Bologna, Italy: A Travel Guide

All photos on this page were taken by the author, sockii or her partner David, unless provided by Amazon.

Bologna is both the largest city and the capital city of the Emilia-Romagna Region in Northern Italy. It is currently the seventh most popular city in all of Italy and has long been an urban center of the region, going back to the Etruscans and the Celts.

The historic feeling and atmosphere of Bologna is still here, even after the city suffered major damage during World War II. Its location makes it a transportation and manufacturing hub for all of Italy, and in the nearby region outside of Bologna you will find many factories and industrial areas: perhaps not the prettiest for tourists, but very important for the economy and global importance of Italy. 

You can learn more about the history of Bologna at wikipedia.

If you are a food lover, then you absolutely have to make sure to visit Bologna. This is especially true if you are a fan of hearty meat, cheese and pasta dishes as these dominate the menus in the city's many restaurants, food shops, bars and other eateries.

The heart of the city's cuisine beats in the Quadrilatero market, a series off narrow streets just off the main square of the city center, Piazza Maggiore. Stepping into those streets is truly a step back in time, as they are set up much as they would have been during medieval times. Stores selling cured meats, cheese, wine, pasta and produce are everywhere, and may have tables set up where you can sample a plate of the day's specials along with a basket of bread and a glass of wine or a beer. It makes for a perfect lunchtime stop while exploring, or a light early dinner if you choose.

But of course, it's also worth trying the classic meat ragu, known in other parts of the world as "Bolognese sauce". Served over fresh-made pasta or layered in baked lasagna, you simply have to try it here! 

Also of note are two amazing collections of wax models, also used in the past to help educate and illustrate anatomy and various medical conditions. One of these collections is the Museo Delle Cere Anatomiche, located on the edge of the city center at Via Irnerio 48. A small museum in a University building, you will be amazed at the incredible details artisans managed to build in wax. This collection might not be for the squeamish, but if you have a fascination with medical history and perhaps enjoy a touch of the macabre, it's worth seeking out.

More popularly visited is the Museo di Palazzo Poggi. Here you will find a vast assortment of historical collections related to natural history, physics and chemistry, geography, military architecture, and yes, anatomy and obstetrics. Here are some of the most incredible wax models you will see on display, including the famous "Venerina" by Clemente Susini. This model shows a beautiful woman laid at rest in a state of peaceful passing, her abdomen open to expose the organs within for study. 

Besides the anatomy theater, the Palazzo Archiginnaso is worth visiting to see some of the historic lecture halls (decorated with student coats of arms) and the Civic Library. Enter the main courtyard and you will feel like you are stepping back in time.

If you love classical painting, then the National Art Gallery of Bologna (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna) is a must-see. This considerable museum focuses on 13th-18th century works by artists of Emilia, perhaps most notably Guido Reni—you will see a tremendous collection of his works here. Also on display are paintings by notable Italian artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, Raphael and Giotto. This museum is on the edge of the historic center but well worth the walk. And it is not very heavily visited, either, meaning you can truly take your time to appreciate the works on display.

The Bologna Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico dell'Università di Bologna) may seem a bit disappointing to those used to the grand botanical gardens in the United States. However, it is quite historically important as far as the development of botanical sciences in Italy...through the University of Bologna, of course! Free to explore, it makes a pleasant, quiet stop away from the busy city street, and you may find students sitting out studying while you explore the surroundings. It is very close to the Museo delle Cere anatomiche, if you've decided to visit there, and the Pinacoteca as well.

The  Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita is a must visit, to see the stunning terracotta sculpture by Niccolò dell’Arca, "Lamentation over Dead Christ". Six incredibly detailed and lifelike figures stand over the body of Christ, each of their expressions filled with sorrow, shock, and grief. The sense of motion and emotion in these figures is absolutely breathtaking...if you see only one work of art in Bologna, make sure to see this.

The Bologna train station is outside of the historic center but not a very long nor expensive taxi ride from there, or you can take a local bus or even walk to your hotel, depending on where you are staying. The Hotel Touring is a small, modern and relatively inexpensive hotel I recommend, just on the edge of the historic center and an easy walk to many of the major city attractions. 

If you have more than one or two days in Bologna, you might want to spend a day exploring some other nearby attractions. Bologna Gourmet Food Tours offers day and half-day excursions where you can experience nearby Parmesan cheese or balsamic vinegar production, taste meats at an actual salami "Museum", or even take a cooking class or go truffle hunting!

Do you love sports cars? Then you should know that Bologna is very near Emilia-Romagna's "Motor Valley" and you can tour car museums and factories...maybe even take an Italian sports car for a test ride! MotorStars offers tours to get up close to Ferrari, Ducati, Lanborghini, Pagani and Maserati factories and could be just what you're looking for it you need an adrenaline rush.

You might also consider a day trip or overnight stay in another nearby historic town, such as Ferrara, Parma, or Cremona.

• Most of the historic center of Bologna can be explored on foot as it is not that large. But do bring a good pair of walking shoes! Cars are actually banned in the historic center during the day, but keep an eye out for scooters and cycles zooming past when crossing the street.
• Bologna is far less "touristy" than other major Italian cities I've visited, but I did not find it hard to get around with just my very basic Italian. Given the large international student population of the town, many languages can be heard spoken here. 
• Although it is less touristy, you should still keep your wits about you when near major attractions or if taking photos of historic buildings. We did get approached by a few persistent beggars who needed firm response in order to go away, and our hotel desk did advise against carrying too much cash (or important documents like your passport) on your person unless required.
• If you visit when school is not in session, you might find many shops and business shuttered close. So plan your trip, especially if just for a few days, for when the attractions you want to visit are going to be open.

• Trip Advisor's Best of Bologna - Learn more about the top attractions, hotels, restaurants and tours available to enjoy in Bologna, based on other travelers' reviews.
• Bologna Welcome - An official tourism website with current events, travel itineraries, and more information on things to see and do around Bologna.
• Bologna Travel Guide at Wikitravel - A good overview of the city and tips on getting around.