[2024 Bologna Attraction] Travel Guide for Piazza Maggiore (Updated Nov)

Stroll through Bologna, the red city of the Middle Ages.

Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The city was founded in 534 BC and has many medieval buildings. The University of Bologna adds a strong academic atmosphere to the city. In addition to culture and art, Bologna is also the birthplace of Italian cuisine, where you can experience the real Italian street life. 📍Piazza Maggiore is the main square in the center of Bologna, built in 1200 AD. The square is rectangular in shape and is surrounded by many important buildings, such as the City Hall, the Cathedral, and the Fountain of Neptune, making it an excellent place to experience the atmosphere of Bologna. 📍The Fountain of Neptune is a symbol of Bologna. On the left side of the fountain is the City Hall, and on the right side is the Palazzo Re Enzo and the Palazzo della Podestà. Above the fountain is the image of Neptune holding a spear, and the fountain dates back to the 16th century. 📍The Two Towers are iconic buildings in Bologna, consisting of two adjacent towers, the Torre degli Asinelli and the Torre Garisenda. The towers were built in the 12th century by two noble families of Bologna in a struggle for leadership of the city. The Torre degli Asinelli is 97.2 meters high, while the Torre Garisenda is famous for its steep slope, which is even steeper than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 📍The Bologna Cathedral is located on Via Indipendenza and is a large Baroque church. Unlike the Basilica of San Petronio, the interior of the church is complex and ornate, dazzling the eye. 📍The Basilica of San Petronio was built in 1390, but it is still not fully completed. The exterior of the church is only half decorated, and some of the walls inside are still unfinished. The church also has the largest sundial in existence, and at noon you can see the sunlight cast on the sundial, showing the date of the day. 📍The Anatomy Theater is an important place for medical education and anatomical research, with a very beautiful interior decoration. The Anatomy Theater dates back to the 16th century and was built by the University of Bologna for anatomical research and teaching. 📍The Bologna Municipal Library is one of the most active libraries in Italy. The decoration is bright and colorful, with an open atrium surrounded by reading and lending rooms. Walking on the first floor, you can see the remains of the ancient city walls through the glass floor. The third floor is the Bologna Planning Exhibition Hall.

The dream city here is pretty good.

Bologna, this Italian city like a dreamland, left a deep impression on me with its unique charm. When I stepped into Bologna, it was like walking into an ancient art palace. The buildings here are like giants of history, silently telling stories of a thousand years. The softly colored walls, with traces of time, do not appear old, but rather have a calmness after the storm. The ancient arcades are like the veins of the city, winding through the streets and alleys, providing shade for pedestrians. Walking under the arcades, the stone roads polished smooth by time, each step feels like a conversation with history. The sunlight shines through the gaps in the arcades, forming golden paths, like time tunnels leading to a mysterious past. The square in Bologna is the soul of the city. Piazza Maggiore is surrounded by magnificent buildings, the exquisite facade of the town hall is like an unfolded painting, the reliefs and sculptures are vivid, and every detail shows the superb skills of the craftsmen. The Neptune Fountain joyfully gushes in the center of the square, the figure of Neptune is agile, the little angels and sea beasts around are lifelike, and the water splashes form colorful halos under the sunlight, adding a touch of dynamic beauty to the square. People sit or stand in the square, some enjoying street performers, others immersed in laughter with friends, this relaxed atmosphere seems to be Bologna's unique magic, allowing everyone to relax. Food is another charming card of Bologna. This is a paradise for Italian cuisine, every bite is intoxicating. The rich and mellow taste of Bolognese sauce is like a symphony on the taste buds. The noodles are chewy, each one wrapped in fragrant meat sauce, made with fresh pork, beef, tomatoes, onions, etc., the clever combination of spices makes its taste as rich as the history of the city. And the Parma ham, thin as a cicada's wing, moderately salty and fragrant, melts in the mouth, like a work of art carved by wind and time. Tasting these delicacies is like exploring the soul of Bologna, feeling the city's persistent pursuit of quality of life. The night in Bologna is a romantic poem. When night falls, the city lights up, the ancient buildings look more mysterious under the lights. The bars and restaurants on the street play melodious music and people's whispers. Walking along the river, the lights and moon shadows of the city are reflected on the river, the breeze blows, and the waves sparkle. At this time, Bologna is like a beautiful woman in gorgeous clothes, dancing in the night, exuding charming charm, making every tourist intoxicated in this dreamlike atmosphere, reluctant to leave. Bologna, you are the treasure of Italy, the eternal longing in the heart of every traveler.

Food Haven in Bologna

No trip to Bologna is complete without tasting the famous Bolognese pasta. Known for its rich variety of food, Bologna is a paradise for any foodie! Just beside Piazza Maggiore, there’s a lively food alley where you can buy freshly made pasta like tortellini. Lunchtime gets busy, especially on weekends, so bring a little extra patience for the wait! What you waiting for? #italy #bologna #foodie

An ancient medieval city where artistic accumulation and modern vitality intertwine.

‌Bologna is an Italian city with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It has rich tourism resources and unique charm. ‌ Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, located in northern Italy and has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Known for its long history and rich cultural heritage, the city is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, as well as many medieval buildings and modern cultural events‌. Bologna is not only a city where history and modernity intertwine, it is also a paradise for gastronomy and a rich and colorful cultural activities. Whether you are a history buff or a food explorer, you can find your own fun here‌. Here is a travel guide to Bologna: - Attractions: -Twin Towers (Due Torri): The tall one is called Asinelli Tower and the short one is called Garisenda Tower. They are the landmark buildings of Bologna. It was built in the 12th century when two noble families competed for leadership of the city. The Asinelli Tower is 97 meters high and is the fourth tallest tower in Italy; the Garisenda Tower is 48 meters high and has an inclination of 4.0°, which is more inclined than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Tickets for the Asinelli Tower are 3 euros, and you can climb to the top to overlook the city; the Garisenda Tower is prohibited from climbing to the top because it is too tilted. Tour time is 1-3 hours. - Piazza Maggiore: the central square of the city, surrounded by Renaissance and medieval buildings such as the Poseidon Fountain and the City Hall. The Poseidon Fountain was created by Giambologna and is an important symbol of the city. The square is open to the public free of charge and can be visited at any time. - University of Bologna: The oldest university in the West, known as the "Mother of Universities" in Europe. The campus has a variety of architectural styles and has many historic colleges and libraries. Some colleges are free to visit. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of the university, you can participate in guided tours organized by the school (cost is about 10-15 euros). - Basilica of Santa Maria di San Luca: Located on the top of the mountain, the longest promenade in the world connects the main city to the church. The church has exquisite architecture and gorgeous interior decoration. It is free, but if you want to climb to the top of the church to overlook the view, you may need to pay a fee (about 5-10 euros). - gourmet food: - Spaghetti alla Bolognese: Originated from Bologna, it uses ground beef, bacon, tomatoes, etc. as raw materials. The meat sauce is rich and the noodles are chewy. In local restaurants, a regular dish of Bolognese costs between 10 and 15 euros. - Italian ravioli (Tortellini): usually filled with meat or cheese, paired with delicious sauce and rich in taste. The price per serving is around 12-18 euros. - Raclette: Melted cheese poured over potatoes, ham and other ingredients, it is fragrant. The price for a portion is around 8-12 euros. - Crescentina: a local specialty snack. The bread is crispy and can be stuffed with various fillings, such as cheese, sausage, etc. The individual price is between 3-5 euros. - Notes: - Language: The official language is Italian. Some people can speak English, but you may encounter language communication barriers in some small restaurants and shops. It will be helpful to learn some simple daily Italian expressions in advance. - Time difference: Bologna is located in East Zone 1, 7 hours behind Beijing time (summer time is 6 hours). - Transportation: If you take local trains, you need to pay before getting on the bus, and if you take the bus, you need to pay after getting on the bus, otherwise you will be fined. - Consumption habits: Dining in restaurants generally charges a seating fee of 1.5-2 Euros; hotels in Italy generally do not provide toiletries and disposable slippers, so you need to prepare them yourself. - Safety: You may encounter women in gypsy costumes begging with children in the city center. Please take care of your belongings. When participating in large public events, take care of your personal belongings.

Discover Bologna, where ancient Italian charm meets modern style.

1. Recommended Attractions 1. Piazza Maggiore: The city center, surrounded by grand buildings and ancient churches, is a great place to feel the history of Bologna. 2. Due Torri: The iconic building of Bologna, you can climb the shorter tower and overlook the city. 3. Basilica di San Petronio: One of the largest churches in Italy, with exquisite interior decoration and unique architectural style. 4. University of Bologna: One of the oldest universities in the world, the campus is full of academic atmosphere, and you can visit ancient buildings and libraries. 2. Recommended Food 1. Tagliatelle al Ragù: A specialty of Bologna, with rich meat sauce and chewy noodles. 2. Lasagne: Layers of noodles and rich fillings, rich taste. 3. Mortadella Sausage: The famous local sausage, delicious. 4. Gelato: In Bologna, you can taste authentic Italian ice cream in various flavors. 3. Shopping Recommendations 1. Around Piazza Maggiore: There are many specialty shops and boutiques where you can buy Italian fashion clothing, leather goods and souvenirs. 2. Via dell'Indipendenza: The main shopping street in Bologna, with various brand shops and department stores. 4. Accommodation Suggestions 1. Old Town: Convenient for sightseeing and feel the history of Bologna. 2. Near the train station: Convenient transportation, suitable for tourists who need to travel frequently. 5. Transportation Guide 1. City Transportation: You can walk around the old town, or take a bus or taxi. 2. External Transportation: Bologna has an international airport and train station, which can easily reach other cities. 6. Precautions 1. Respect local culture and customs, especially pay attention to dressing appropriately when visiting churches and other religious places. 2. Pay attention to personal belongings, especially in crowded places. 3. Try to learn some basic Italian phrases for better communication with locals.

Bologna arhitecture is something else 🇮🇹

#italytrip I just got back from Bologna, and its architecture blew me away! 🏛️ This city is a feast for the eyes, with its iconic medieval towers, endless porticoes, and red-bricked buildings that give Bologna its nickname, "La Rossa." One of the most striking features is the Two Towers (Le Due Torri). For just 5 euros, you can climb the Asinelli Tower, and the view from the top is worth every step—seeing the red rooftops stretch out beneath you is breathtaking! 🏙️ But it’s not just about the towers. Bologna’s porticoes, which stretch over 40 kilometers, are UNESCO-listed and provide a unique experience of the city. Walking under them feels like stepping back in time. Piazza Maggiore is another architectural gem, surrounded by the Basilica di San Petronio (free to enter), the Palazzo d'Accursio, and the stunning Fountain of Neptune. Bologna’s blend of medieval, Renaissance, and modern styles makes it a must-see for architecture lovers! #trip #BolognaArchitecture #ItalianHeritage #LeDueTorri #UNESCOPorticoes #TravelItaly

Very delicious apretivo!