What is and where is Bologna
Great position and a smart city centre
“La Dotta, la Grassa, la Rossa” – Bologna has 3 nicknames which translate as “The Learned, The Fat, The Red”. Why? Let’s find out!
Bologna boasts a strategic geographical position in the central part of Italy. By staying or working in Bologna, you will enjoy one of the most ancient and most fascinating cities in the “Belpaese” and you will be able to reach other major cities such as Venice, Florence, Rome, and Milan in a couple of hours by train. It has a population of less than 400.000; in Bologna it is incredibly easy to get around on foot, by bicycle or using public transport, and you can find everything you need within a couple of kilometres, just in the city centre.
A town of culture with a stunning architecture
Bologna is known as La Rossa (Italian for “the red”) for its terra cotta rooftops (yet another one of the reasons why the view from the Asinelli Tower is so stunning); it is a medieval city so you will find beautiful cathedrals and historic buildings. At the same time, it is a tendentially left-winged progressive city which hosts modern art exhibits. There is no shortage of culture in Bologna!
Why is Bologna called La Dotta (the Learned)? Because the city is home to the oldest university in Europe, the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna. It was founded in 1088 and has since been a heaven for intellectuals and creative individuals ever since luminaries such as Dante and Petrarch passed through its walls in the 14th century. The architecture of the incredible medieval city centre, with a charming 40 kilometres of porticoes, is considered a treasure left to us by history; furthermore, there are more than 50 museums in the town. Whilst walking around the city, you will realise that you are surrounded by an open-air art exhibition, adorned with majestic churches, palaces, and monuments.
Last but not least, Bologna is called La Grassa (the Fat), because it is the hottest Italian spot for foodies. Everything in the city is about food: its streets are lined with osterie (traditional restaurants), botteghe (small artisanal food shops), it offers enchanting food tours, and it also hosts the largest agri-food park in the world.
Never heard of Bologna? Nothing better than a video to get to know this beautiful city right between Emilia and Romagna.
Ready to discover the city? Test yourself with one or more of these activities, that have been conceived as part of a playlist to help you dive into the culture of the city and familiarize with many of its habits and customs!
