Aug 25, 20202 min read

Why Bologna Should Be The Next Place You Visit In Italy

Bologna is a middle-aged town and the capital of Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. The town is situated in the centre of Italy. In the entire history, Bologna has served as a prime cultural and economic hub in Italy and has been governed by the Etruscans, Celts and Romans respectively. It has a population of around 500,000 as of December 2019. It is an abode to the oldest university in the world, University of Bologna, founded in 1088.

It is a lively and bustling city that accommodates liberal students and affluent Bolognese families. People born in this town are very loyal to their city and often stay their entire lives.

After the 18th century onwards, this city was part of the Papal States until the Napoleonic area in the 1700s. Chief economies in Bologna comprise of the manufacturing industry and a strong financial sector. Additionally, due to its location, the city also serves as a major transport hub. As a leading university city and its long history, Bologna has a magnificent display of cultural sights, fantastic architecture and high-quality museums.

Bologna is an abode to the "Oldest University in the World", University of Bologna, founded in 1088

FOOD

The market in the centre of the city is one of the largest in Europe and has a huge variety of fresh cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy and baked goods. It is a mystery that surrounds the origins of this food, but Bologna is one of the best places to indulge in an authentic Tortellini dish. It is among the most popular traditional Italian foods in Bologna and the majority of the local restaurants serve this alluring dish.

COMMUTATION

One might not need a car to transport in this city, a bicycle or even your feet are fine to travel here. Just as the bus system is very user friendly if you take out a few minutes to remember the distinct lines. The fare is around 1 euro and can be purchased by self-service machines onboard the bus and if you are lucky enough, you might not even be asked to show the tickets as they are rarely checked.

ARCHITECTURE

The iconic tower at Pisa is not the only leaning tower apparently, the city has its own pair of leaning towers in the centre and one is taller than the legendary campanile.

The architecture of the city is absolutely striking with warm coloured buildings. Porticoes - which are the covered walkways are scattered all over the city and is probably the thing you would notice at first glance. These are very convenient and guards you when you are stuck in the frequent rain or snow, but it may seem a bit darker when you cannot see the sky.

Piazza Maggiore, a square in Bologna, is situated in the centre of the city and marks as an important historical place. The square is crammed with significant buildings comprising the Pallazo d’Accursio, the Palazzo del Podesta, the Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo Comunale. San Petronio is an immense structure that stands as the 10th largest church in the world by volume.

Archiginnasio, listed among the valuable buildings in Bologna is now home to the famous Anatomical Theatre which has wooden carved statues of renowned medical practitioners.

Bologna is an ideal place for an aesthete to take pleasure in exploring the city’s historical architecture and of course for a gastronome to indulge in some delicacies.

Source(s): thecrazytourist, lifeinitaly, thelocal