Experiences in Bologna
Destination
Bologna
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Frequently asked questions
Italians call Bologna la dotta, la grassa, la rossa: the learned, the fat and the red. It is home to Europe's oldest university, some of Italy's richest food, and a centre of terracotta rooftops and brick towers. Its covered porticoes let you walk the whole old town in any weather. A local guide shows you the city behind the arches, and where the locals actually eat. Bologna is also the hub of Emilia-Romagna, with Modena, Parma, Ravenna and the famous car makers of the Motor Valley all close by.
About Bologna
The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in continuous operation in the Western world. Its old seat, the Archiginnasio, holds a carved wooden anatomical theatre where students once watched dissections. The heart of the city is Piazza Maggiore, overlooked by the vast, unfinished Basilica of San Petronio, with Giambologna's Fountain of Neptune next door. In the Middle Ages, rich families built dozens of defensive towers. The two survivors at the centre, the Asinelli and the leaning Garisenda, are the city's symbol.
Bologna's porticoes stretch for more than 60 km and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The longest climbs a hill outside the walls to the Sanctuary of San Luca under 666 arches. Just off the main square, the old market streets of the Quadrilatero are packed with delis, pasta shops and wine bars. This is the home of tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne and mortadella. Just don't ask for spaghetti bolognese, which is not a local dish.
What to expect on a Bologna experience
Most visits to Bologna mix two kinds of day:
- The city itself: walks through the medieval centre, its towers, porticoes and university, and food tours through the Quadrilatero, tasting fresh pasta, cured meats, Parmigiano Reggiano and local wine. Pasta-making classes are a Bologna speciality.
- Day trips across Emilia-Romagna: Modena for balsamic vinegar and its cathedral, Parma for Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham, the Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna, and the Motor Valley museums of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati. Florence is also a short high-speed train ride away.
Each tour page lists its exact meeting point, what is included and the languages available on each date.
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October are the best months: mild, good for walking and at the heart of the food calendar, with autumn bringing truffles, mushrooms and new wine. July and August are hot and humid, and in August many family-run restaurants and shops close for the summer holidays. Winters are cold and foggy, but the porticoes keep you dry and it is the best season for hearty pasta dishes.
Getting around
The old town is flat and compact, and the porticoes make it easy to walk in any weather. Buses cover the rest of the city, but most visitors hardly need them. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is about 6 km from the centre, linked to the main station, Bologna Centrale, by the Marconi Express monorail. The station is one of Italy's main rail hubs, with fast trains to Florence, Milan, Venice and Rome and regional trains to Modena, Parma and Ravenna. The Motor Valley museums and the cheese and ham producers are easiest to reach on a trip with transport.
