Stretching from the Po Valley to the alpine belt of the Apennines, Bologna is an essential stop for an unforgettable journey through Northern Italie. Blending history and modernity, this museum-city embodies the legendary Italie that continues to captivate us—one that preserves the wonders of the past while remaining current. It rivals Venice and Florence in the richness of its museums and its baroque, medieval, and Renaissance architectural heritage. Yet Bologna remains little-known and far less fashionable than its twin cities. All the more reason to visit! A city of art, history, and green spaces, Bologna is also a culinary destination that will delight your palate.

History

Since the 10th century B.C., Bologna was already inhabited by one of the most important Celtic peoples of the Iron Age, the Boii. Shortly after, the city was fortified and became a municipality under the Romans. Today, traces of their presence still remain, visible through the centuries of invasions by Huns, Goths, Lombards, Franks, Austrians, and French.

In 2000, the city of Bologna was named European Capital of Culture. Then, in 2006, it was designated a UNESCO City of Music. Today, the city has become an important agricultural, industrial, financial, and transportation hub.

Visiting Bologna

During your journey through Italie, be sure to include a charming detour to Bologna. Capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is the seventh-largest city in Italie, with a metropolitan area of 1 million inhabitants.

Home to numerous studios and residences of celebrated artists and personalities, including Giorgio Morandi, Guido Reni, Guercino, Aspertini, Mozart, Carducci, Dante, Rossini, and Guglielmo, this city boasts one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers among Italian cities. It is also known as "the Learned City" for its ancient university.

At the heart of Bologna stands the Piazza Maggiore, a plaza of great historical significance. Grand architectural monuments gather here, testament to the influence of Roman Catholicism. The Palazzo del Podestà (Palace of the Podesta), completed in 1200, is the oldest building on the square—a magistrate's palace where the podesta administered justice and settled disputes; admire the Torre Dell'Arengo bell tower that crowns it, once used to announce official events. Originally Romanesque in style, the palace's façade was recreated during the Renaissance. Facing the Palazzo del Podestà, the Basilica di San Petronio exemplifies the exuberance of Italian Gothic art; take note of the religious sculptures adorning its entrance portal: Eve offering the forbidden fruit to Adam, the cherub expelling sinners from the Garden of Eden, Abraham binding Isaac… The basilica is reputed to be the world's fifth-largest church. Also explore the Palazzo d'Accursio, which houses the town hall, and the Palazzo dei Banchi, next to which stands the first seat of Bologna's university center.

Leaving the Grand Square, several tourist attractions await. Among them, venture into the museums and art galleries. At the Archaeological Museum, travel back to the age of the Etruscans and immerse yourself in the primitive world of these shepherd peoples. Discover the cultural treasures of ancient Egypt, Celtic, and Greco-Roman civilizations. Visit the Jewish Museum, located within the Pannolini Palace. The distinctive features of Jewish identity are displayed through books, lectures, and video presentations. Science enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in university museums like the Pozzi Museum. However, the Art Gallery, also known as the "National Pinacotheca," is the city's flagship museum, featuring an important collection of masterworks spanning the 13th to 18th centuries: The Wedding Feast at Cana by Gaetano Gandolfi, the Crucifix by Maestro Giuntesco, the Flagellation of Christ by Denis Calvaert… You'll appreciate how Italian, Florentine, and Bolognese masters excelled in religious painting.

Plan an outdoor excursion and observe the buildings and sculptures that line street after street: the Church of San Luca, the Church of Santa, the arcades, the Palazzo Poggi, the canals, the Fountain of Neptune by Giambologna, and medieval towers. These include the two symbolic towers of the city, notably the Asinelli Tower (98 m) and its twin, the Garisenda Tower (48 m).

Bologna is also called La Grassa (The Fat One) because of its culinary tradition. In gastronomy, it promises food lovers an explosion of flavors and tastes. Among the region's typical dishes are tortellini, tagliatelle, lasagna, and ragù.

Climate

Bologna enjoys a humid subtropical climate with cold, damp winters and hot, humid summers. For a worry-free stay, visit between March and October. Avoid July and August, as these are rainy months. Moreover, most shops and restaurants close during this period.

• By Air

Bologna is well served by air transport. Guglielmo Marconi International Airport, more simply known as Bologna Airport, handles both domestic and international flights. It is located 6 km from the city center. Three daily flights operate the Bologna-Paris route. Bologna Airport also serves other European cities such as Munich, Valencia, London, Edinburgh, and Barcelona.

At the airport exit, you can take a taxi or board the Aerobus (a special bus line) to reach Bologna's Central Station (Stazione Centrale). Buses depart approximately every 11 minutes, with fares at 6 €. From there, the city center is accessible on foot or by another bus.

If you take a night flight landing after 9:30 p.m., there will be no bus services. Expect to pay 23 € for a taxi, with some room for negotiation.

• By Train

Thanks to its central location, Bologna has an extensive rail network connecting it to northern and central Italie. Numerous trains depart Bologna for Venice, Florence, Milan, Ferrara, and Rome.

If you're a rail enthusiast, there's a night train that connects Paris Bercy to Bologna. The journey takes 13 hours.

• By Car

By road, Bologna is easily accessible from other Italian cities via highways A1, A13, and A14. It is also served by an extensive network of public bus lines, including trolleybus services.

Bologna can be comfortably explored by bus or taxi. Bicycles are also available for rent from certain agencies and hotels. However, if you enjoy walking, there's nothing better than getting around on foot. It's the best way to appreciate the city's attractions.