Santa Maria della Vita
Tucked away down Via Clavature is the church of Santa Maria della Vita, which shelters one of Bologna's most dramatic works of art. Stepping into the gloomy interior of the church is like passing into another world after the bustle of the lively street. Nicolo dell'Arca's Pieta, known historically as the Mourning Marys around the Dead Christ, stands inside the church - a silent ‘scream in stone', as it was once memorably described by the Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio.

Via Clavature 10
Tel: 0512 36245.
Free admission.

Santuario di Madonna di San Luca (Sanctuary of the Saint Luca Madonna)
This sanctuary in the hills 3.5km (2 miles) from the city centre, is mainly interesting for the route to it: a 3.5km (2 mile) arcade of 666 arches alternating with 15 chapels, built (1674-1793) to protect the icon as it was paraded up and down the hill. The current church was built in the 18th century. Its icon of the Virgin Mary is attributed to St Luke and every year, in May, it is brought down to the city for a week. The views from the sanctuary are dramatic and it's a cool, calm escape from the city. For those looking to work off some of the worst effects of ‘Bologna, La Grassa', walking at least one way is a must.

Via di San Luca, Colle della Guardia
Tel: 05161 42339.
Free admission.

Museo Civico Archeologico (Archaeological Museum)
This superb museum is located in the 15th-century Ospedale della Morte (the old mortuary). It contains one of Italy's most important collections of Egyptian artefacts, including a splendid cycle of bas-reliefs from the tomb of Horemhed. The Roman section is also first rate. Nevertheless, this museum is best known for having one of the finest Etruscan sections outside Lazio, featuring finds from the city of Felsing (from the ninth century BC to the Gallic invasion in the mid-fourth century BC). Most renowned is Askos Benacci, a sculpture of a man on a horse that is in turn riding upon another llama-like animal. The collections are also strong on aspects of daily life.

Via dell'Archiginnasio 2
Tel: 05127 57211.
Website: www.comune.bologna.it/cultura/luoghi.php?id=244
Free admission.

Sala Borsa (Stock Exchange)
It is tribute to both the strength of Bologna's cultural life and the forward thinking of the local authorities that the Sala Borsa has turned its back on the world of high finance to serve as a meeting point and source of reference for the citizens of the city. This grand old building is now Italy's largest multimedia library and reopened after its big makeover in 2001 and since has proved popular with Bologna's large student community, although tourists will be as impressed by the grand interior and the Roman remains below floor level as they will by the amenities.

Piazza del Nettuno
Tel: 05121 94426/400.
Website: www.bibliotecasalaborsa.it
Free admission.

Museo Morandi
This charming museum devoted to the 20th-century, Bologna-born painter Giorgio Morandi, occupies part of the town hall, in the Palazzo d'Accursio. As well as the largest collection of his paintings (quiet, luminescent still lifes) there is a reconstruction of his studio, and displays from his own art collection.

Piazza Maggiore 6
Tel: 0512 03332.
Website: www.museomorandi.it
Free admission.