Aerial view of a large city in the reddish evening light. In the foreground is a large, round church dome behind which are numerous houses with tiled roofs and historic buildings as well as two adjacent square towers, one of which is significantly higher than the other. A few modern, multi-storey houses are visible in the background.
Aerial view of a large city in the reddish evening light. In the foreground is a large, round church dome behind which are numerous houses with tiled roofs and historic buildings as well as two adjacent square towers, one of which is significantly higher than the other. A few modern, multi-storey houses are visible in the background.

Bologna - pleasure and culture in northern Italy

Published: 31 October 2024, 09:30

La Grassa (The Fat), La Rossa (The Red) and La Dotta (The Scholar) - these three nicknames show the many facets of Bologna. In the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, delicious, hearty cuisine (the Fat One) meets historic brick architecture (the Red One) and the oldest university in the Western world (the Scholar). Numerous historic buildings and pretty squares are waiting to be explored: These include the two leaning twin towers Le Due Torri, the central Piazza Maggiore and, last but not least, the characteristic archways from the Middle Ages (Portici), which stretch for around 62 kilometres through the entire city. In the winding alleyways of the old town centre with its numerous small shops, bars and restaurants, you can immerse yourself in the authentic life of the locals. Above all, you should do one thing in Bologna: eat, eat and eat again!

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 388,000
  • Official language: Italian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Ten highlights of Bologna

Bologna from BER

Five tips for …

1. Tagliatelle al Ragù: The popular meat sauce (Bolognese) is not eaten with spaghetti in its place of origin, but traditionally with tagliatelle.

2. Mortadella: This spicy sausage has its origins in Bologna.

3. Friggione: This delicious side dish made from slowly braised onions and tomatoes goes perfectly with meat dishes.

4. Tortellini: These small pasta pockets with various fillings are often served with broth in Bologna.

5. Zuppa Inglese: The tempting layer cake made from sponge cake with cream and the characteristic red Alchermes liqueur is not to be missed.

1. Museo Civico Archeologico: important ancient artefacts and a large Egyptian collection

2. The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna: art-historical works by Giotto, Raphael and Titian

3. Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna: modern and contemporary art

4. Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica: Exhibition of historical instruments and scores

5. Museo della Specola: a collection of historical astronomical measuring instruments and telescopes

1. Explore the Jewish Quarter with its charming historic streets and squares

2. Discover pop art and comics at Libreria Mondo Pop

3. Visit the sculpture dedicated to the artist "Freak Antoni" with a toilet bowl and rocket rucksack

4. Find peace from the hustle and bustle of the city in the large Giardini Margherita city park

5. Admire Michelangelo's art in the lesser-known church of San Domenico

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