Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore (Basilica of Saint James the Greater), Bologna

Overlooking Piazza Rossini stands the Basilica of Saint James the Greater, also known as the Bentivoglio family's church, offering free entry to visitors. The Romanesque facade and lion-flanked portals predate Bologna's illustrious dynasty, while the graceful Renaissance portico, along with many splendid paintings in their family chapel, date from their era (follow the signage upon entering the church). Although the chapel is only open on Saturday mornings (from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM), it can be observed through the railings.

Notable works include the "Madonna and Child" (1488) and the evocative "Triumph of Death and Triumph of Fame", both crafted by the Ferrarese painter Lorenzo Costa. The Bentivoglio Altarpiece ("The Madonna and Child"), depicting Giovanni il Bentivoglio, his spouse, and eleven children, was purportedly commissioned in gratitude for the family's survival of an attempted massacre by a rival clan. Also noteworthy is "The Madonna and Saints" (1494) by Francesco Raibolini, considered among the artist's finest altarpieces.