Bologna

Not everyone knows that the historic centre of Bologna is not the only mesmerizing area. Indeed the city’s surroundings hide really unique places: mountain landscapes, gardens and parks to relax, cycling and trekking to keep fit. Here are some of the several places where you can immerse yourself in nature.

With one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe, Bologna is world-famous for its porticoes, which in 2021 were recognised by UNESCO for their artistic and socio-cultural value.

Mortadella from Bologna IGP (Indication of Geographic Protection), is the most famous salame in the Felsinea gastronomic tradition (Felsinea from Felzna or Velzna, the name originally given to this Capital of Emilia Romagna by the Etruscans). A salame of centenary existence, its origins are mentioned in documents that date to the Renaissance. Numerous sources attest to the fact that the recipe for mortadella was codified by Cristoforo di Messisbugo, who was a sort of maitre d’ at the service of Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, as well as an author, who penned one of the first and fundamental treatises on historic gastronomy.

Bologna is one of the capitals of Italian gastronomy, here some of the country’s dishes of excellence were created here: fresh pasta, ragout, mortadella... Here are the food and wine experiences that the Bologna area offers its visitors.

Rich in points of interest and characteristic in a way that few other cities are, it is a jewel of the Bel Paese that the whole world covets. Among the many pearls that make the capital of Emilia-Romagna unique, the Rocchetta Mattei, one of the most original historical buildings in the area, clearly stands out.

It is a true home of engines: 150 kilometres across Parma, Modena, Bologna and Rimini, 4 international circuits, 7 manufacturers, 11 luxury car museums, 19 collections. A dream location, where you can breathe in excellence and experience a rush of pure adrenalin. There are several ways to discover it in all its splendour; so let's take a look at them.

An unfinished church with Gothic charm. San Petronio Basilica is one of the largest Gothic churches in Bologna. It is dedicated to the city’s patron saint. The Basilica dominates Piazza Maggiore (or Piazza Grande as Lucio Dalla used to sing, which is what the locals call it) and has an unfinished facade divided into two horizontal sections. The lower one features marble decorations created between the end of the fourteenth century and the beginning of the sixteenth century, while the upper section features rough walls and protruding bricks as it was never completed. Inside the three-nave Basilica you will find the longest sundial in the world, along with 22 side chapels. In the Cappella dei Re Magi you can admire frescoes by Giovanni da Modena on the life of San Petronio, including The Inferno, as well as paintings by Jacopo di Paolo on the journey of the three kings. You can also head up to the terrace to admire unique views of the city and enjoy an aperitif while enjoying the view.

A historical theater with a music tradition of excellence On May 14, 1763, Teatro Comunale in Bologna was inaugurated with a Gluck's Trionfo di Clelia show. That was the beginning of a long music tradition that over time made it famous for the high level of its performances and the fame of the artists hosted on its stage. From Mozart, Rossini and Wagner’s symphonic operas to the voices of Stignani, Schipa, Gigli, Di Stefano and more recently, Pavarotti, Freni, Bruson and many others, to major conductors such as Von Karajan, Celibidache, Delman, Muti, Abbado, Gatti and Jurowski, the Teatro Comunale di Bologna has always been a landmark in terms of music tradition closely linked to the city's well-known music culture. Every year, it hosts approximately 80 operas and 30 symphony concerts, making for a truly extensive and articulated artistic season. The theater, a veritable institution for the city of Bologna, carries out corporate partnership projects, cultural reviews open to everyone and educational activities, promoting and supporting new talents through the Opera School.

One of the oldest botanical gardens in Italy The Botanical Garden of the University of Bologna is one of the oldest in Italy, created by Ulisse Aldrovandi in 1568. Initially, it was located in a courtyard of the Palazzo D'Accursio, near Piazza Maggiore, and its purpose was to show medical students the plants from which the medicines of the time were prepared. After several moves, the Botanical Garden found its final home in Via Irnerio, no. 42, in the heart of the university area. With an area of 20,000 sqm, it exhibits about 1800 species and numerous monumental tree specimens. It is important to note that many of the cultivated species are rare or protected. The Garden has two buildings that, in part, host the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences and four greenhouses, two tropical and two of succulent plants. The reconstruction of various natural environments is of particular interest: various plant species are associated similarly to what happens in nature.

Mercato Ritrovato Bologna farmers’ market Mercato Ritrovato is a farmers' market hosted by the Cineteca di Bologna in Piazzetta Pasolini and Piazzetta Anna Magnani. It was created by Slow Food Bologna in collaboration with the Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna and is managed by an association of producers with shared values. Those who wish to run a stall at the market must only sell local and seasonal produce they have grown themselves. The market is open every Saturday morning from 9am to 2pm. In the summer months, it is open on Monday evenings from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Stop by and purchase produce from farmers, sample their food, or participate in organized initiatives such as tasting workshops and live concerts.

The leaning tower of Bologna "Just as the Garisenda seems when seen / beneath the leaning side, when clouds run past / and it hangs down as if about to crash". In the Divine Comedy and in a sonnet, Dante speaks, or rather writes, about the Garisenda Tower, which was already famous for how it “leaned”. And that is how it still looks today, instantly recognisable as it leans sharply to one side. Together with the Asinelli Tower, it is the true symbol of the city of Bologna. It stands 48 metres high in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. It originally reached 60 metres, but was shortened due to structural failures, which also caused it to tilt and rendered it unusable for military purposes. Today, due to its precarious state, it is not open to visitors. However, you can admire its grandeur from below or from above, from the top of its “sister tower”, which is open for anyone prepared to brave its 498 steps.

The square with the famous fountain boasting the bronze statue of Neptune Adjacent to Piazza Maggiore, this square was created in 1564 to make room for the famous fountain boasting a bronze statue of Neptune, by the Flemish sculptor Giambologna, that the Bologna people love to call the “Giant”. The statue quickly bestowed character to the square, becoming immediately controversial in the past for the nudity of Neptune and the undeniable erotic charge of the female figures spurting water from their breasts. Today, it is a meeting place in downtown Bologna, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo Re Enzo.

One of the city's most famous monuments Commissioned in 1563 by Pope Pius IV, it was built by the architect Tommaso Laureti. The sculptor Giambologna created the bronze statue of the god of the sea, which stands at 3.40 meters tall leading to its nickname of The Giant by the people of Bologna. It is located in Piazza del Nettuno, adjacent to Piazza Maggiore, in the city center. It is a symmetrical structure, with a vertical look to the whole piece with different groups of figures (dolphins, mermaids, cherubs, coats of arms) surrounding the main figure of Neptune. Spring water gushes from the 38 nozzles incorporated into the bronze figures, a precious asset immediately used by the people of Bologna for their needs. It is also famous because the architect designed the work with perfect proportions to make sure that when you look at the statue from a particular angle the thumb of the left hand alludes to an erect phallus coinciding with the lower abdomen. Today it is one of Bologna’s iconic monuments and symbolizes its traditions. It seems to bring students good luck if they go around the fountain twice before each exam.

The largest agri-food park in the world Opened in 2017, FICO Eataly World is a theme park dedicated to the agri-food sector and gastronomy. It is the largest in the world, located in the former areas of the Bologna Agri-food Center. It offers a unique experience that features across its 10 hectares of space, traditional Italian food and wine products. The space includes outdoors, two hectares dedicated to agricultural cultivation - vineyards, olive trees, citrus fruits, and grains - and stables with more than 200 animals of the main breeds bred in our country. Indoors, the 8 hectares host: 40 factories and 150 companies that supply products directly for sustainability locally, at 0 km; over 40 venues, shops and a market; areas dedicated to sport, children playgrounds, reading and services; 6 classrooms, 6 large educational rides; a conference center and a Foundation with 4 universities. FICO also organizes a host of activities, such as guided tasting sessions and cooking courses under the flag of Made in Italy and best in the sector.

The first indoor market in the city of Bologna. Since the Middle Ages, Mercato di Mezzo has been one of the most representative historical locations of Bolognese food culture, just a stone's throw from Piazza Maggiore. Since 2014, following a major rehabilitation and redevelopment project, it has housed food stores and kiosks on the ground floor, a pizzeria on the second floor, and a beer and wine bar in the basement. A cross between the flavors of memory and the city's gastronomic tradition, open every day of the year with a wealth of specialty food and dining options in the vibrant atmosphere typical of this area of Bologna.

The Sanctuary of San Luca Keeper of a legendary icon The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is a place of worship and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Emilia Romagna. It can be reached from Porta Saragozza, in the center of the city of Bologna, then following the portico, which is almost 4 km long, as it winds its way towards the Colle della Guardia. The construction of the Sanctuary began in 1741 from designs by Carlo Francesco Dotti, and ended in 1815 when the precious and richly decorated main altar was completed. Behind the presbytery, inside a niche, is the icon of the Madonna di San Luca, which arrived in the city towards the end of the thirteenth century, and is a source of popular devotion. Among the faithful there is, in fact, the belief that when one approaches the icon from the steps on the altar and observes it for some time, one feels followed by her maternal gaze. Every year, in May, the Madonna of San Luca is celebrated by transporting the venerated icon from the hilltop to the city.

Santa Maria dei Servi Basilica A splendid example of Gothic architecture Santa Maria dei Servi Basilica is located on Strada Maggiore and is a splendid example of Gothic architecture. Construction on the Basilica began in 1393 and ended between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries thanks to the efforts of Father Andrea Manfredi. The Basilica is fronted by a spacious four-colonnade cloister, while its late-Gothic Bolognese interiors are divided into three naves by circular columns alternating with octagonal pillars that support pointed arches and a vaulted ceiling. The side and apse chapels are filled with works of art such as the Madonna Enthroned by Cimabue, the Eternal Father by Guercino and other well-known works of art by artists such as Crespi, Albani, and Calvaert. The building also has a bell tower that is roughly 52 meters tall. It is characterized by columns and an architectural feature shared by the four-sided colonnade opposite the church. This colonnade also stars in a famous film by Pier Paolo Pasolini, Oedipus Rex. Also worth a mention is the precious pipe organ preserved inside the Basilica.

Santa Maria dei Servi Basilica A splendid example of Gothic architecture Santa Maria dei Servi Basilica is located on Strada Maggiore and is a splendid example of Gothic architecture. Construction on the Basilica began in 1393 and ended between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries thanks to the efforts of Father Andrea Manfredi. The Basilica is fronted by a spacious four-colonnade cloister, while its late-Gothic Bolognese interiors are divided into three naves by circular columns alternating with octagonal pillars that support pointed arches and a vaulted ceiling. The side and apse chapels are filled with works of art such as the Madonna Enthroned by Cimabue, the Eternal Father by Guercino and other well-known works of art by artists such as Crespi, Albani, and Calvaert. The building also has a bell tower that is roughly 52 meters tall. It is characterized by columns and an architectural feature shared by the four-sided colonnade opposite the church. This colonnade also stars in a famous film by Pier Paolo Pasolini, Oedipus Rex. Also worth a mention is the precious pipe organ preserved inside the Basilica.