Introduction
Despite being the capital of Italy's Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna often gets overshadowed by northern Italy's other cities. And, in our opinion, unfairly so. For this lively town, with its famous University of Bologna – the oldest university in Europe dating back to 1066 – is the country's gastronomy capital, where visitors will discover, among a maze of arcaded streets, such region-defining highlight as tortellini, prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano and, of course, bolognese.
Medieval Town
Bologna's medieval red-brick centre is known as La Rossa (the red) and holds the red-brick squares of Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore, around which sits the Gothic Basilica de San Petronio and the bronze sculpted Fontana del Nettuno.
Central Piazzas
A short walk from the central piazzas are the imposing 12th century towers of Due Torri and the Piazza di San Domenico. The impressive Basilica de San Domenico can be found on this square, and inside this ornate building are the remains of San Domenico, founder of the Domincan faith, housed in an elaborate sarcophagus. You can stay in the magnificent Grand Hotel Baglioni, an 18th century former palazzo just a short walk from Piazza Maggiore.
Food and Music
Bologna was declared a UNESCO city of music in 2006 due to its investment in its thriving music scene. The city still holds numerous concerts by international bands throughout the year, from rock and alternative music to classical concerts and jazz performed in the historic city piazzas. Bologna's other nickname is La Grassa (the fat one) gained from its tradition of fine food and for its host of restaurants, pizzerias and traditional trattorias, serving the regions most mouth-watering delicacies. Local specialities include hand made pasta and tortellini (stuffed pasta shells) and of course, the famous Spaghetti alla Bolognese.
