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Bologna's fame is closely linked to the reputation and prestige of the Alma Mater Studiorum. Renowned throughout Europe, the University of Bologna has always attracted students from all over the world. Bologna is not a city which attracts mass tourism, but instead it welcomes curious and attentive visitors.

Bologna is a city with turrets and porticos which stretch out for kilometres, but it is not ostentatious. Often, the city's most valuable treasures can be found tucked away in magnificent Renaissance palaces, in churches which have been deconsecrated and restored, beneath gateways or inside courtyards.

The city attracts a considerable amount of visitors each year to a variety of exhibitions. It offers an excellent infrastructure and quality services, which facilitate visitor's stays and help render them as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.

Historic Centre

The historic city centre, which is separated from the rest of the city by ancient walls, the Porte and a ring-road, is still reminiscent of an ancient Roman castrum (fortification), with its network of roads, intersected by both major and minor decumani (Roman roads). Inhabited by both locals and students, this area represents the focal point of the city's cultural, economic and social life.

The political and religious heart of the city can be found on the Medieval Piazza Maggiore, which can be accessed via the symbolic Piazza del Nettuno on which stands a statue of the Roman god Neptune. The piazza - a popular spot for daily walks - is living proof of the city's glorious history. It is dominated by the incomplete façade of the Basilica di San Petronio as well as numerous other elegant Medieval buildings. Even today, it evokes memories of a bygone era when Bacchanalian parties and public feast days were held here.

Another area which has retained its original sturcture is the Ghetto Ebraico (or Jewish Ghetto). This fascinating district is characterised by its narrow, labyrinthine streets and craftsmen's workshops.

Beyond the city walls, the rest of the city looks different. This is a result of the urban development which took place after the Second World War. The reconsturctions which took place after the bombings radically altered the appearance of the city, particularly in the area around the train station. One of the plans which were set in motion for this urban renewal was the widening of the Vie Ugo Bassi, Rizzoli and Indipendenza, to enable them to accommodate more shops and businesses in the name of commercialisation.

Exhibitions District

Bologna is divided up into districts, the names of which are taken from those of the gateways in the ancient city walls. Much of Bologna's charm is derived from its beautiful gardens which are dotted throughout the built-up urban areas. These render the areas an altogether more pleasant place to live.

The exhibitions district is relatively modern. It is characterised by the extremely modern Kenzo Tange Towers, and was perhaps originally contructed with the aim of glorifying Bologna's historic Due Torri (Two Towers). The district is also home to the Galleria Comunale d'Arte Moderna (Municipal Gallery of Modern Art), which is housed in a building designed by Leone Pancaldi. This building is linked to the Palazzo dei Congressi which was conceived by Melchiorre Bega.

Hills

Another typical feaature of Bologna is its hills. Here, you can take long walks and visit ancient villas, convents and sanctuaries. The unmistakeable Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca stands on the della Guardia hills. From the top, it is possible to take in a magnificent panoramic view of the plains.







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Bolognina


Bologna
Italy
Literally "Little Bologna" in Italian, this section of Bologna is characterized by its multi-ethnic shops, cafés and restaurants run by members of Bologna's African, Yugoslavian and Middle Eastern immigrant communities. Many students, artists and young families live here as well, and the neighborhood is known for its eclectic feel and generally lower costs. Bolognina is situated directly behind the train station, outside of the walls of the centro storico. The area is also well known for its open-air cinema during the summer months.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bolognina photo by Gerardo Cacciari
Photo: Gerardo Cacciari
 

 
Colli


Bologna
Italy
Some describe Colli as the "Beverly Hills" of Bologna. Home to many of the city's wealthiest inhabitants, it is located in the hilly areas of the city. Colli is technically part of the Santo Stafano neighborhood and is a desired housing location because of its typically cleaner air, great views, and lower temperatures. Ecologist and naturalist Alessandro Ghigi made his home here, and left his beautiful villa and park to the City of Bologna. Stop by and stroll along the lovely river which runs through the park. However, if you're looking for good shopping and you're without a car, this is not the place to go--shops are more difficult to find here and public transportation is limited.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Colli photo by Eugenio Leo
Photo: Eugenio Leo
Colli photo by alexxxandrobis
Photo: alexxxandrobis
Colli photo by Simone Putzolu
Photo: Simone Putzolu
Colli photo by geiko-ko
Photo: geiko-ko
Colli photo by luca.ruggiu
Photo: luca.ruggiu
Colli photo by ::FixXxeR::
Photo: ::FixXxeR::
Colli photo by nickydancer
Photo: nickydancer
Colli photo by Donata Cucchi
Photo: Donata Cucchi
Colli photo by Elisa
Photo: Elisa
Colli photo by Matteo Coda
Photo: Matteo Coda
Colli photo by Via Goito 9/11
Photo: Via Goito 9/11
Colli photo by Luca Benassi (BO)
Photo: Luca Benassi (BO)
Colli photo by Francesco Rossi
Photo: Francesco Rossi
Colli photo by gabri.sem
Photo: gabri.sem
 

 
Galvani


Bologna
Italy
Named for Italian scientist and Bologna native Luigi Galvani, the area is home to an excellent tourist information office inside the Palazzo Comunale. The tourist office offers information on public transport, restaurants, hotels, and events. The office also holds information on guided tours. Also in Galvani is the Palazzo Salaroli-Modiglian, a 15th-century courtyard that once stood next to a Templar temple and still contains significant remains of the first residence which belonged to the Knights Templar.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Galvani photo by Bruce Nelson
Photo: Bruce Nelson
Galvani photo by Anita Scharf
Photo: Anita Scharf
Galvani photo by Luca Borghi
Photo: Luca Borghi
Galvani photo by Ilaria Pietrafesa
Photo: Ilaria Pietrafesa
Galvani photo by Paolo Tortorelli
Photo: Paolo Tortorelli
 

 
Irnerio


Bologna
Italy
Irnerio is located in the heart of Bologna and contains many famous landmarks, including the beautiful Teatro Communale, which was constructed in the 18th century, though the exterior remained incomplete until 1935. The theatre, which is bell-shaped, features stacks of balconies that are beautifully lit and decorated. The Orto Botanico, or botanical gardens of Bologna, are also located in Irnerio. In the gardens tropical, Mediterranean and medicinal plans flourish. Next to the botanical gardens is a famous herbarium, which is reportedly the largest collection of dried plants in Europe.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Irnerio photo by 0
Photo: 0
Irnerio photo by GR
Photo: GR
 

 
Malpighi


Bologna
Italy
Named for Italian doctor Marcello Malpighi, who attended the University of Bologna, Malpighi is located in the city centre. Dr. Malpighi was famous for pioneering several fields of medicine, including comparative physiology, early use of the microscope and, consequently, microscopic anatomy. For those interested in contemporary artwork, the Galleria Cristofori displays the work of both local and non-local young artists. For typical Tuscan and Emilian cuisine, try Posta, located near the Palazzo dello Sport.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Malpighi photo by Enrico Caldesi
Photo: Enrico Caldesi
 

 
Marconi


Bologna
Italy
Marconi is located near Bologna's city centre and is named for Guglielmo Marconi, who developed the first wireless telegraph. Marconi was born in Bologna and received some of his education here as well. The Nobel-winning native son is a source of pride for people in this area. Visitors to Marconi's neighborhood can enjoy a weekly Saturday night concert at 9 p.m. in the Villa Aldrovandi Mazzacurati or catch a performance at the Teatro Arena del Sole. Go to Nicola's and try the pizza, which many consider to be the best in Bologna.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Marconi photo by CasteFoto
Photo: CasteFoto
 

 
Mazzini


Bologna
Italy
Mazzini spreads out from Porta Maggiore to the tangenziale (the main road which surrounds the city). It is located close to the viali, which are the wide boulevards that run through the city of Bologna. The viali are the remnants of walls which were built to protect the city from the fifth to the fourteenth centuries. Although most of the walls have been destroyed, many of the walls' gates still exist. If you're an animal lover, check out the Museo di Anatomia degli Animali Domestici, a museum dedicated entirely to the study of domesticated animals. It was created in 1882 and now has over 2000 pieces on exhibit, mainly of horse and cattle.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Mazzini photo by Mazzini 40139
Photo: Mazzini 40139
Mazzini photo by Michaela Barbiero
Photo: Michaela Barbiero
 

 
Murri


Bologna
Italy
An expensive neighborhood with tree-lined streets, Murri is home to Giardini Margherita, one of Bologna's largest parks. Giardini Margherita is situated in the city centre, but far from the noise of the traffic and is generally full of Bolognese families. Murri is populated with shops, movie theatres and supermarkets. Visit the Villa Aldrovandi Mazzacorati, which is immersed in a beautiful garden. Inside the villa you can find the Museo del Soldatino "Mario Massaccesi" (Model Soldier Museum), and a beautiful 18th-century theatre.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Murri photo by Elisa Nanni
Photo: Elisa Nanni
 

 
Saffi


Bologna
Italy
Saffi is named after Aurelio Saffi, an influential Italian politician in the early 19th century. The home he inhabited in Bologna is now part of the University of Bologna campus. For a more modern twist, Saffi also is where Multisala, a fabulous concert venue, can be found. The stage is located between two spectacular rooms and offers a program made up of multiethnic music concerts during the winter called "Sunoi Mondiali" ("Sounds from around the world"). After a show, head over to the Maisy Pub for a drink--the bar offers over 70 cocktails, beer on tap and good-quality wines.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Saffi photo by Francesco Chignola
Photo: Francesco Chignola
 

 
San Donato


Bologna
Italy
San Donato is located in the northeast part of Bologna. With great public transportation and affordable housing, it is a neighbourhood filled with young families and students. From this area of town, getting to the city centre is a breeze. Head to the Piazza Costituzione to visit the Galleria d'Arte Moderna, next to the Palazzo della Cultura e dei Congressi. The modern building designed by Leone Pancaldi contains a permanent exhibition of 20th-century art. Featured artists include Guttuso, De Pisis, Pollock, Burri and Tano.

Review © 2007, Wcities
San Donato photo by Coralie Mercier
Photo: Coralie Mercier
San Donato photo by Gabriele
Photo: Gabriele
San Donato photo by Guido Allibrante
Photo: Guido Allibrante
San Donato photo by Alberto
Photo: Alberto
San Donato photo by selena.passarella
Photo: selena.passarella
San Donato photo by gaetano massa meet frank pettinato
Photo: gaetano massa meet frank pettinato
 

 
San Vitale


Bologna
Italy
Located east of the city centre, San Vitale is centered around the San Vitale e Agricola in Arena Church. The small but lovely church of Romanesque origins was built over the remains of a Roman amphitheatre where the martyrdom of Saint Vitale and Saint Agricola took place in the 4th century. Inside the church, it is possible to visit the ancient protomartyrs crypt which dates to the 11th century. The Palazzo Malvezzi Campeggi, located on Via Zamboni, is a 16th century palace attributed to Formigine, a talented Italian carver, due to its characteristic carved stone facade. Inside the palace is a beautiful courtyard that houses a statue of Hercules that was sculpted by Giuseppe Mazza.

Review © 2007, Wcities
San Vitale photo by Paloma Del Villar
Photo: Paloma Del Villar
San Vitale photo by Paolo Folletti
Photo: Paolo Folletti
 

 
Santo Stefano


Bologna
Italy
Santo Stefano is the where the heart of Bologna can be found. At the city's centre lies the Piazza Maggiore, a beautiful enclosed area which is always filled with artists, university students and families. The buildings which face onto the medieval piazza were all constructed between 1200 and 1400. The incomplete façade of the Basilica di San Petronio dominates the piazza's surroundings. To enter the piazza, walk through the symbolic Piazza del Nettuno, which features a statue of the Roman god Neptune.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Santo Stefano photo by Axel Vogt
Photo: Axel Vogt
Santo Stefano photo by Claudia Sommer
Photo: Claudia Sommer
Santo Stefano photo by Katia Dametto
Photo: Katia Dametto
Santo Stefano photo by eddypedro
Photo: eddypedro
Santo Stefano photo by Scott Waldie
Photo: Scott Waldie
Santo Stefano photo by Therion 666
Photo: Therion 666
Santo Stefano photo by Yuri
Photo: Yuri
Santo Stefano photo by NK joep
Photo: NK joep
Santo Stefano photo by Paula Vier
Photo: Paula Vier
Santo Stefano photo by /rada
Photo: /rada
Santo Stefano photo by Francesco Winkler
Photo: Francesco Winkler
Santo Stefano photo by sbt_al_rm
Photo: sbt_al_rm
Santo Stefano photo by Isabella
Photo: Isabella
Santo Stefano photo by Francesca Menna
Photo: Francesca Menna
Santo Stefano photo by PatruzZRocK
Photo: PatruzZRocK
Santo Stefano photo by Lucas Lanza
Photo: Lucas Lanza
Santo Stefano photo by Priscilla
Photo: Priscilla
Santo Stefano photo by Jan-Tore Egge
Photo: Jan-Tore Egge
Santo Stefano photo by Elena Melloni
Photo: Elena Melloni
 

 
Saragozza


Bologna
Italy
In the hills that surround Bologna to the southwest of the city is Saragozza, home to shops, movie theaters, and a park, Villa Spada. Visit the Santuario della Beata Vergine di San Luca, and see the long portico leading to the majestic Santuario. The portico is made up of 666 arches that run for 3,500 metres from Porta Saragozza to the sanctuary on Colle della Guardia. The Porta Saragozza was constructed on medieval remains of a previous gate to the city. Also nearby is the football stadium where the local club, Bologna F.C. 1909, plays its home games.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Saragozza photo by Alex
Photo: Alex
Saragozza photo by Marco Franzoni
Photo: Marco Franzoni
Saragozza photo by Sergio Andrés Madera
Photo: Sergio Andrés Madera
Saragozza photo by Samuele Cavadini
Photo: Samuele Cavadini
Saragozza photo by Cristina Palmarini
Photo: Cristina Palmarini
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Bologna - Neighborhood Guide"
Bologna
Bologna - Historical Background
Bologna - Where to Stay
Bologna - Dining & Drinking
Bologna - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
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Genoa (191 miles)
Milan (203 miles)
Trieste (231 miles)
Turin (297 miles)
Rome (304 miles)
Nice (339 miles)
Cannes (359 miles)

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