Bologna

BOLOGNA

Bologna is lively, cosy and youthful capital city of Emilia-Romagna region.  In advance we didn't have any idea how the town would be, but we fell in love with it at the first sight. Bologna has one of the largest historical centres in Italy consisting of important Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque monuments. The arcade portico streets create a medieval and romantic atmosphere. There are 45 kilometres of portico streets in Bologna.

To sense a glimpse of eternity, visit a picturesque pre-romanesque Santo Stefano's Basilica, which is locally known as le Sette Chiese (Seven Churches).

As being not a traditional tourist city, you can enjoy the authentic Italian lifestyle in Bologna. The atmosphere in town is simultaneously very ancient, bohemian and alternative. No wonder there are number of contemporary artists living and working in the town.

 

Bologna has something to offer for everyone. The chic bars and shops you find in Santo Stefano's square, Piazza Maggiore and along Via Farini. The cool and cozy bars and cafés are around the University quarter, along Via Zamboni. Try for example Modo in Via Mascarella, a very simple and interesting bar with a nice charmy book store beside.  

Giardini Margherita in Viale Gozzadini is a beautiful park, which converts into a nightclub during the summer seasons.

To dine, try the classic old osterias. Osteria del Sole in Vicolo Ranocchi 1/D is one of the oldest osterias in Bologna. There you can drink good wine and eat food you bring yourself. Osteria dell'Orsa in Via Mentana 1/F has a great list of food, with reasonable price. When in Bologna taste tortellinis, which are delicious nearly in any restaurant in the town.  

For a jazz fan, Bologna is the place to be. Bravo Caffè in Via Mascarella 1 is internationally known venue of the genre, having lots national and international guest stars. To eat well along the great jazz music, visit Cantina Bentivoglio in Via Mascarella 4.

If needing to have a little moment out of the town centre, take a walk along the world's longest portico to The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. The 3,5 long walk, through the magic 666 arches starts from the walls of the town centre and snakes all the way up the hill to the Sanctuary of Blessed Virgin. Leave from Porta Saragozza at the end of Via Saragozza.