Bologna, the capital of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, does not have the postcard views of Florence or the grandeur of Rome, but it offers something travellers increasingly value: authentic daily life built around Europe's oldest university.
The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is widely regarded as the oldest university in the Western world, and its large student population still gives the city much of its energy. Students rushing to lectures fill the streets, while miles of medieval porticoes shelter pedestrians from rain and sun as they wander the city's narrow lanes. Bologna is described as a city that lives for itself rather than for its visitors, and that authenticity is precisely what draws people in.
From the lively atmosphere of Piazza Maggiore to hidden bars tucked into the Quadrilatero district, the city wins visitors over with its smells, sounds and warm colours, leaving many who visit deeply impressed.
UNESCO recognition and medieval towers
Bologna's porticoes, stretching some 60 kilometres across the city, have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their arched walkways. The city is also home to 24 medieval stone towers, including the Asinelli and Garisenda towers, which have become the city's best-known landmarks and are among the few survivors of the many such towers once built across the city in the Middle Ages.
Easy to explore on foot
Like many modern cities, Bologna is compact and convenient. Its main sights can be reached on foot, making the city accessible to visitors and sparing them the cost of renting a car. Locals are known for being friendly, and Bologna is generally considered a safe city.
A destination for food lovers
Food enthusiasts can browse outdoor markets selling handmade pasta and dine at restaurants serving the city's signature dishes, including authentic ragù alla bolognese served with fresh tagliatelle rather than the spaghetti more commonly associated with the dish abroad.
