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Visit Bologna

Bologna is an important city centrally located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

A lively city, in part due to its large student population, Bologna is also one of the most attractive cities in Italy, and has the largest medieval centre of any Italian town except Venice.

The city dates back 2,500 years, when the etruscans first occupied the site. It was later, under the Romans, also an important city - many of the streets in the centre of the town still follow the original Roman layout for the town.

After a few centuries of decline, Bologna regained its importance in the 11th century - the university in the town was opened in 1088 and is now Europe's oldest university. It was during the 11th-15th centuries that many of the fine buildings in the town were constructed.

During the 12th century, numerous towers were built in the town - perhaps as many as 100, of which 20 still remain. The two towers called Asinelli and Garisenda (the leaning tower of the two), adjacent and in the centre of the town, are also its most recognisable landmark. There are also many impressive gateways that date from the same period.

Perhaps the other aspect for which the city is best known is its arcaded walkways which line many of the streets. Often architecturally interesting and beautifully decorated, there are more than 40 kilometres of these arcades in Bologna.

The medieval centre of Bologna is easy to explore, although the number of attractions means you might like to allow a couple of days. Start your exploration at Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nuttuno in the centre of the medieval town - elegant square with several fine buildings and palaces, this is also where you will find the tourist information. Take time to enjoy the large 16th century statue in the Piazza del Nuttono, the Neptune fountain, and admire the detailed bronze figures.

There are numerous churches to explore in the city. Visit the cathedral - you can't ignore it, it's one of the biggest in the world (and still smaller than originally planned); and don't miss the chapels of San Sebastiano and chapel of Bentivoglio (in the church San Giacomo Maggiore) - both of these chapels contain particular splendid renaissance art works. Keep an eye out for Pilates fountain, in the courtyard at the Abbazia di Santa Stefano, an attractive ensemble of red-brick churches towards the south-east of the old city. Likewise visit the Church San Domenico to see the tomb of San Dominic, which has some very good decorative carvings including works by Michelangelo.

Despite the widespread damage that the city suffered during the Second World War it remans one of the most interesting Italian cities to visit. The guided tours of the city are recommended (ask at the Bologna tourist information center) which will ensure you see many of the special places you might otherwise miss.

Lovers of Italian fine art will find the art gallery - Pinacoteca Nazionale - to be an unmissable pleasure, with its focus on many of the artist who came from or worked in Bologna during its medieval heydays.

Note: picture is Palazzo del Podesta, Piazza Maggiore & Neptune fountain at night in the centre of Bologna.