Visiting Bologna: What to Do and See Our Must-See Attractions

Bologna is often overshadowed by its more tourist-frequented neighbours such as Florence or Venice. Yet this capital of Emilia-Romagna offers a rare concentration of medieval history and intact culinary traditions.

La Dotta, la Grassa, la Rossa: understanding the city’s identity

Bologna is defined by three historical nicknames. These qualifiers sum up the soul of the city.

The first is La Dotta (the Learned). It refers to its university. This has existed since 1088. It has attracted students from around the world since the Middle Ages.

The second is La Grassa (the Fat). The local cuisine is rich and opulent. Butter, pork and fresh pasta dominate the plates. This gastronomic reputation extends well beyond Italy’s borders.

The third is La Rossa (the Red). This refers to the colour of the bricks and roof tiles. Another interpretation links this name to the city’s political history, a historical stronghold of the Italian left.

Piazza Maggiore: the beating heart of the city

Piazza Maggiore is the starting point for any visit. This rectangular square brings together the most symbolic buildings of civil and religious power.

The Basilica of San Petronio dominates the space. It is one of the largest churches in the world. Its façade remains unfinished. The lower part is in marble, the upper part in raw brick. This visual contrast makes it unique.

The Palazzo d’Accursio, or Palazzo Comunale, borders the west side of the square. It houses the town hall and art collections. On the adjacent square, Piazza del Nettuno, stands the Neptune fountain. The Bolognese call it Il Gigante due to its imposing size.

The Two Towers: medieval symbols

Bologna’s urban landscape is characterised by its towers. In the Middle Ages, the city had more than a hundred. Noble families built them to show their power.

Today, the Due Torri (Two Towers) are the most famous. They are located in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana.

The Asinelli Tower is the tallest. It reaches 97 metres. It is possible to climb its 498 steps. The effort rewards with a panoramic view over the entire region. On a clear day, the surrounding hills can be seen.

The Garisenda Tower is smaller but more tilted. It measures 48 metres. Its lean is so pronounced that it had to be shortened in the 14th century to prevent collapse. It is not accessible to the public for safety reasons.

The University and the Archiginnasio

University history permeates every street. The Archiginnasio palace was the main seat of the university from the 16th to the 19th century. It now houses the municipal library.

The inner courtyard is worth a visit. The walls are covered with thousands of coats of arms. They represent students and professors who passed through these halls. It is the largest mural heraldic collection in the world.

On the upper floor is the Anatomical Theatre (Teatro Anatomico). This room was used for anatomy classes. It is entirely built in spruce and cedar wood. Wooden statues, the “Skinned Men” (Gli Spellati), support the professor’s canopy. The atmosphere is solemn and scholarly.

The porticoes: a world heritage site

Bologna has the longest network of porticoes in the world. They cover nearly 40 kilometres in the historic centre. UNESCO listed them as a World Heritage Site in 2021.

Their origin is practical. In the Middle Ages, the city lacked housing for students. The upper floors of houses were extended out over the street. Columns supported these extensions. This created covered passageways.

These arcades allow you to cross the city under shelter. You walk protected from the sun in summer and from the rain in winter. Each portico has its own style. Some are in medieval wood, others in Renaissance stone.

Sanctuary of San Luca: the long walk

The most famous portico leads to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. It measures nearly 4 kilometres. It has 666 arches. It connects the city to the hill of la Guardia.

The climb is a local tradition. The Bolognese often do it on foot for sport or pilgrimage. The route starts at Porta Saragozza.

At the top, the baroque sanctuary offers a breathtaking view. The church houses an icon of the Virgin Mary attributed to Saint Luke. The descent offers changing perspectives over the red city.

Bolognese gastronomy: rules and traditions

Eating in Bologna is a serious cultural activity. The city defends the authenticity of its recipes. The Chamber of Commerce has even registered the official recipes.

The emblematic dish is tagliatelle al ragù. A word of warning: “spaghetti bolognaise” does not exist here. The meat sauce (ragù) must coat wide egg pasta (tagliatelle). Spaghetti is too thin to hold this rich sauce.

Tortellini are another source of pride. These are small pasta parcels stuffed with pork, cured ham, mortadella and parmesan. Tradition requires them to be served in brodo (in a capon broth).

Mortadella (mortadella) is the queen of local cured meats. It is a large pork sausage, flavoured and studded with pistachios. It is often enjoyed in cubes as an aperitif or in thin slices in bread.

The Quadrilatero: the historic market

The Quadrilatero district concentrates the food shops. It is located right next to Piazza Maggiore. Its narrow alleyways are full of colourful stalls.

Via Pescherie Vecchie is particularly lively. You will find fishmongers, butchers and bakers. The shop windows display wheels of parmesan and Parma hams. It is the ideal place to observe local life.

Mercato di Mezzo offers a modern option. It is a renovated covered market where you can buy and eat on the spot. The atmosphere is convivial and noisy, typically Italian.

Santo Stefano: the seven churches

Piazza Santo Stefano is home to a fascinating religious complex. It is often called “the Seven Churches” (Le Sette Chiese). In reality, four remain, interlocked with one another.

The Basilica of Santo Stefano is an architectural labyrinth. You move from a Romanesque church to a medieval courtyard, then to an ancient crypt. The atmosphere is very different from the great baroque basilicas.

The Courtyard of Pilate (Cortile di Pilato) is at the centre. It contains an 8th-century stone basin. The silence of this place contrasts with the bustle of the neighbouring streets.

Culture and modernity

Bologna does not live only in the past. It is a young and dynamic city thanks to its students. The cultural offering is dense.

MAMbo (Bologna Museum of Modern Art) offers high-level contemporary exhibitions. It is located in a former industrial bakery. The venue blends industrial architecture with avant-garde works.

The Cineteca di Bologna is a world institution. It restores and preserves old films. In summer, it organises the “Il Cinema Ritrovato” festival. The open-air screenings on Piazza Maggiore are magical. It is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in classic Italian cinema in a grandiose setting.

For fans of more recent productions, the region often serves as a backdrop. Many Italian series choose Emilia-Romagna for its distinctive aesthetic and warm light.

Essential vocabulary for the visit

Here are some specific terms to help you navigate the city and understand the menus.