Some facts
by Gillianina
Bologna is called la dotta, la rossa and la grassa, which mean the learned, the red and the fat. The learned, beacuse of its very important and ancient university; the red for two reasons: for the colour of its roofs and for a political reason (traditionally the governments of Bologna were left-wing); and the fat because it´s the most famous Italian city for its gastronomy.
Bologna´s most famous characteristic are its 40 km of Porticos, which give a unique atmosphere to the city. They have been declared World Heritage by U.N.E.S.C.O.
Bologna was nominated European
City of Culture in 2000. The other cities of culture in Europe were: Avignon, Bergen, Bruxelles, Helsinky, Cracow, Prague, Reykjavik, Santiago de Compostela.
I don't have a particular...
by nicenico
I don't have a particular nightlife spot to recommand. I don't go to night club very often but I've been told that there are several good ones in the city center and outside the town as well.
As for pubs, you'll find a lot of them in Via Zamboni, Via Zaragozza and Via del Pratello. All kind of music.
For both pubs and nightclubs, the best thing is to go on the universtiy area and be careful at the numerous flyers. Obviously, the Friday and Saturday nights are the crowdy ones!!!
Leave space for dessert
by baronedivandastad about Osteria di Broccaindosso
What a place! you won't see that it exists unless you know it and you arrive after 8.30 pm, when it opens. At that time, however, it's likely to be already full. I don't recall if they take reservations but I advise you to go around 8 pm and wait outside the unimpressive door. Once in, don't be enticed by the excellent pastas and great-sounding meat dishes: leave space for the all-you-can-eat, moving dessert buffet! The desserts - impossible to match!
Very good pizza!
by Burova about Il Pirata del porto
Restaurant and pizzeria near the central train station. My husband and I had pizza, that was very tasteful and well baked, however we saw lot of people choosing the fish, for which this restaurant is famous. The service is quick, although the crowd, the halls are large and with a navy furniture. Very pleasing pause, for lunch or dinner.
Piazza Maggiore
by sue_stone
The centre piece of Bologna is the charismatic Piazza Maggiore. This magnificent square was created in 1200 and was the site of an ancient Roman Forum. These days it is lined with some of the city's most important buildings.
The most prominent of these is the Basilica di San Petronio, with its incomplete façade. The large basilica is a must see and there is no fee to enter.
Also on the square you will see the Palazzo Comunale, the city's town hall. Located on the western side of the square, this large fortress-like building was built in 1287 and has a lovely clock tower which was added in 1773. Inside the palazzo you can visit the Museo Morandi, which has a large collection of works by Giorgio Morandi, Bologna's most famous artist.
At the northern end of the square is the Palazzo del Podesta. If you walk under the arches, past the cafes, you will find a whispering gallery and a medieval tower.
Piazza Maggiore is a fabulous place to stop for a coffee and gelato, or a drink. Take some time to relax in one of the expensive cafes and watch the Italians do their thing. There is often some sort of street entertainers in the square to keep you amused too.
Bologna’s Canals
Portici di San Luca, Bologna, May 2010
Italian Resistance Memorial, Bologna, May 2010
Basilica di San Petronio, Bologna, May 2010
