Fairs in Bologna
by Azhut
Every year Bologna hosts many fairs called "Fiere" in italian. At the forefront of the fair region, with advanced services for the organizers, exhibitors, and visitors. Fairs in Bologna propose an international fair calendar for not only Italy, but for other countries abroad. From the site www.bolognafiere.it
How to get Bologna Fairs region from the airport
The Guglielmo Marconi International Airport in Bologna is linked directly to Bolognafiere by a convenient AEROBUS BLQ shuttle service.
The G. Marconi Airport in Bologna will be closed from May 3rd to July 2nd 2004 for the runway improvement and extension by 350 meters.
For more information, visit the Website:
www.bologna-airport.it
Using ATC Buses
by Mundus
Bologna is well served by ATC (Transporti Pubblici Bologna).
If you stay in doors, i.e., the central part of Bologna, then you don't really need buses if you like to walk.
Go to their website and you'll find all the informations you need - prices, routes, et cetera.
Caffe Vittorio Emanuele - main square action
by sue_stone about Caffe Vittorio Emanuele
We have been to Caffe Vittorio Emanuele a few times, and it is one of my favourite things to do in Bologna - ok, the café isn't the best ever, but the location is. It is located on Piazza Maggiore, Bologna's main square, which makes it one of those expensive cafes that you just have to visit regardless of cost, as they make such fabulous places for people watching!
The seats on the piazza are of course the place to sit. If the weather is miserable, try to at least get a table on the steps under the arches. There is inside seating as well if you prefer.
Service was fairly efficient though a little abrupt, and they will ask you to pay as soon as they bring you your order. The café seems to be open for most of the day and at least early evening. On our first visit we stopped off during the day for a coffee and a couple of scoops of creamy gelato.
Other visits have been in the early evening for a pre-dinner drink and some (complimentary snacks).
We ended our last trip with a sunset drink watching the changing light on the Basilica di San Petronio - magical!
Motor show!
by alemir82
Among other trade shows, Bologna holds one of the largest automobile and motorcycle showings in Europe. Here you will be able see the new models of Italian makes such as Ferarri, Maserati, Ducati, and Alfa Romeo just to name a few, as well as concept cars and other foreign models. Provided you had a valid driver's license they would test drive some models. I for one was able to be taken on a ride on a simulated rally course in the Subaru WRX. Motor Show is a week long and usually takes place in the first week of December.
Towering Above It All
by von.otter
“The medieval nobles built towers just for pure swank, to see who should have the tallest till a town like Bologna must have bristled like a porcupine in a rage.”
— D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930)
Torre Asinelli was originally built to a height of 230 feet; and was later raised to the current 330 feet. In the 14th century the tower became the property of the city, which used it as prison and small stronghold. While the city owned the tower a wooden platform was added around the tower at a height of 98 feet above the ground; this was connected with a footbridge to Torre Garisenda. Giovanni Visconti, Duke of Milan, had this alteration made because he wanted to use it to control the rough and tumble Mercato di Mezzo, what is today via Rizzoli) and crush any threats to his rule. The Visconti had become the rulers of Bologna after the decline of the Signoria of the Pepoli family, but were unpopular in the city.
Severe damage has been caused by lightning strikes, often resulting in small fires and minor structural damage; in 1824 a lightning rod was installed. The tower survived, however, at least two known major fires. The first one, in 1185, was caused by arson and the second one, in 1398, destroyed the wooden platform and footbridge that had been added.
Torre Asinelli has been helpful in gathering scientific data. In 1640 Giovanni Battista Riccioli and, in the following century, Giovanni Battista Guglielmini used the tower to study how heavy objects move through space and to study the earth’s rotation. Between 1943 and 1945, during the Second World War, the tower was used as a sight post. During bombing raids, volunteers took up posts at the top of the tower to direct rescue operations to places hit by Allied bombs. In the television age, RAI installed a relay antenna at the tower’s top.
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Basilica di San Domenico, Bologna, May 2010
Madonna la grassa, Bologna, May 2010
La Pietà, Santa Maria della Vita, Bologna, 05/2010
Torre Garisenda, Bologna, May 2010
