About Bologna

A city full of history ...

Bologna, the capital of the Emilia Romagna region, is located in a strategic position in the heart of Italy, midway between Milan and Florence. The metropolitan area has an overall population of almost 1 million inhabitants; about 385,000 of them live within Bologna’s municipal boundaries.

Every corner of the city is full of history. Its well–preserved historical centre is among the largest in Europe. The 40 kilometers of “porticoes” as well as the red bricks of its buildings and the medieval towers are the hallmark of this unique place. The Two Towers are the symbol of the city.

 Bologna is one of the most important business centers in Northern Italy. It is the main rail and highway junction and has a fast-growing international airport (6.1 million passengers in 2013). Its Trade Fair District is among the most important in Italy (almost 1 million visitors every year). Thanks to an ideal mix of excellence in culture and technology, the city offers a quality of life among the highest in Italy.

... and culture

Bologna offers a rich and varied cultural scene. It was designated European City of Culture of the year 2000 by the European Union and was named by UNESCO “Creative City for Music” in 2006. It boasts 40 Civic Museums and 1 National Gallery.

The University of Bologna is the world’s oldest university. Established in 1088, it now has around 84,000 students.

The “Cineteca di Bologna” and the municipal film archives are world reference points for movie restoration and conservation.

Bologna is also home to fine food and wine and offers a lively nightlife. The city center is full of restaurants, wine cellars and bars which often offer life music shows. Every year the City of Bologna promotes “Bologna Estate”, a summer cultural program lasting 3 months. Concerts, theatre plays, guided tours, projections, meetings and readings animate the squares, courtyards, cloisters and parks of the city centre and the suburbs to entertain city-dwellers and visitors. The jewel of the summer program is “Sotto le stelle del cinema”, 50 nights of great cinema in original language served in the main square (Piazza Maggiore). A unique and ecstatic experience!

The photos of the city of Bologna have been generously provided by Bologna welcome.