One of the most important cities in Italy, Bologna is considered the heart of Emilia-Romagna.
Bologna is geografically well located with great train connections: 1 hour from Florence, 1 hour and a half from Venice, 1 hour from Rimini (the most popular beach in Italy on the Adriatic coast), 1 hour and a half from Verona, 2 hours from Milan and Rome.
But over all Bologna is the gastronomic capital of Italy and an hystorical and artistic jewel.
A city known all over the world thanks to the love for life, food and wine...and the warmth of the local citizen. It's not easy to fully and synthetically illustrate everything visitors can discover in Bologna: the monuments and museums, arcades and streets of this hystoric and "compact" city centre which is still in a surprisingly good state of repair considering the ravages of time and men.
Here are some suggestion about the worth-while places to visit:
• Palazzo d'Accursio (XIII-XIVcentury) has been the seat of the city coucil since 1200. The coucil collection of ancient art and the Morandi Museum can be entered through the courtyard.
• The Basilica of San Petronio is one of the largest churches in Christendom and was built by Antonio DiVincenzo between the XIV and XVII centuries.
• The Fountain of Neptune is a masterpiece of Gianbologna in the 17th century. Its base was designed by Tommaso Laureti.
• Piazza della Mercanzia, built in 1384, it is attributed to Antonio DiVincenzo. The ogive arches are particulary beautifull.
• The two Towers - The Asinelli Towers (1109-1119) is 97 metres hight with an inclination of 2,23m. The Garisenda Towers, built in the same period, as the Asinelli Towers, is 48 metres hight with an inclination of 3,22m.
• The Cathedral of San Pietro (Via Dell'Indipendenza) is the earliest construction dates from 910; destroyed by fire in 1131, it was rebuilt in the same century with the addiction of the bell-tower, carried out by the master-builder Alberto.
AROUND BOLOGNA
Many opportunities of excursions out of town remain to be explored. Here are some suggestions:
The San Luca Sanctuary built in the XI century the Sanctuary was enlarged on a design by Dotti in 1723. The interior contains works by Viani, Creti, Reni, Bigari and Piò. Its position and size make it easily visible from some distance and its outline against the sky creates a really magnificent view.
Escavation and museum of etruscan town of Pian di Misano near Marzabotto.
Donini archaelogical museum in San Lazzaro di Savena containing prehistoric relics.
Dozza Castel (15th Century) housing in its cellars the headquarters of Emilia-Romagna regional wine, tasting is possible.
Worth cities to visit are: Forlì, Ravenna, Ferrrara, Modena and Maranello, where the Ferrari company is located (you can visit the Ferrari museum and enjoy the rides).
