Bologna Airport (BLQ)

About Bologna Airport

Bologna Airport (officially Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport) is an important international airport located in Bologna, Italy. It is the largest and busiest airport in the Emilia-Romagna region. With over 8,000,000 passengers annually, Bologna Airport is the eighth busiest airport in Italy. Bologna Airport operates over 100 flights around the world to popular locations such as Dubai, Moscow, and London.

Bologna Airport has expanded significantly over the last 20 years, with a major expansion of its terminal happening between 2011 and 2013. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is named after Guglielmo Marconi, a Bologna native and Nobel Prize laureate. Situated roughly four miles north of Bologna's center, this airport is popular with travelers looking to explore the city's ancient landmarks and beautiful architecture. 

Things to do in and around Bologna Airport

Since Bologna Airport's expansion, you'll find much better ways to kill time while waiting on your next flight. Thanks to its proximity to the city, Bologna Airport is also within touching distance of some of Bologna's best attractions. Here are a few of the best things to do in and around Bologna Airport. 

• Shop till you drop at Bologna Airport's modern shopping area. There is a range of well-known Italian stores at Bologna Airport, including Macron, Furla, and Kiko Milano.
• Chow down on some delicious local cuisine at one of the airport's Bolognese restaurants. You'll find several sit-down eateries at Bologna Airport serving an array of pasta, cheeses, and wines.
• Relax before your flight at the airport lounge. For a small fee, you can gain access to this exclusive area, which boasts a buffet, free WiFi, and a concierge service.
• Unleash your inner gearhead at the Ducati Museum. One of Bologna's most famous exports, the Ducati Museum features dozens of classic motorcycles from the last 90 years.
• Escape the busy airport at Certosa di Bologna. An old 13th-century monastery, the Certosa di Bologna contains plenty of hidden historical secrets, including an Etruscan necropolis dating back over 2,000 years. 
• Discover Italian art at the National Art Gallery of Bologna. One of the many art museums in Bologna, the national art gallery is the best and boasts works by the likes of Raphael, Titian, and El Greco. 

Transit options at Bologna Airport

• Shuttle bus service (Aerobus)
• Taxi ranks (Cotabo, Cat)
• National train service (Bologna Central Station)

Luggage storage near Bologna Airport

Bologna is one of the ten largest cities in Italy and has been continuously inhabited for well over 2,000 years. With dozens of fascinating historic attractions lining the city's winding streets and charming plazas, you won't be short of activities in Bologna. You won't want to lug any heavy bags around Bologna's best sights, so find a luggage storage service near Bologna Airport. Bounce provides several luggage storage services near Bologna Airport, where you drop off your bags before exploring. Quick and simple to book, search on the Bounce app today and find the perfect place to stow your suitcases in Bologna.

Attractions and activities near Bologna Airport

• The Two Towers: Bologna's Le Due Torri are a symbol of the city and one of its most famous landmarks. During the Middle Ages, Bologna was full of towers, with these remaining two dating back to the 11th century. These particular towers were used by the military as lookouts and to signal to other troops. The taller of the two towers, Torre Degli Asinelli stands at nearly 320 feet tall, with 498 steps leading to the top. Visitors are welcome to climb to the top of the tower, which affords sweeping views across the city.
  The smaller tower, Torre Garisenda, stands at just over 150 feet tall. This tower isn't open to the public due to its dangerous condition. The tower stands at a noticeable slant of around 10 feet. Torre Garisenda was originally 196 feet tall but had to be lowered in the 14th century due to its overhang. You won't want to drag any heavy bags up Torre Degli Asinell's winding, wooden staircases, so stop by a luggage storage service near Bologna Airport. 
• Piazza Maggiore: Step back in time at the Piazza Maggiore. One of Bologna's most important squares, Piazza Maggiore hasn't changed much over the past 500 years. Many of Bologna's biggest attractions encircle the square, including Palazzo d'Accursio to the west, Palazzo dei Notai to the southwest, and Basilica of San Petronio to the southeast. The plaza itself predates these buildings and was established in the 12th century. At the center of the Piazza Maggiore is the famed Fountain of Neptune, which dates back to the 16th century. Renowned sculptor Gimabologna designed the fountain, depicting the god Neptune, surrounded by tiers of cherubs and nereids. 
• Basilica di San Petronio: Bologna is home to many remarkable churches, and the Basilica of San Petronio is no exception. Construction of the basilica began in the 14th century, and remarkably, its facade was never finished. Regardless, the Basilica di San Petronio is still the sixth largest church in Europe. There are several notable features to this minor basilica, including the nave, which contains 22 side chapels. Another highlight from the Basilica di San Petronio is Cassini's Meridian Line, the longest meridian line in the world, measuring 219 feet. The dial helped astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini discover the earth's axial tilt, solstices, and much more. One controversial feature of the basilica is a fresco depicting demons devouring the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The fresco has seen the basilica targeted by unsuccessful terrorist attacks.