Lapidario Del Museo Civico Medievale

Lapidario del Museo Civico Medievale Bologna: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

In the heart of Bologna, the Lapidario del Museo Civico Medievale provides a fascinating portal into the city’s medieval and Renaissance past. Housed in the historic Palazzo Ghisilardi Fava, this remarkable collection of stone inscriptions, tombstones, heraldic reliefs, and architectural fragments weaves together centuries of Bologna’s cultural and civic memory. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a traveler eager to experience Bologna’s heritage, the Lapidario is an essential destination.

The Lapidario’s origins trace back to 19th-century preservation efforts, with the collection officially established in 1985 as part of the Museo Civico Medievale. Today, it features more than 200 artifacts, including funerary monuments, heraldic shields, and fragments from city walls and gates, all thematically and chronologically arranged to shed light on Bologna’s social, religious, and architectural evolution.

This guide equips you with all the details you need—visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, highlights, and travel tips—to make your visit enriching and memorable.

Introduction
Location and Accessibility
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Historical Background and Collection Highlights
The Lapidario’s Role in Bologna’s Heritage
Conservation and Visitor Experience
Guided Tours and Special Events
Practical Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Call to Action
References

Location and Accessibility

The Lapidario del Museo Civico Medievale is located at Via Manzoni 4, Bologna, within the Renaissance Palazzo Ghisilardi Fava (Museo Civico Medievale). Its central location makes it easily accessible by foot from major city landmarks, and well-served by public transportation. Limited street parking and nearby public garages are available for those arriving by car.

The museum is designed to be accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Ramps and elevators allow easy access to most areas, though some historic sections feature uneven floors or steps. For detailed information, visitors are encouraged to contact the museum in advance.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours (as of June 2025)

Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Wednesday & Friday: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Closed on Mondays

Hours may vary on holidays or during special events. Always verify on the official museum website.

Ticket Information

Full Price: €10
Reduced Price: €6–€8 (students, children, seniors; check current rates)
Bologna Welcome Card: Entry included
Special Exhibitions or Add-ons: May require an additional fee (€12–€18 for experiences such as virtual reality tours)

Tickets can be purchased online through the Bologna Museums portal or at the entrance. Online booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Historical Background and Collection Highlights

Origins and Development

The Lapidario’s collection began in the late 19th century to safeguard medieval monuments threatened by urban development. Initially stored at Palazzo Galvani, it was relocated to the former stables of Palazzo Ghisilardi in the late 20th century, becoming a key part of the Museo Civico Medievale (Storia e Memoria di Bologna).

Artifacts were collected through archaeological excavations, renovations, demolitions, and private donations, reflecting the city’s changing landscape and dedication to heritage preservation (Redazione Cultura).

Thematic Organization

The Lapidario is methodically organized by theme and chronology:

Medieval Testimonies: Inscriptions documenting guilds, construction, and social life.
Funerary Epigraphs: Tombs and sarcophagi with inscriptions and carvings, including rare Hebrew elements documenting the Jewish community (archeomedia.net).
City Wall Plaques: Stones originally embedded in city walls, marking boundaries or commemorating events.
Heraldic Reliefs: Coats of arms of noble families, including the prominent Della Rovere shield.
Renaissance and Baroque Inscriptions: Reflecting changing language and style.

The oldest artifact is the funerary epigraph of Martino, an ostiarius, dating back to the earliest centuries of Bologna’s history.

The Lapidario’s Role in Bologna’s Heritage

The Lapidario serves as a “stone archive” preserving the city’s collective memory. Each artifact tells a fragment of Bologna’s story—its politics, religion, social structure, and artistic trends. The collection is especially valuable because many stones were salvaged from buildings that no longer exist, making the Lapidario a crucial repository for architectural and civic heritage (Finestre sull’Arte).

The museum’s educational mission extends beyond exhibition, serving as a resource for scholars, schools, and the public.

Conservation and Visitor Experience

The Lapidario is displayed in the evocative setting of the former stables, with vaulted ceilings and stone floors that echo the ambiance of medieval Bologna. Conservation techniques ensure the preservation of fragile stone artifacts, and interpretive panels provide context in Italian and English.

Audio guides are available (highly recommended for non-Italian speakers), and high-quality images with descriptive alt text enhance accessibility online. Photography for personal use is allowed without flash or tripods.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided Tours: Offered regularly in multiple languages (including English), providing expert insights into the collection. Advance booking is recommended.
Special Exhibitions: The Lapidario hosts temporary exhibitions on topics such as medieval art, local painters, and classical literature. Recent events included the first exhibition on Lippo di Dalmasio (Finestre sull’Arte).
Educational Activities: Workshops for children and families, as well as lectures and public conferences, are held throughout the year (Musei Bologna).

Check the museum events calendar for current and upcoming programming.

Practical Travel Tips

Plan Ahead: Verify visiting hours and book tickets online.
Use Audio Guides: For in-depth context and translations.
Combine Visits: The Lapidario is near other major museums, such as the Archaeological Museum and Museum of the History of Bologna.
Accessibility: Contact the museum for assistance if you have mobility needs.
Respect the Environment: The Lapidario is a commemorative and historical space—maintain quiet and decorum.
Stay Connected: Follow the museum’s website and social media for updates and events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Lapidario’s visiting hours?
A: Current hours are Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Wednesday & Friday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, closed Mondays. Check the official site for updates.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets can be bought online via the Bologna Museums portal or on-site.

Q: Is the Lapidario accessible for wheelchair users?
A: The ground floor is accessible; some historic areas have steps. Contact the museum for detailed information.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, regularly scheduled in multiple languages; check the museum’s calendar.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the Lapidario?
A: Yes, personal photography without flash or tripods is permitted.

Q: Are there special exhibitions?
A: Yes, the Lapidario hosts rotating exhibitions. Check the events calendar for details.

Summary and Call to Action

The Lapidario del Museo Civico Medievale is a cornerstone of Bologna’s cultural landscape, offering an immersive journey through centuries of art, history, and civic identity. Its central location, accessible facilities, and digital resources (such as the Storia e Memoria di Bologna portal) make it accessible to both local and international audiences.

Plan your visit by checking current hours and ticket options, and enrich your experience with audio guides and guided tours. Download the Audiala app for audio tours and museum updates, and follow the museum’s channels for news on exhibitions and events.

Engage with Bologna’s living history—explore the Lapidario and be part of the story carved in stone.