° Bologna

Bologna: La Dotta, the Red and the Fat, is defined as Bologna, the capital of the rich Emilia Romagna. Bologna the Learned to the presence of one of the oldest universities in Italy and continues today to be attended by numerous Italian and foreign students, and to maintain its role as active cultural center, always open to new and creative ideas. Bologna the Red for the color of the roofs and the houses give the city, keeping alive the colors of the Middle Ages. Bologna the fat for its tasty cuisine and sublime: the Bolognese cuisine is known around the world and has won over even the most severe. The perfect combination of modernity and tradition is one of the tourists who wins: you can walk to Piazza Maggiore and admire in a single glance of the oldest buildings in the city, yet feel the cultural ferment that animate a city open and tolerant, always ready to welcome new ideas and cultural arts. The many personalities who were born, lived and who have remained strong relationship with Bologna, testify to the spirit of a city projected towards new horizons: Vasco Rossi, Pupi Avati, Francesco Guccini, Gianfranco Fini, Stefano Accorsi, just to name a few. Then you just need to look at things to do in Bologna and meet the diverse and interesting facets of a city waiting to be discovered.

· Piazza Maggiore is famous for the Fountain of Neptune, which overlooks the most important buildings of the medieval city: in the west the fourteenth-century Palazzo Comunale, the sixteenth-century palace in the east and south of the Whites the imposing Basilica of San Petronio in the face of which stretches the elegantePalazzo del Podestà. All buildings that testify to the city's history, a history that began in 1200 when the people felt the need to equip the city for a space to use as a market. All the buildings were purchased by the City and were then killed and only in the fifteenth century Piazza Maggiore takes the austere form that still retains. Despite its historical importance, it seems that the Porte jinx: Students attending the University of Bologna's famous saying that you should never cross the square through the center, but always following, because otherwise you can say "Goodbye" to the coveted degree .

° The Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna is the most important church in Bologna and impressive addition to being the fifth largest church in the world. The construction of the Basilica began in 1390 but continued for centuries. To make room for this temple, a symbol of civic pride of the city, it was necessary to demolish the towers, eight churches and private homes. It is the last great Gothic work carried out in Italy, a Latin cross with three naves and chapels. Gothic-style interior decorations too, operates mainly by Giovanni da Modena, but the Parmigianino, Giulio Romano and Masaccio are other artists who have given their personal artistic contribution. The Basilica of San Petronio was owned for a long time that the City has used for many different purposes: a place for ceremonies, court, public meeting, and only in 1929, following the Lateran Treaty, will become the property of Diocesi.Se traveled to visit the Basilica of San Petronio, you can not help but notice the Meridianacostruita from Cassini was to show that the Earth revolved around the sun, not vice versa as was the belief of the time. When: from 7.45 to 12.30 and from 15.00 to 18.00

° The Towers of Bologna is one of the hallmarks of the city. Of the many towers that were built between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, today there are less than twenty. These structures were a function of both military and noble: they gave prestige to the family who ordered its construction. The Asinelli tower was built between 1109 and 1119 by the family that, in addition to receiving social prestige, the military used for defense and sighting. In 1448, in fact, the tower was equipped with a spool to accommodate the guards. Currently, the arches of the portico of the stronghold is home to some shops of artisans, in memory of the marketing function that the city place in the Middle Ages. The visitors, after having walked the 498 steps of the staircase inside, can get to the top of the Tower of donkeys, from about 97.20 meters in height, allows for the red city at your feet. On fine days, the sight can reach the sea and the foothills of the Veneto. When: during the summer from 9.00 to 18.00, in winter from 9.00 to 17.00
° San Luca: The Basilica and 'placed at the top of a hill overlooking the city. pellegrinaccio and tourism destination. Its 666 arches and 514 stairs makes it even more 'charming walk to the sanctuary that dominates the area west of Bologna.

· Gastronomy: the gastronomic reputation of Bologna dates back to medieval times, when the influx of students and professors from all over the world necessitated an enrichment of the food culture. Bolognese cuisine, such as Emilia Romagna in general, is varied and plentiful. Besides the famous ravioli, still prepared by hand by experts rigorously pasta and served in broth, egg noodles and pork are the stars of the boards, and various combinations of these two elements have been created some of these dishes tipici.Tra be mentioned the sauce made with meat mixture of pork, veal and beef, noodles, prepared with flour and eggs, lasagna, topped with alternating layers of meat sauce, bechamel and parmesan cheese and Bolognese cutlet, covered with cheese and a slice of ham. If the pork is the protagonist, is born from this lamortadella, a typical salami from which not only gets the stuffing for ravioli, but also to use a foam accompaniment for sandwiches and toast. Among the desserts, it is important to remember the famous Carthusian: This is a Christmas cake made with honey, almonds, candied fruit, pine nuts, butter, raisins, cinnamon and dark chocolate.

· Shopping: What to buy if you want to shop in Bologna in Bologna, it should be noted that characteristic, in addition to food products, there is little. The shopping streets of Bologna, in agreement with the textile tradition and fashionable city, are filled with craft shops and outlets that make shoes and elegant clothing tailored. Via Rizzoli, Via D'Azeglio, Via Farini and Via Castiglione are the roads that form the famous shopping square in Bologna which shows his character more elegant with the studios of the most prestigious names in fashion. For more modest purchases, however, is the ideal Independence Way: Here you will find shops selling clothing, footwear, large retail chains and even small traditional shops. To take home a bit 'of gastronomy in Bologna, the media market is perfect to buy the typical products of Bolognese cuisine, while in Piazza August 8th, every Friday and Saturday there's a market dedicated to vintage and used clothing. For lovers of antiques, however, the appointment is always in the Square on August 8 and Thursday in St. Stephen's Square every second weekend of the month.