Bologna

Bologna is famous for its cuisine ( la cucina Bolognese ). It is also viewed as a progressive and well-administered city. It has one of the largest and best preserved historic centres among Italian cities. Its architecture is noted for its palette of terracotta reds, burnt oranges, and warm yellows, hence the name of Bologna la rossa (Bologna the red). The extensive town centre, characterised by miles of attractive covered walkways, known as "porticos," is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Bologna is the seat of the oldest university in continental Europe, founded in 1088. A significant portion of its population consists of away-from-home university students. In common with other Italian university towns, it is in parts marred by excessive graffiti on its historic palaces.

Bologna is a major rail hub on the Milan–Florence–Rome high-speed line, and has its own airport (Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport) with connections across Europe.

The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, largely under its UNESCO-listed porticoes; city buses cover the wider urban area.

Piazza Maggiore, with the Basilica di San Petronio (one of Europe's largest churches) and the Fontana del Nettuno, is the city's central square. The Due Torri (Two Towers), the city's best-known symbol, mark the point where the ancient Via Emilia entered Bologna, and the leaning Torre degli Asinelli can be climbed for views. The Portico di San Luca, at nearly 4 km and 666 arches the world's longest portico, climbs to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca overlooking the city. Bologna's porticoes as a whole were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

Climbing the Torre degli Asinelli and walking the Portico di San Luca are among the classic Bologna activities; the city's food culture also supports cooking classes and food tours centred on its historic market, the Quadrilatero.

Bologna is the source of dishes known internationally under its name, including tagliatelle al ragù (the origin of "Bolognese sauce"), tortellini, and mortadella.

Bologna's rail hub position makes it a base for day trips across Emilia-Romagna, including Modena, Parma, Ferrara, and Ravenna.