Basilica di Santo Stefano (Sette Chiese)

The Basilica di Santo Stefano is a complex of interlinked Romanesque churches, chapels and cloisters around Piazza Santo Stefano, at Via Santo Stefano 24 in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna. Known locally as the Sette Chiese, the Seven Churches, it is said to stand on the site of an ancient temple of Isis, and the brick and stone buildings date mainly from the eleventh and twelfth centuries, with earlier foundations. The visit passes through the church of the Crocifisso, the circular Holy Sepulchre (San Sepolcro), a copy of the shrine in Jerusalem built around the tomb of Saint Petronius, the courtyard known as the Cortile di Pilato with its basin said to be Lombard in origin, and the peaceful twelfth-century cloister with two levels of columns. Visitors can also see the small Church of Trinita, which displays a nativity scene, and the museum of the complex. A visit takes 30 to 45 minutes, though the quiet, atmospheric spaces invite lingering. The brick interiors are dim and cool, which gives the church its monastic mood. The piazza outside is triangular and framed by medieval palazzi, a popular spot for photographs, especially in the soft light of late afternoon. Entry is free, with donations welcome, and visitors must cover their shoulders and knees. Crowds are modest compared with San Petronio, but weekends bring more groups, and the piazza itself becomes lively at aperitivo time with outdoor tables. Hours include a midday break, so plan the visit for the morning or later afternoon. It lies about ten minutes' walk south-east of Piazza Maggiore along Via Santo Stefano, one of the loveliest arcaded streets in the city.