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Chiesa di San Giovanni in Monte

4.6
·317 reviews·Bologna, Italy

A serene 15th-century church with 5th-century origins, hidden in Bologna, featuring ancient art and a unique history as a former prison.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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внутри

Chiesa di San Giovanni in Monte

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 15th-century church with 5th-century origins, hidden in Bologna, featuring ancient art and a unique history as a former prison.

4.6
(317 reviews)

"Peaceful and beautiful! With a qr code you can view a detailed tour on your phone."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Seek Out the Alley

The church is tucked away in a small alley, adding to its hidden gem status. Look for the quiet entrance.

📱 Use the QR Code Tour

Scan the QR code for a detailed phone tour explaining the church's art and history in English and Italian.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Fig Tree Cross

Ancient Fig Tree Cross

Inside the church

A remarkably preserved cross dating back to the original 5th-century church, crafted from a fig tree.

Recently Discovered Frescoes

Recently Discovered Frescoes

On the pillars

Vibrant frescoes, uncovered relatively recently, add a layer of artistic discovery to the church's interior.

16th Century Choir

16th Century Choir

Inside the church

An exquisite example of Renaissance artistry, the 16th-century choir offers a glimpse into historical craftsmanship.

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Planning Your Visit

Discover a Hidden Gem

Chiesa di San Giovanni in Monte is a less-visited treasure in Bologna, offering a peaceful escape. Its history spans from the 5th century, with significant medieval and Renaissance art. Plan your visit as it may not always be open.

Uncover Centuries of History

This 15th-century church, once part of a monastery and later a prison, holds fascinating historical layers. Explore its ancient artifacts, recently discovered frescoes, and a 16th-century choir.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Potentially open, quiet atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#SanGiovanniinLaterano in #Rome #Italy is the #motherchurch of all the world. Built in the time of #Constantine, first #christian emperor of the #RomanEmpire, it is the oldest #basilica in the #WesternWorld and was consecrated nearly 40 years before #StPetersBasilica at the #Vatican. It is the official seat of the #Pope #history #catholicism #christianity #🇮🇹
@expatalessandro
66.2K likes • 624.5K views

🎯 Seek Out the Alley

The church is tucked away in a small alley, adding to its hidden gem status. Look for the quiet entrance. Reddit

📱 Use the QR Code Tour

Scan the QR code for a detailed phone tour explaining the church's art and history in English and Italian. Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting lovely Bologna for a day, how can I get around?

I'll be landing at Bologna airport and I have found no useful links detailing transport from the airport to the center of the city. Can I ask the locals and will they speak good English? I would love to see anything interesting this city has to offer. I am already hyped for the…

reddit.com

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Hi guys, I’m heading to Rome next week for a trip by myself and heard that all churches are free of charge to enter, is that correct? I’ve booked myself a tour through the Basilica and Sistine Chapel but I’m also interested in visiting the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano.…

⏳ Check Opening Hours

This church may not always be open like others; verify hours before your visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Small Square

Enjoy the peaceful small square at the front of the church for a moment of reflection. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Seek Out the Alley

The church is tucked away in a small alley, adding to its hidden gem status. Look for the quiet entrance. Reddit

📱 Use the QR Code Tour

Scan the QR code for a detailed phone tour explaining the church's art and history in English and Italian. Reddit

⏳ Check Opening Hours

This church may not always be open like others; verify hours before your visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Small Square

Enjoy the peaceful small square at the front of the church for a moment of reflection. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(317 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Chiesa di San Giovanni in Monte for its peaceful atmosphere and hidden gem status, offering a quiet escape with significant historical and artistic value. While its less frequent opening hours can be a drawback, the ancient artifacts and the option for a detailed QR code tour are highly appreciated.

"The church of San Giovanni is hidden up a small hill in a small alley and is a 15th century church which is attached to a monastery and it was used as a prison from Napoleon times until 1984. The church is less visited than the others in the area as is so hidden away. The building now is part of Bolognas University. The history of it is dated from the 5th of century. The church has got three naves, and there are some very interesting and old pieces in the church. The old cross made from fig tree and is from the older church, the two glass windows, the frescoes on the pillars which they have only been discovered recently, the 16th century choir and the overturned capital. Is worth a visit as is a nice church with a small square at the front."

Angie O

"A hidden church in a small street. Very quiet as soon as you enter the alley. I think that this church is not always open like the others and certainly a little frequented."

Sveto Rakovic

"Peaceful and beautiful! With a qr code you can view a detailed tour on your phone, which explains the parts and paintings of the church in both English and Italian."

Diana

What People Like

Peaceful and beautiful
Hidden gem status
Ancient artifacts

What People Dislike

Not always open

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Chiesa di San Giovanni in Monte is located in Bologna. From the city center, it's a pleasant walk uphill, or you can take a local bus. Many visitors find it accessible by foot, enjoying the climb through the charming streets. Reddit

Yes, local buses serve the area near the church. Walking is also a popular and scenic option from the city center, though it involves an uphill climb. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a manageable walk from many central Bologna sights, offering a chance to see more of the city's architecture. Be prepared for a slight incline. Reddit

While the church is on a hill, local buses can get you closer. It's advisable to check specific bus routes and stops that minimize walking distance. Reddit

Street parking can be limited in the vicinity due to its location. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk if possible. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the church itself is typically free, though donations are appreciated. However, it's important to note that the church may not always be open, so checking hours beforehand is recommended. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and the church is not always open consistently. It's best to check locally or look for recent visitor information before planning your visit. Reddit

The church is the primary accessible area for visitors. Information on accessing other parts of the former monastery or prison is not widely available for public tours. Reddit

Yes, masses are held at the church, and some visitors have praised the inspiring nature of the services. Check the schedule for specific mass times. Reddit

As with most churches, modest dress is recommended out of respect. Shoulders and knees should generally be covered. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside churches for personal use, but it's always best to be discreet and respectful. Avoid using flash, especially during services. TikTok

Focus on capturing the ancient fig tree cross, the recently discovered frescoes on the pillars, and the intricate details of the 16th-century choir. The overall atmosphere of peace is also photogenic. Reddit

The small square at the front of the church offers a pleasant, quiet setting for photos. The alley leading to the church also has a charming, secluded feel. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around religious sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting any drone photography. TikTok

The interior lighting can be subdued, typical of older churches. This might require a higher ISO or a tripod for sharper images, especially when photographing the frescoes and choir. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ History & Art

Dating back to the 5th century, it's a church with a long and varied history, including being part of a monastery and later used as a prison until 1984. It's a testament to Bologna's layered past. Reddit

Highlights include the ancient fig tree cross, recently discovered frescoes on the pillars, a 16th-century choir, and an overturned capital. Reddit

The current structure of Chiesa di San Giovanni in Monte is largely from the 15th century, but its origins trace back to the 5th century. Reddit

Historically, it was part of a monastic complex. Later, it served a different purpose as a prison from Napoleon's era until 1984, adding a unique chapter to its history. Reddit

The church features elements from its various historical periods, with its current form largely reflecting 15th-century construction, incorporating older elements and Renaissance details like the choir. Reddit

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