Bologna

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Neptune Fountain, Bologna

Introducing Bologna

Boasting one of the country’s great medieval cityscapes – an eye-catching ensemble of red-brick palazzi, Renaissance towers and 40km of arcaded porticoes – Bologna is a wonderful alternative to the north’s more famous cities. Italy’s culinary capital, it’s an attractive, animated place; a large student population and active gay scene ensure a vitality that’s so often missing in many of Emilia’s smaller towns.

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Nicknamed la rossa (‘the red’ – as much a political moniker as reference to its colourful buildings), Bologna has long had a reputation for left-wing militancy. Passions have cooled since students faced down tanks in 1977, but the city remains highly political. Italian prime minister Romano Prodi is from Bologna and the university, Europe’s oldest, is still a source of student agitation.

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Last updated: Feb 20, 2012

Tips & articles

  1. Old school: Europe’s historic college towns

    8 February 2011

    Ah, those halcyon student days. Picture cafes buzzing far past midnight with wine-fueled debates on the nature of love and...

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. ledblimp avatar
    Re: Carrying wine onto the plane from the duty-free shop

    by ledblimp 27 May 2012

    I brought 8 bottles of wine and 3 of limoncello back to the states last year in checked luggage and 2 bottles of grappa I bought at the…
  2. CharlesPierce avatar
    Italian culture minus crowds - any ideas?

    by CharlesPierce 23 May 2012

    I'm learning Italian and I want to spend some time in Italy this year. I've been to Venice, Florence, Bologna and Sienna and they were…
  3. wayoutback avatar
    RE: Rome, Prague, Sicily Honeymoon

    by wayoutback 23 May 2012

    Just did another quick look and you can fly Rome - Prague - Venice with CSA for €170 run if that helps. Other open jaw destinations appear…

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