Bologna
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29°
Time
8:20 PM
Bologna
As capital of the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is an art city, a university centre and a place renowned for its excellent cuisine. It hosts important international trade fairs and is one of the world’s greatest motor cities. Ducati, Lamborghini and Maserati were all born in Bologna and Ferrari’s headquarters can be found in nearby Modena.Find your trip
These two leaning towers, built in the 12th century, are together one of the main symbols of Bologna. The tallest tower is the Torre degli Asinelli, with its 98 metres. It is worth making an effort to climb this tower because of the magnificent views from the top.
The Palazzo Comunale is Bologna’s town hall. The upper level of the palace is the home of the civic museum Collezioni Comunali d'Arte (Municipal Art Collections) where a large collection of Renaissance paintings and other pieces of art can be enjoyed.
Stands on Bologna’s main square, (Piazza Maggiore), Basilica of San Petronio is one of the largest medieval churches in Italy and an important symbol of the city. The inside is full of Gothic archways, stained glass windows and doors from the 15th and 16th centuries.
This extraordinary religious site consists of four medieval churches, originally there were seven churches, and therefore it is known by the name of Sette Chiese (Seven Churches). Beside churches, this peaceful complex contains of cloisters, tombs and courtyards, a great place to browse religious art and artifacts too. The most interesting is the church of the Sepolcro, which preserves a representation of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Built in 1238, this is the birthplace of the Dominican order and the resting place of the remains of its founder. It is one of the richest churches in Bologna when it comes to history and art. The small museum houses art and precious relics like the relic of Louis IX of France. Also, come and see the beautiful Romanesque façade and Gothic chapels.
The National Gallery, Pinacoteca Nazionale, is the most important art gallery in Bologna and boasts one of the richest collections in Northern Italy. Art from major Italian artists, including local artists are housed here. Here you will find works of art, dating back from the 14th and 15th century (Vitale da Bologna etc.), to the Renaissance period (Raffaello, Perugino, Tintoretto etc. ) and art from the 16th-century.
Terme San Luca provides baths, hydro-massage, thermal pools and a wellness centre. With more than 25 years of history this is one of the oldest spas in Bologna, even if the spa-culture dates further back in time than that. The first “calidarium” in Bologna was built by Emperor Augustus more than 2000 years ago.
If you want to learn how to cook a perfect pasta Bolognese you should do it in Bologna, the home of the world’s famous sauce. Agriturismo San Giuliano organizes classes in pasta making and cooking traditional Italian food. The courses can be held in Italian, English, French or Spanish.
These two leaning towers, built in the 12th century, are together one of the main symbols of Bologna. The tallest tower is the Torre degli Asinelli, with its 98 metres. It is worth making an effort to climb this tower because of the magnificent views from the top.
The Palazzo Comunale is Bologna’s town hall. The upper level of the palace is the home of the civic museum Collezioni Comunali d'Arte (Municipal Art Collections) where a large collection of Renaissance paintings and other pieces of art can be enjoyed.
Rodrigo, situated in an old building in the city centre, is claimed to be one of the most elegant restaurants of the city. The menu contains both traditional dishes and creative ones based on fish, meat and mushrooms. The fresh pasta is very good. If you go there late in the evening, you can sometimes spot famous Italian actors.
Born in the 1920's, this restaurant is known as the temple of the Bolognese cuisine. Recommended dishes include fresh pasta (tortellini, tortelloni, lasagne, tagliatelle), roasts, mushrooms and dessert ’Diana’ with hot chocolate and ice cream. The furniture and atmosphere give you a ticket back to the 1950's.
Posta is recommended for its typical Tuscan cuisine and its romantic atmosphere with candle lit tables. The waiters are pleasant and fast working. Recommended dishes include fresh pasta, sweets, vegetable soup and grilled meat. This is a good place for wine buffs.
Donatello is a well-known restaurant frequently visited by famous artists and singers. The walls are covered with photographs and the restaurant is renowned for its excellent food. Choose between dishes like tortellini with cream and walnuts or tagliatelle with meat sauce and grilled meat. The wine is also claimed to be really good.
Here you can try all sorts of piadinas (a sort of pizza bread with fillings) and you will definitely find something you like. Choose between everything from the thick piadina of Bertinoro to the thin kind from Riccione. They also have a kind of vegetarian piadina and flavours such as Nerella with walnuts.
If you want a good pizza, try this restaurant opposite the Madonna of San Luca Sanctuary. It also offers generous salads, bruschettas, desserts and ice cream and a good selection of red and white wines.
Do what the celebrities do when they visit Bologna and eat your dinner at Al Montegrappa da Nello. Elvis Costello, Lou Reed and Rupert Everett are just a few of the famous people who have eaten here and on the walls you will find more photos of their celebrity guests. The restaurant is located right in the heart of the historical centre and they serve traditional Bolognese dishes.
Specialized in Argentinian meat, this restaurant serves steaks grilled on charcoal. The dining room is decorated in lively colours and has a rustic atmosphere. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
Rodrigo, situated in an old building in the city centre, is claimed to be one of the most elegant restaurants of the city. The menu contains both traditional dishes and creative ones based on fish, meat and mushrooms. The fresh pasta is very good. If you go there late in the evening, you can sometimes spot famous Italian actors.
Born in the 1920's, this restaurant is known as the temple of the Bolognese cuisine. Recommended dishes include fresh pasta (tortellini, tortelloni, lasagne, tagliatelle), roasts, mushrooms and dessert ’Diana’ with hot chocolate and ice cream. The furniture and atmosphere give you a ticket back to the 1950's.
Barberino Designer Outlet is the perfect shopping destination just 30 minutes from Florence. Here you can find 200 of the most luxurious designer fashion brands up to 70% less. With cafés, restaurants and tax free shopping available, there’s everything the discerning shopper could ever desire.
At sixty minutes' driving from Milan and Bologna, Fidenza Village is home to more than 100 outlet boutiques offering savings of up to 70% on the ordinary retail price for previous seasons’ collections from leading Italian and international brands. Style affordable for everyone.
There is a reason Italy is one of the main fashion nations, and browsing the windows in Galleria Cavour, just ten minutes on foot from Piazza Maggiore, will make you see why. Here you can find brands like Gucci, Prada and Miu Miu.
Fashion shops are located all around the centre of Bologna, but boutiques and international brands can mostly be found in Via Farini, Via Ugo Bassi, Via Indipendenza and under the Portico del Pavaglione. In this city you will find all the greatest designers' shops.
For food, try Tamburini and the most famous Bolognese delicatessen. Here you can feast over an impressive variety of salted pork meat, cheese, pasta and wine.
Another nice shop is Paolo Atti & Figli in Via Drapperie, 6. Here you can find delicious pastries, bread, soup and fresh pasta like tortelloni, ravioli and tagliatelle.
Leather leather leather, it is almost a guarantee to walk out with a beautiful bag or a lovely pair of shoes when visiting this boutique. This brand also features a dangerously lovely home and furniture line.
KIKO is an Italian cosmetics shop that can be found in various locations throughout Europe. They offer a wide range of their own make-up and accessories, all at affordable prices.
Barberino Designer Outlet is the perfect shopping destination just 30 minutes from Florence. Here you can find 200 of the most luxurious designer fashion brands up to 70% less. With cafés, restaurants and tax free shopping available, there’s everything the discerning shopper could ever desire.
At sixty minutes' driving from Milan and Bologna, Fidenza Village is home to more than 100 outlet boutiques offering savings of up to 70% on the ordinary retail price for previous seasons’ collections from leading Italian and international brands. Style affordable for everyone.
Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
In Bologna, you can enjoy favourable weather almost all year round. Between the months of May and August is considered the pick of the season and the climate is predominantly humid. On the other hand the winter season is another great option as you can feel the Christmas spirit in the capital of the Emilia-Romagna Region.
The Bologna Airport is located 9 kilometres from the city centre. You can reach the city by taxi or shuttle. Taxi stand is just outside the arrival hall. Aerobus is a shuttle service run by TPER and it leaves every 11 minutes from the airport from 5:30am to 12.15am and from the central station to the airport from 5am to 11.35pm. The trip takes almost 30 minutes. Tickets can be bought directly online (aerobus.bo.it) or at the automatic machines next to the shuttle stops.
You can also arrive at the Luigi Ridolfi Airport which is located around 80 kilometres from the city.
TPER is the company that operates Bologna’s local transport system. You can buy tickets in every newsstand, tobacconist, automatic machines (near to the main bus stops) and in TPER offices. Once you are on the bus remember to stamp your ticket, it will be valid for 75 minutes. For tourists various passes are available: daily passes, carnet with 10 or 20 tickets. For additional information, visit the TPER office, (contacts below are referred to the main TPER office).
Taxi cabs are white with taxi signs on the roof. Taxi CAT +39 051 4590 www.taxibologna.it Cotabo: +39 051 372 727 www.cotabo.it
You can find the main post office in Piazza Minghetti. Stamps can also be bought at tabaccherias. Drop your post card or letter in one of the big red mailboxes. Main Post Office:
Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
In Bologna, you can enjoy favourable weather almost all year round. Between the months of May and August is considered the pick of the season and the climate is predominantly humid. On the other hand the winter season is another great option as you can feel the Christmas spirit in the capital of the Emilia-Romagna Region.
