Bologna is the capital of the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. Controlled by the Bentivoglio family for most of the 15th century, the city became part of the Papal States in the early 16th century under Pope Julius II. While Bologna is largely celebrated today for its culinary traditions and university, which is considered the oldest in the world, it is also home to some of Italy’s most important art.

The great Sienese early Renaissance sculptor Jacopo della Quercia produced beautiful marble relief sculptures for the main doors of the 14th-century Basilica of San Petronio. Michelangelo created two statuettes for the tomb of St. Dominic in the basilica named after the great medieval mendicant saint. Bologna also was home to a number of extraordinary artists such as Annibale Carracci, Lavinia Fontana, Domenichino, and Guercino, many of whose masterpieces can be found in the National Gallery (Pinacoteca) of Bologna. Rocky Ruggiero, an expert in Renaissance art, explores the artistic treasures and great artists of Bologna.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

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*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.