Italy

Bologna

The Red Learned City

Bologna is the historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, renowned for its medieval brick architecture and extensive portico network. It serves as a global center for culinary tradition, housing one of the oldest universities in the world.

Top Places in Bologna

Curated must-visit spots to add to your interactive travel map.

Piazza Maggiore

landmark

This expansive central square serves as the city's primary gathering point, surrounded by medieval buildings including the Palazzo d'Accursio and the Basilica di San Petronio.

Two Towers (Le Due Torri)

landmark

The Asinelli and Garisenda towers are iconic medieval structures that lean noticeably, with the taller Asinelli tower offering a staircase for visitors to climb.

Quadrilatero

market

Located just off Piazza Maggiore, this ancient grid of narrow streets is home to historic food stalls selling local pasta, cured meats, and cheeses.

Basilica di San Petronio

architecture

This massive Gothic church dominates the main square and features a distinctive unfinished facade of marble and brick.

Archiginnasio of Bologna

museum

Formerly the main building of the University of Bologna, this 16th-century structure houses a historic anatomical theater carved from wood.

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

viewpoint

Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this sanctuary is reached via the world's longest portico and provides panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

Mercato delle Erbe

market

This indoor market functions as a daily produce hub for locals and features several small food stalls serving regional dishes.

Via dell'Indipendenza

shopping

This primary thoroughfare connects the main train station to the city center, lined with continuous porticoes and a variety of retail shops.

Quadrilatero Neighborhood

neighborhood

This historic district is characterized by its dense concentration of traditional workshops, artisan shops, and long-standing culinary establishments.

Osteria dell'Orsa

food

A well-known institution in the university district, this casual eatery is frequently visited for its traditional tagliatelle al ragù.

Plan Your Trip to Bologna

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Plan Your Bologna Trip

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