Imagine waking up in Bologna

Imagine savoring delectable Italian cuisine in Bologna…Set in Italy's Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is an entrancing medieval city renowned as a great gastronomic center and one of Europe's oldest university towns. The region’s culinary gifts to the world include some of the country’s most famous staple delights – Parmesan cheese and Parma ham – plus signature favorites including delicious meat-filled tortellini, ragù Bolognese and classic mortadella.

The city's sweeping porticoes and brick buildings are a striking architectural characteristic that, along with its university, have been a defining feature of Bologna for more than a thousand years.  Lack of room for housing the university’s large number of students brought about the construction of the city’s signature porticoed buildings, extending the structures vertically to create additional accommodations. Today Bologna is still noticeably a student town, lively and entertaining.

Its main attractions are found around the town's central squares, Piazza Maggiore and the adjacent Piazza Nettuno. The city’s impressive cathedral, Basilica di San Petronio, was originally intended to be larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, but was scaled down when funds were diverted to the nearby Palace. From the Torre Asinelli, one of Bologna’s Torri Pendenti or leaning towers, you’ll revel in the city’s breathtaking views. One of central Italy’s most important collections of paintings adorn the Pinacoteca Nazionale gallery, which features works by local artists and famed masters, including Raphael, Giotto, Titian and Perugino.

A trip to Bologna promises Italian culinary, historic and artistic masterpieces for all to enjoy.  From here you can delve into the region’s treasures or expand your discoveries to other fascinating destinations across Central Italy – Florence, San Giimignano, Pisa, and more – the Tuscan region is nearby just waiting to be explored.