World-renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, Bologna is also marvelled at for its well-preserved historic centre and miles of charming covered walkways known as 'porticos'. The city is also home to the oldest university in continental Europe, founded in 1088.
Piazza Maggiore lies at the heart of the city's old town, flanked by the Basilica of San Petronio, the City Hall Building, the portico dei Banchi and the Palazzo del Podestà. However, the city's most iconic landmark is its 12th-century towers – Torre degli Asinelli and Torre dei Garisenda – with the latter currently leaning over three metres.
Often referred to as the food capital of Italy, tourists flock to Bologna for a taste of its cured meats and delicious pasta dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini stuffed with Parma ham or cheese. You'll also find plenty of lively student-filled pubs, wine bars and typical ‘trattorias’ which are perfect for people watching and enjoying aperitivo.
The city centre is easily reachable from Guglielmo Marconi (Bologna) International Airport, either by taxi or by taking the Aerobus.