Situated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy, in the Po Valley, Bologna can be described as the historical explorer's dream. Free from the hordes of tourists who flock to more popular destinations, Bologna offers the visitor an unparalleled opportunity to discover ancient sites, surrounded by beautiful side streets and medieval piazzas.
Known as the university town, due to the fact it is home to the oldest university in Europe - Alma Mater Studiorum, founded in 1088 - Bologna is as famous for its sumptous range of gourmet cuisine, as it is for its stunning historical attractions, having been named the European capital of culture in 2000.
Although the city of Pisa is celebrated for its leaning tower, Bologna in fact has two, known as Le Due Tomi or The Two Towers. The towers are dominant features of Bologna's skyline and comprise the town's most recognisable landmarks. At 97 metres, the Torre Asinelli is the largest tower, offering visitors panoramic views across Bolonga, whilst the second, Torre Garisenda, stands at just 48 metres.
A main feature of Bologna is its two main squares, the Piazza Maggiore and the Piazza del Nettuno, which is also where the famed 16th-century Fountain of Neptun resides. A stroll through these squares, situated beside one another, will also lead you around many of the town's attractions, such as the Basilica di San Petronio - Bologna's largest church and the fifth-largest basilica in the world - and numerous palazzo, which are grand buildings known for their architecture, and often, their occupants. As such, these include the Palazzo dei Notai and the Palazzo dei Banchi.
Connecting the town is a series of walkways, which are covered by arches or vaults, known as arcades: Bologna is home to the longest one in the world, the Portico of San Luca. There are 38 km of arcades to be found in the town, meaning it is possible to peruse the sights of the town whilst being sheltered from the elements.
In addition to the town's many historical attractions, it is also host to a plethora of annual events. Most notable is the week-long marathon dance event, Amores which comprises traditional and contemporary performances and shows, taking place throughout the streets of Bologna. Furthermore, the Artelibro Art Book Festival is a popular attraction, which sees book and art enthusiasts come together with leading trade figures. The book festival is the only event of its kind to be offered in Italy and includes a programme featuring exhibitions, lectures, readings and debates.
As mentioned, Bologna is renowned for its gastronomical offerings, and food lovers alike won't be disappointed. Indeed, most famous for giving its name to bolognese, it also offers a wide variety of other pastas, meats and cheeses.
Actually travelling to get there is easy, with flights to Bologna offered throughout the year, as well as a host of excellent rail and motor links. The only decision you need to worry about is which season to go in!
The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only
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