Bologna is one of the most charming and lively cities in Italy, and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves culture, history and food. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best things to see and do in Bologna, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your stay.
Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, which is famous for its culinary traditions and products, such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto di Parma and tortellini. Bologna itself is known as “la grassa” (the fat one), because of its rich and delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, lasagna, mortadella and piadina. You can find many restaurants, trattorias and osterias in the city center, where you can enjoy these specialties and more. Don’t forget to try the local wine, such as Lambrusco or Pignoletto, and the famous gelato, which is said to have been invented in Bologna.
Bologna is also a city of culture and art, with a long and prestigious history. It is home to the oldest university in Europe, founded in 1088, and has a stunning medieval center, full of porticoes, towers, churches and palaces. Some of the most iconic landmarks are the Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda), which symbolize the city’s power and rivalry in the Middle Ages; the Basilica of San Petronio, which is one of the largest churches in the world and has a magnificent facade and interior; the Piazza Maggiore, which is the heart of the city and where you can admire the Palazzo d’Accursio (the town hall), the Palazzo del Podestà (the former seat of justice) and the Fountain of Neptune (a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture); and the Archiginnasio, which was the main building of the university and now houses a beautiful anatomical theater and a library.
Bologna is also a city of music and entertainment, with a vibrant and diverse scene. You can find many theaters, cinemas, museums and galleries in the city, where you can enjoy performances, exhibitions and events of all kinds. Some of the most famous are the Teatro Comunale (the opera house), the MAMbo (the modern art museum), the Cineteca (the film archive) and the Museo della Musica (the music museum). Bologna is also a UNESCO City of Music, thanks to its rich musical heritage and its lively festivals and concerts. You can listen to classical music at the Oratorio di San Filippo Neri or at the Auditorium Manzoni; jazz at Cantina Bentivoglio or at Bravo Caffè; rock at Estragon or at Locomotiv Club; or indie at Covo Club or at Freakout Club.
Bologna is a city that will surprise you with its beauty, charm and vitality. It is a place where you can experience the authentic Italian lifestyle, with its warmth, hospitality and joy. It is a city that will make you fall in love with it, and that you will want to visit again and again.
