Bologna (population 375,000) is one of the most attractive cities in Italy and is full of character. Located in the Po Valley (“Pianura Padana) in Northern Italy, it is home to the oldest University in the Western World, “University of Bologna”, founded in 1088. This city with a strong scholastic tradition is one of the most developed cities in Italy offering a high quality of life.
Bologna remains one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe which is a testament to the city's policy of preservation. The historic centre contains a wealth of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque artistic monuments. The city is full of beautiful open squares, lavish porticoed walkways, marbled pavements and fine historic buildings.
The historic centre is easily explored by foot and is pedestrian-friendly. Be sure to take a stroll through the center which follows the grid pattern of the Roman settlement and sample the local cuisine, which has made Bologna famous, such as handmade egg pasta or stuffed tortellini.
Other sites worth mentioning include the Piazza Santo Stefano where you will find an unusual cluster of four interlocking Romanesque churches. The oldest, the church of SS. Vitale e Agricola, has parts of Roman temples and columns. There is also an interesting courtyard with a maze of little chapels. You can climb the steep staircase to the top of Torre degli Asinelli, one of only a few surviving medieval towers, for a great view of Bologna. Torre degli Asinelli and another leaning tower are in Piazza Porta Ravegnana where seven medieval streets converge. The Pinacoteca Nazionale is one of Italy's best galleries with several important works of art.
We look forward to welcoming you to Bologna!
