Why visit Bologna?

Why visit Bologna? Bologna is famed for having the oldest university in the Western world, a lively student population, exquisite food, typical brick terracotta-roofed architecture and porticos, museums, theatre and nightlife!  So Bologna is an excellent weekend break destination ; )

Bologna airport is just outside the city centre (served by taxi and a special bus line called the Aerobus)  with direct flights from European cities, so it's easy - and often cheap - to get there. Unlike Rome or Florence, say, Bologna is not overwhelming and it's a great place around which to travel on foot ;-)  Bologna tourist attractions are centred around the town's main square, Piazza Maggiore, and the adjacent Piazza Nettuno (complete with fountain of Neptune). Dominating the piazza is the large Basilica di San Petronio. Like so many Italian cities, medieval Bologna was the scene of inter-clan rivalry, and two of the towers resulting from the competition between the town's families are now famous tourist sights. The Due Torri of Bologna are two leaning structures, built in 1119. The shorter, Torre Garisenda, was immortalised in Dante's Inferno. The taller tower is the Torre degli Asinelli, which is over 300ft tall, and which is open to the public. It leans about 3ft, and if you're not feeling too giddy, the views are worth the climb. Bologna's principal art gallery is the Pinacoteca Nazionale, containing works by local artists and others, including Guido Reni, Raphael, Giotto, Titian and Perugino. There is just about the right amount to do in a two or three day trip without feeling rushed. As it's a great place for pottering and enjoying the foodie culture, it offers an easy, enjoyable and safe experience to travellers looking for a no-hassle getaway and good value for money. As part of a longer stay, Bologna makes a good starting-point for exploring the green Emilia-Romagna region, and visiting other appealing destinations such as Ravenna, Ferrara, Parma, Modena or Rimini ... Where to sleep in Bologna? Contact me .-)