Italy doesn’t have a high number of aesthetically pleasing stadiums, many of them are concrete monstrosities that belong in the dark ages. However one that doesn’t belong in a by-gone era is the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna.
Built in 1925 and opened two years later, the Dall’Ara has been used in two World Cups, with the stadium the setting for one of England’s most memorable goals in the competition, David Platt’s wondrous swivel-and-volley against Belgium at Italia ’90.
Located in the Saragozza district, about 3.5 km from the centre of the city, the Dall’Ara remains one of the easiest stadiums in the country to access, with Bologna one of the most walkable cities in Italy.
The stadium is notable for its bell tower, or ‘Marathon tower’ as it’s known, being considered the best in Italy in this kind of design, which was built during Benito Mussolini’s time as ruler of the country. Even after Mussolini’s dethronement and execution, the tower remained in place and is now considered a national monument.
The customary athletics track, which has blighted most stadia in Italy, has been out of use since 1996. Plans are afoot to renovate the stadium under current owner Joey Saputo, and the track will be eliminated from the new-and-improved Dall‘Ara.
The Stadio Renato Dall’Ara factfile
- Capacity: 38, 279
- Clubs: Bologna
- Opened: 1927
- Address: Via Andrea Costa 174, I-40134, Bologna
How to get to the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium
From the city centre
If in the centre of the city, you can take the line 21 bus from Sant`Isaia Piazza Malpighi to the Dall’Ara, which takes around 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, with the stadium being only 3.5km away from the centre, it is possible to walk the distance, which would take around 40 minutes.
From Bologna Centrale train station
From Bologna Centrale, you can take the bus 21 in the direction of Filanda, and get off at the stadium.
From Bologna airport
If arriving to Bologna from via plane, the best way to reach the stadium is to Take the BLQ shuttle bus service from the Guglielmo Marconi to Bologna’s train station, then take bus number 77 and get off at the Montefiorino stop.
Arriving by car
Below are instructions on how to get the Rentato Dall’Ara depending on which area of the country you’re driving from:
• From the A1 motorway (Milan-Naples) exit the motorway at Bologna Casalecchio.
• From the A14 motorway (Bologna-Taranto) follow signs for Florence and exit the motorway at Bologna Casalecchio.
• From the A13 motorway (Bologna-Padua) please follow signs for Florence and exit the motorway at Bologna Casalecchio; When you exit the motorway at Bologna Casalecchio, join Bologna’s ring road and take exit number 1 towards Bologna town centre and get to the Onorato Malaguti roundabout. Take the first exit again to Via Simone di Filippo dei Crocefissi, then Via Caravaggio, until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn left onto Via Don Luigi Sturzo and continue until you reach the intersection with Via Porrettana.
How to buy public transport tickets
Like most Italian cities, tickets for Bologna’s public transport system can be bought at local tobacco shops. The city doesn’t have a metro line, but a tram system is due to be in place by 2026, with more lines added within the next decade.
To buy tickets for the city’s buses, you can buy them at ticket machines dotted around the city. Moreover, tickets can also be bought online using apps, including Muver (best for English speakers) and Roger. Tickets can also be bought on buses, but this sometimes doesn’t work and ultimately costs more than buying at a machine.
A single ticket costs €2, or a 24-hour day pass costs €6.
How to buy tickets to watch Bologna
Tickets to watch Bologna play at the Dall’Ara can be bought online at www.bolognafc.it through the club’s official portal in the days leading up to a game.
