Bologna has a reputation as a lively city with a cosmopolitan air. It has history and culture by the bucket load; from the oldest university in the world to the remains of its Roman past when it was a huge city by the standards of those days having over 30,000 inhabitants.
It is set in the pretty Po Valley within sight of the Apennine Mountains and if you’re prepared to hire a car and venture out, you’ll be rewarded with the beautiful scenery of the region. Don’t forget too that Bolognese sauce originated there!
Bologna Mini Guide
Bologna in Italy is about 80 km (50 miles) north of Florence. In pre-Roman times, Bologna was the site of the Eturscan town of Felsiena. By the 11th century, Bologna had emerged as one of the northern Italy's first independent city states; today it is the capital of the Emilia Romagna region.
Bologna is a vibrant and cultural city of Italy and has a big student population which as in any town always provides an energetic and thriving nightlife scene.
There are numerous clubs in Bologna offering all types of music eras back to the days of punk and rock and 1970's disco fever.
There are several cinemas and a theatre and opera called the Teatro Communale which is where for the first time in Italy, Wagner was heard. This is the main music venue in Bologna. There are plenty of shopping choices available with all the main large Italian stores being present along with both flea markets and antique markets.
The city is linked to Milan, Rome and Bologna by the A1 and also has a train station with frequent services to Rome, Milan and Bologna.
Bologna is the place where Spaghetti Bolognese originated from and red Lambrusco and Sauvignon Blanc are produced from the grapes from the nearby hills.
The area called Via Rizzoli is where you will find an abundance of trattorias, cafes, restaurants and take away foods.
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