Bologna Information

The earliest record of settlement in the Bologna area was the sixth century BC settlement of Felsina. It was renamed Bononia after being invaded by the Gauls around the fourth century BC and was subsequently sacked by the Romans and absorbed into the Roman Empire. In the twelfth century Bologna was renowned across Europe for it's university and the forward thinking city attracted many wealthy families from around Italy. Papal troops invaded the city in 1506 and it remained under their control for almost three centuries before falling to Napoleon's troops in the late 1700s. It became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860 and remains so to this day.

Known as Bologna la rossa (Bologna the red) - the city is famous for it's many red brick and terracotta-roofed buildings, as well as a history of political unrest. Bologna has the oldest university in Europe dating from the eleventh century (1088) and as such has always had a large student population. It's always had a lively and demonstrative character which has brought about occasions of civil unrest over the years - mostly by student activists. However, Bologna is a generally safe and exciting city to explore.

The narrow-laned streets and miles of beautifully preserved porticos make Bologna a city to rival Venice in beauty, and the laid back, relaxed attitude of the locals assures a wonderfully stress free holiday.

There are literally hundreds of historic structures to see in Bologna, many of which are churches. Some of the main sites that shouldn't be missed whilst in Bologna are the San Petronio Basilica which is one of the largest in the world, the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca, the Two Towers of Bologna, the Santa Maria dei Servi basilica, and the Portico of San Luca - which at 3.5km is the longest of Bologna's more than 45km of porticos.

Notwithstanding the marvellous architecture and history of Bologna it's probably food ('la cucina Bolognese') that Bologna is most famous for. Lending it's name to the famous bolognese sauce as well as the bologna sausage, Bologna also produces a huge variety of cured meats and is well regarded for it's nearby vineyards.

Winter is a wonderful time to visit Bologna when the skies are usually blue and crystal clear and there aren't so many tourists, however the temperature can be bitterly cold. April to October is probably the best time of year to visit when you can really enjoy the balmy outdoor lifestyle. Keep in mind that Italy can be very hot in mid summer and many shops and restaurants close for summer holidays for the month of August.