Bonjour, bologna

Italians love to define Bologna as a scholarly, fat and red city. The scholarly label refers to the site of the world’s oldest university. The fat label alludes to Bolognese food, with its tagliatelle and tortellini. Finally, Bologna is a red city because of the colour of its houses and also thanks to the political traditions of the city’s administration. Bologna is also a city of porticos, which stretches for nearly 40 kilometres in the city centre, and of the Garisenda tower, the only real leaning tower in Italy — the leaning tower of Pisa is, in fact, a bell tower. Dating back to ancient times, Bologna's roots trace back to the Etruscans and Celts before becoming a significant Roman settlement. Throughout the Middle Ages, the city flourished as a centre of learning and trade, earning the nickname 'La Dotta' (the learned one) due to its esteemed university. Bologna's historical significance is reflected in its stunning architecture, characterised by elegant porticoes, majestic towers, and medieval buildings that adorn its picturesque streets. Today, Bologna continues to captivate visitors with its lively atmosphere, thriving arts scene, and culinary prowess, making it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic Italian experience.