Three Reasons to Visit Bologna
There are at least three reasons to visit Bologna and a fourth could be its geographic location as a charming alternative to the crowds of Florence and Venice.
Bologna in Emilia-Romagna was the first big Italian city I visited more than 20 years ago, and for me it will always be surrounded by special affection. Even if we came close to having our pockets picked by a group of hustlers. Here’s a list of things to see and do when you visit Bologna also known as la dotta (the learned one), la grassa (the fat one) and la rossa (the red one)
The Learned One
Bologna is called the learned one as a reference to its university which claims to be one of the oldest in Europe and the mother of all universities. Too bad studies were not housed under one roof in a single building, so you cannot go out looking for an Italian equivalent to Oxford University, but there are many other Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque germs to admire.
Some of the landmarks of Bologna.
Famous landmarks are the two towers of the 97 metre tall Asinelli and the leaning Garisenda. The Portico of San Luca, a winding, 3,796 m long colonnade with 666 vaults that links the town centre to the church of San Luca, located on a hill from where there is a magnificent view over the city (a pilgrimage said to guarantee students good exam results). And the exquisite Santo Stefano group of churches, cloisters and courtyards that form a medieval replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as that building was known to the Crusaders
For me the most characteristic emblem of la dotta is, however, the arcades in the city’s historical centre. In total Bologna has more than 38 kilometres of covered walkway providing shelter on a rainy or sunny day, and there are those who claim that the arcades were originally made to create extra room for University students. An object achieved by moving existing houses forward on columns.
Great food and outdoor eateries characterize the Medieval quarter in Bologna.
The Fat One
The fatty nickname derives from the fact that Bologna is surrounded by rich and fertile farm land and has a history for exquisite culinary achievements like the invention of tortellini and mortadella. Local restaurants still serve an inimitable ragù which is light years above any ordinary Bolognese sauce.
The narrow medieval streets known as the Quadrilatero stand out as a gastronomic shrine selling all kinds of Italian wines and gourmet products. In the Middle Ages the main craft guilds of the city had their headquarters in this area, and that is why you still find a high concentration of specialty shops like butchers, fishermen, salaroli (workers who salted and cured meat), barbers, painters and goldsmiths in the area.
Bologna is famous for the number of festivals and cultural activities like this open air cinema under a full moon on Piazza Galvani in Bologna.
The Red One
Bologna’s position as literally and politically red manifests itself in a tolerant and open-minded atmosphere helped along by a population that includes 100 000 students. The local centre-left was one of the first European cities to experiment with the concept of free public transport. There are more festivals, art galleries, theatres (you can see what’s on and book tickets here), performances and cinemas per capita than in other cities in Italy and the music scene is vibrant. Bologna has a lot to offer travellers of all ages and denominations, and it is not as touristy as Florence, Ravenna and Venice or as sophisticated cool as Milan.
The chubby and anarchistic intellectual capital of Emilia-Romagna may not be as good looking as its neighbours, but it has got a winning personality and an awful lot of charm.
I’ve yet to visit Bologna; sounds like such an intriguing city, though, not least because of the colonnade and he arcades. Also, curiously, I hear vegetarianism is viewed as an exotic disease there. Says something about the character or the people (not sure what it says, but something…)
I think most Italians view vegetarianism as an exotic disease. They really don’t the idea of voluntary abstinence from food:)
I have never visited Bologna. Your post makes me more determined than ever to do so. You ought to write a travelogue, Mette! You describe all of these places so beautifully and really bring them to life.
I always enjoy towns and cities with universities. There is always so much activity along with stimulating cultural and intellectual life. It seems Bologna is no exception. Plus there’s the food! Thanks, Mette!
I go after university cities too. Most of them have a good, strong vibe, and in Italy the universities are spread all over the country.
I had no idea Bologna was such a center for students – and galleries and food. I will definitely include this place on my next visit to Italy. And I agree with Adri – towns with students always have more appeal – more tolerant, love the energy..
My view exactly:)
I didn’t know too much about Bologna but have heard about its meat and markets. That sounds like a lot of students so I’m sure food and attractions are very budget-friendly. I definitely would love to visit next time.
Good point Mary. Students do help to keep the prices down.
Sounds good to us. We’re seriously pondering another visit to Italy as we really enjoyed it last year. It’s such a varied country…and Bologna seems interesting. :)
Julia
I’m headed to Bologna this Spring and your post makes me more anxious to get there! Can’t wait to explore this historical city and indulge in their food!
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. It’s a vibrant city in most ways.
I didn’t know Bologna is named the Red city. How unique! I’ll be visiting next month and am exciting to discover their culinary crafts and medieval history.
My wife and I spent 3 days in Bologna and found a place with much history, beautiful architecture, and great stories as told by our guide.
We took an all day tour 1/2 standard tour, and I allowed the guide to show us the other unique things she likes best about Bologna.
I think we get better tours when the guides get to show you what interests them, and I’ve not been disappointed yet.
Bologna is often overlooked, but has much to offer. Less tourists, and great food are additional benefits.
We have just started to experience the advantages of using local guides, but I think you are right. The tour becomes more succesful with a little freedom to ramble.