Bologna is famous for its cuisine, culture and history. It has been called la Grassa (the fat one) thanks to its appreciation of the finer things in life - and its restaurants will certainly please those who enjoy great food. It has also been called la Dotta (the learned one) because of its history of learning and culture - the first university in the western world opened its doors here and the city is awash with galleries, museums and music venues. Finally it has been called la Rossa (the red one) - and visitors cannot help but admire its terracotta buildings and miles of porticoes that line the beautifully colonnaded medieval grid that forms the city.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Bologna
Bologna’s city centre is compact and eminently walkable - take a walking or cycling tour to take in all that is on offer.
Via dell’Indipendenza - Bologna’s main thoroughfare will always take you to the heart of the action and offer you plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants along the way.
Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno - These two linked central squares are at the medieval heart of the city. Around these will be many eating out options and more historic palaces, churches, galleries and museums than you could ever imagine. If all that history gets too much just drop by Via Clavature for the wonderful produce displays of the market stalls.
The University Quarter - The east of the historic centre is where many of the old university buildings can be found and today offers the best part of the city for bohemian vibe and cosmopolitan cafe culture.
Things to See in Bologna
The historic centre of Bologna is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in Italy. It is certainly the best preserved and offers a veritable feast for the eyes with its distinguishing palette of warm reds, burnt oranges and yellow ochres. Must-see sights include the delightful central square at the Piazza Maggiore, the iconic towers of Bologna, the 22 chapels of San Petronio Basilica and the imposing, monumental fountain of Neptune.
Things to Do in Bologna
Bologna was named by UNESCO as a Creative City of Music - take the chance to listen to some opera at the Teatro Comunale or some jazz, funk (or pretty much whatever takes your fancy) in clubs and pubs throughout the city. If the delightful cuisine of Bologna has whetted your appetite there are cookery courses where you can learn some of the region’s best culinary secrets. Art galleries and museums provide enough food for thought if cooking is not your thing. Or, of course, you can just kick back in the university quarter and happily watch the world go by: there’s always something happening in Bologna.
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