An attractive, animated city in the northern part of central Italy, Bologna is an open-air museum with rich cultural heritage, great culinary scene, exclusive designer shopping and vivacious nightlife, not to mention the myriad of attractions and activities that appeal tourists from around the world.
But what makes Bolonga a truly spectacular getaway is perhaps the warm red stone with which nearly the entire city is built. Another famous feature of Bolonga is its twenty-eight miles of old porticos that run throughout the city, add to this the fact that it boasts the second largest historical center in Europe with amazing medieval churches and the world’s oldest university. The student population continues to bring a colorful dimension to the city.
As to accommodation options, there are plenty of good apartments in Bologna, as well as a wide choice of one-to-five-star hotels to suit any taste and budget. Bologna can be visited any time of the year, although it may be pretty cold in winter and hot in summer. Read on, to get acquainted with some of the most popular things to do that are not to be missed while visiting this charming city.
Torre Degli Asinelli
More than two hundred towers, built by the aristocracy as symbols of wealth and power once pierced Bologna’s skyline, of which thirty remain today with Torre Degli Asinelli being one of them, towering above Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. Built by patricians in the 12th century and 97.6 meters at height, this iconic tower is a must-see landmark in Bologna that is open to public, although it’s not advisable for the weak-kneed (it features 498 steps) or superstitious students (local lore says if you climb the tower you’ll never graduate). What visitors will find on top of the tower is a panoramic view of the red-tile roofs of the city and the green hills beyond, which is truly breathtaking.
Piazza Maggiore
Lined with arcades and many outdoor cafes, Piazza Maggiore is one of Bologna’s central squares, which began as the ‘platea communis,’ the place where people used to gather and the market was held. Founded in the 13th century with the mission to establish a physical, as well as symbolic core, the piazza still continues to serve this function, and is the preferred meeting place of the Bolognese, who like to gather at the shadow of the statue of Neptune, one of the city’s symbols with the Basilica of San Petronio in the background and discuss their problems or else watch passers-by. The Palazzo dei Notai (Palace of the Notories), Palazzo del Podesta, Palazzo the Palazzo Comunale, and the Palazzo dei Banchi surround the square, while its central area features a unique, raised, pedestrian platform, nicknamed ‘the big growth.’
Bologna Museum of Modern Art
The Bologna Museum of Modern Art, commonly abbreviated as MAMbo, is another must-see attraction in the city that was established in 1925 and reopened in 2007 in a newly renovated space. Located in the heart of the Manifattura delle Arti cultural district, the museum showcases modern and contemporary art with a focus on Italian art. On the ground floor of the museum visitors will find acquired works of young Italian artists, including Massimo Bartolini, Eva Marisaldi, Patrick Tuttofuoco and Francesco Vezzoli, while the first floor of the museum is dedicated to temporary exhibitions. The museum also offers performances and multimedia events.
Other popular activities you can indulge in your Bologna vacation are the many tours that will introduce you to the city’s history, culture, cuisine and, of course, most interesting places of interest.
