5 Reasons To Visit Bologna

Bologna is the historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy. Here are 5 reasons to visit! 

1. It is the home of original bolognese sauce. 
Do you need any more reason to visit? Spag bol, our much-loved, hearty spaghetti dish originates from Bologna (hence the name of the sauce). Bologna is great for all types of Italian food - some even consider it the food capital of Italy. But for an original, fresh spaghetti bolognese from the little city that invented the stuff, head to Bologna. We loved it!

2. Bologna is rich with history. 
I love visiting somewhere that has a lot of interesting history behind it. Originally, in the 6th century BC, Bologna was known as Felsina - until tribes invaded and renamed it Bononia. A few hundred years later the Romans took over and Bologna, as we know it today, was born. It is worth visiting the Civico Mueso Archeologico to read and hear about the history.

3. The city is full of beautiful buildings. 
Apart from bolognese, Bologna is also known for its architectural beauty. The city centre is full of incredible Renaissance and medieval buildings and just walking around will give you a glimpse of the beauty. There are lovely cobbled streets bursting with small traditional Italian restaurants and bars, and there is a beautiful fountain in the centre in which people throw coins in for good luck.

4. Forget Pisa - Bologna has two leaning towers. 
And one of the leaning towers in Bologna actually holds the record for being 'the most leaning of all'. The Torre Garisenda leans at a staggering 4 degrees.

5. Bologna homes the oldest university in the world. 
The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 - meaning it pre-dates Oxford by a decade! The university is right in the city centre. Graduates and teaching staff include famous scientists and poets Dante and Tasso.