| Situated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern | | | | Connecting the town is a series of walkways, which |
| Italy, in the Po Valley, Bologna can be described as | | | | are covered by arches or vaults, known as arcades: |
| the historical explorer’s dream. Free from the | | | | Bologna is home to the longest one in the world, the |
| hordes of tourists who flock to more popular | | | | Portico of San Luca. There are 38 km of arcades to |
| destinations, Bologna offers the visitor an unparalleled | | | | be found in the town, meaning it is possible to peruse |
| opportunity to discover ancient sites, surrounded by | | | | the sights of the town whilst being sheltered from |
| beautiful side streets and medieval piazzas. | | | | the elements. |
| Known as the university town, due to the fact it is | | | | In addition to the town’s many historical |
| home to the oldest university in Europe – Alma | | | | attractions, it is also host to a plethora of annual |
| Mater Studiorum, founded in 1088 – Bologna is as | | | | events. Most notable is the week-long marathon |
| famous for its sumptous range of gourmet cuisine, as | | | | dance event, Amores which comprises traditional and |
| it is for its stunning historical attractions, having been | | | | contemporary performances and shows, taking place |
| named the European capital of culture in 2000. | | | | throughout the streets of Bologna. Furthermore, the |
| Although the city of Pisa is celebrated for its leaning | | | | Artelibro Art Book Festival is a popular attraction, |
| tower, Bologna in fact has two, known as Le Due | | | | which sees book and art enthusiasts come together |
| Tomi or The Two Towers. The towers are dominant | | | | with leading trade figures. The book festival is the |
| features of Bologna’s skyline and comprise the | | | | only event of its kind to be offered in Italy and |
| town’s most recognisable landmarks. At 97 | | | | includes a programme featuring exhibitions, lectures, |
| metres, the Torre Asinelli is the largest tower, | | | | readings and debates. |
| offering visitors panoramic views across Bolonga, | | | | As mentioned, Bologna is renowned for its |
| whilst the second, Torre Garisenda, stands at just 48 | | | | gastronomical offerings, and food lovers alike |
| metres. | | | | won’t be disappointed. Indeed, most famous for |
| A main feature of Bologna is its two main squares, | | | | giving its name to bolognese, it also offers a wide |
| the Piazza Maggiore and the Piazza del Nettuno, | | | | variety of other pastas, meats and cheeses. |
| which is also where the famed 16th-century Fountain | | | | Actually travelling to get there is easy, with flights to |
| of Neptun resides. A stroll through these squares, | | | | Bologna offered throughout the year, as well as a |
| situated beside one another, will also lead you around | | | | host of excellent rail and motor links. The only |
| many of the town’s attractions, such as the | | | | decision you need to worry about is which season to |
| Basilica di San Petronio - Bologna's largest church and | | | | go in! |
| the fifth-largest basilica in the world – and | | | | The information contained within this article is the |
| numerous palazzo, which are grand buildings known | | | | opinion of the author and is intended purely for |
| for their architecture, and often, their occupants. As | | | | information and interest purposes only. It should not |
| such, these include the Palazzo dei Notai and the | | | | be used to make any decisions or take any actions. |
| Palazzo dei Banchi. | | | | Any links are included for information purposes only. |