What To See & Do In Bologna Italy

Although it is not as famous, it does rival Florence, Rome and Venice for its depth of history and culture…. and of course, it’s food!

Here’s what we think are amongst the best things to see and do in this friendly, authentic Italian city. And if you would like to come and see Bologna for yourselves during your Italian holidays – then, our expert and licensed guides will be thrilled to accompany you on a tour of the city – visit tours-italy.com for more information.

It’s an ancient seat of learning

Bologna is home to the western world’s oldest University. In 1088, the University of Bologna was founded. As the University itself says – it and Bologna have been looking out towards the future since then. One of the many interesting features of the University is an ornate anatomical theatre (closed on Saturday pm and Sundays). And as the name suggests, this is where autopsies took place to teach students about human anatomy. Students would sit and observe the procedure for hours on end because without chilled rooms, the process had to be completed in one sitting. However, the seats were designed to be in such a position that it would be impossible for observers to feel comfortable enough to fall asleep – even if they were sat there for such a long time.

Visit the Piazza Maggiore

This is the central square in Bologna and it looks pretty much the same today as it did in the 16th century. Former administrative buildings, including the Palazzo d’Accursio - once Bologna’s town hall and now a museum - flank the square. From here you can also visit the Basilica of San Petronio – built by the city in the 14th century and a beautiful example of gothic brickwork. It was once destined to be the largest church in the world, until the Vatican objected. Many cafes and restaurants surround the Piazza and it has a lovely romantic atmosphere in the evening.

Marvel at the beautiful architecture

Bologna has fine medieval and Renaissance palaces as well as reams of elegant arcades that frame many of the streets (remnants of original student accommodation). It is a truly beautiful city with a very friendly atmosphere. Its residents are incredibly warm.

Sample the foodBologna is Italy’s city of food. And, when you consider the standards of the rest of Italy, this is a very, very impressive title! Bologna is the home of the original Bolognese – note we didn’t say Spaghetti Bolognese. That’s because it is not served with Spaghetti here (mainly because Spaghetti pasta is from the southern part of Italy). So, ensure you try the Bolognese in Bologna – which is the ragu and fresh egg tagliatelle pasta. Tortellini is Bologna’s second most famous dish – fresh pasta parcels containing meat or cheese, and here they are served in a meat broth. And because Bologna is so good at ragu and pasta – make sure you try the lasagne, too. Finally, you will find fabulous gelato in Bologna. It’s companies hailing from this area of Italy who have been credited with developing machines which allowed gelato to be made anywhere in the world. But there is nothing quite like Italian gelato and whilst it didn’t invent gelato itself, Bologna hosts many fabulous gelaterias.