelangelo.

Piazza San Domenico and convent next door. Square in front has been used as a public gallery, grave yard and now car park for the police. Tombs from 12th and 13th centuries are scattered around it. Next door convent displays tombstones and memorial tablets plus frescoes.

This ex church can be traced back to the 11th century. The San Gallo monks first settle here and lived in the monastery attached to it. Over the centuries it passed to many Orders before finally being disrobed of its religious services. It was also used as a theatre and art studio. Frescoes from the 1500s by P Pancotto are still clearly visible.

A 13th century Monastery just outside Bologna center that gets few visitors but contains a reputable miracle-working icon: The Crying Madonna. It”s a tiny chapel with resident nuns who rarely venture far although contact is possible with them. Contains important historical manuscripts (not shown here).

Erected by Cardinal Domenico Svampa to the Byzantine style of architect Edorado Collamarini. Fr Gavinelli rebuilt it after the 60m dome first collapsed 1929 then after damage from WWII. The main altar and crypt are beautifully sculpted. Stain glass is by Nardi, Pritoni and Beltrami. Artists include Augusto Maiani, Renato Pasqui.