Bologna Hotels, Bologna Flights and Bologna City Breaks:

Despite suffering considerable bomb damage in 1944, Bologna’s historic centre, the second largest in Europe (after Venice), contains a wealth of important Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque monuments, which offer countless attractions for the visitor.

The capital city of the Emilia-Romagna area of northern Italy, Bologna boasts Europe’s oldest university, which was founded in 1088 when Bologna was a wealthy independent commune. The historic centre of the city is beautiful and among its highlights is the Church of San Domenico, which features some early sculptures by Michelangelo and a shrine made by Nicola Pisano.

Bologna first developed along the Via Emilia as an Etruscan and later a Roman colony. Because of its Roman heritage, the central streets follow the gird pattern of the Roman settlement. The original Roman ramparts were replaced by medieval fortifications, which can still be seen today, and finally by a third set of ramparts built in the 13th century. The city is famous for its medieval defensive towers, some twenty of which are still standing. There were originally 200 towers in Bologna, built by wealthy families partly in an effort to outdo each other and partly for defensive purposes.

The two towers that survive in the city centre, leaning precariously above the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, are well-known landmarks today. The Garisenda tower is 49m (160 ft) tall and leans 3.2m (10ft) from the vertical. It was originally considerably taller: in 1360 the top half was taken down as it was considered dangerous. It is still closed to the public to this day. The tower built by the neighbouring Asinelli family in 1119 is an astonishing 97m (318 ft) high. Climb the 498 steps for a breathtaking view of the red-tiled roofs of the city and beautiful countryside beyond.

Since ancient times, Emilia-Romagna has been Italy’s most fertile wheat and dairy region, and it is famous for its food and wine. Bologna is renowned for its culinary tradition and some regard it as the food capital of Italy. It has given its name to Bolognese sauce, a meat-based pasta sauce known locally simply as ragu.

Location of Bologna:
In north Italy, 200 miles north of the capital, Rome. 90 miles southwest of Venice. 60 miles north of Florence. 60 miles northwest of Rimini. Small Marconi international airport is 5 miles northwest of the centre.

Serving Airports:
Bologna G. Marconi [BLQ]
Flight time from UK: approxiomately 2 hours

Bologna Temperature Chart :

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp °C		5	8	13	17	21	23	23	20	16	10	6

Average daily temperature °C

Shopping in Bologna:
From speciality food shops along Via Drapperie to designer boutiques, there's quality and variety. Top fashion outlets line the narrow lanes around Piazza Maggiore, more affordable options along the Via dell'Indipendenza thoroughfare and bargains aplenty in the university district. Several food markets and antique shops worth browsing.

Eating out in Bologna:
Eating out in Bologna is a favourite local pastime. From top restaurants to traditional trattorias, quality is high and fresh pastas (particularly tortelli and tortellini) are a speciality. Relatively good value, but more expensive in the centre; many cheaper options in the university district.

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Disclaimer:
By its very nature much of the information in our destination guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they are relying with the relevant authorities. Corona Holidays [UK] Limited cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

Bologna

Bologna Hotels, Bologna Flights and Bologna City Breaks:

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