Bologna

Bologna- The Food Capital of Italy

Bologna is located in the north of Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region. It is the seventh largest city in Italy. It is strategically situated between the northern and southern parts of the country. 

Bologna is well known for its rich cuisine and is often called the gastronomic capital of Italy or the “fat city”. Some of its more famous dishes are Bolognese sauce (however, make sure you call it “Ragu” when you visit), Mortadella and Tortellini pasta. If you plan to visit Bologna, make sure you taste these unique, locally prepared dishes. 

Like most Italian cities, Bologna centre is a giant town square called Piazza Maggiore. This is where you will find the  Basilica di San Petronio. Even though its construction began in 1390, its main facade has never been finished. You will see this with the bottom being marble and the top being bricks. You will find the city’s iconic towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, a short walk from here. You can still climb them today, but be prepared for a lot of stairs. 

The city is also home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. Its historical legacy in academia has made Bologna a learning and intellectual exchange hub.

Bologna is also well known for its architecture. Its red-tiled rooftops (and also its leftist politics) have given it the nickname the Red City. If you climb the Asinelli tower, you will see terracotta tiles for miles on end.