About Bologna
Bologna, hidden gem in the heart of Italy
It is only 35 minutes from Florence, one hour from Milan, 2 from Rome and 90 minutes from Venice: a crossroad of Europe and Italy where everyone feels “at home”. Bologna means enjoying life: let us show you how the people of Bologna have fine-tuned the art of living well.
With its 40 kilometers of arcades that embrace the medieval city center, you’ll feel like being inside an open air art exhibition, along a protected path of churches, historical buildings and of course the famous medieval towers. So why choose Bologna? Here are a few reasons to stop and experience the City of Food, the City of Culture, the City of Music and the City of Motors.
Because it tastes good
Its food traditions have made Bologna famous throughout the world and today it is truly the capital city of culinary taste and quality. Dishes range from tortellini to tagliatelle, and local cuisine is based mainly on handmade egg pasta, rich dried and cured meats (above all the famous mortadella of Bologna), choice meats and good wines. Have a taste: you won’t be disappointed.
Because it’s the home of art
You may choose among Etruscan findings and Egyptian mummies, paintings by Giorgio Morandi or Guido Reni, contemporary art or medieval swords. Or you may simply choose to visit Bologna: its heart dates back centuries, but its mindset is open and innovative as a modern European city. Moreover, you can visit its University, the oldest in Europe, and discover what has attracted so many students over the centuries.
Because it sounds good
Music has a completely different sound in Bologna. At the beginning were the greats, from Mozart to Farinelli. For them Bologna was a much coveted training destination. Today, it is the only Italian city awarded the title of Creative Music City by UNESCO. From classical music to jazz, from dance to experimentation: in Bologna we lend our ears to excellence.
Because it's all about the Roar of the Engine
Bologna is in the heart of the Motor Valley. Here are the headquarters of the top of Italian motor industry, like Lamborghini and Ducati. Moreover, it’s not far from Bologna that Ferrari decided to grow their business. Fancy a high speed ride?
The University of Bologna
The Alma Mater Studiorum, the oldest university in the Western world, paves the way for innovation through an increasingly rich programme catalogue, cutting-edge research and a constant and increasingly broad international perspective.
Since its origins in 1088, Alma Mater has been student-centred, hosting prominent figures from science and the arts. Based in five campuses (Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini), and with a branch in Buenos Aires, it offers a teaching catalogue diversified and tailored to the needs of present-day society: over 200 degree programmes among its 33 Departments and 11 Schools are offered to over 81,000 students, and 5,000 graduates are enrolled in PhDs and 3rd cycle programmes.
As a comprehensive research university, Alma Mater invests in the multidisciplinary cross-cultural approach and in the inseparable connection between research and teaching. One of the most active universities leading and participating in European research and academic cooperation projects, Bologna has formed knowledge alliances with industry and public/private organizations. It is a hub of international networks. Beyond its close European links, it enjoys multiple connections with America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
