en-Road trip to Bologna - Italy's vibrant Univercity Campus

Written by Maria Syritzidou 

Our trip took place at the end of January shortly after the Christmas holidays. Air tickets are very affordable at this time and for a traveler looking for cheap air tickets, this is the right time.

Arriving in Bologna you will see at first glance that it is a young city full of vitality, movement, people, shops and in general a city that is full of life. And how could it not be since it is a university campus full of students.

This city of approximately 390,000 is the most ancient university campus as since 1088 the University of Bologna is the oldest in Europe and hosts numerous students who give it wealth and enliven its social and cultural life.

Bologna is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, earning it the name La Rossa, the Red, due to the red roofs of its buildings.

Bologna is a city known for its towers but also for its arcades called Portici that reach 38 kilometers in the historic center and make it a unique city in the world. Its center is entirely made up of arcades, including the world's longest arcade of San Luca, 3.7 kilometers long and with 666 arches.

Its medieval historical center is a jewel of the city and is very well preserved although it was bombed by the Anglo-Americans during the Second World War. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here you will admire the PiazzaMaggiore with the magnificent fountain of Poseidon in front of the Palazzo Comunale. 

You will be enchanted by BasilicadiSanPetronio for its colors inside but also for its external symbols such as the sundial.

The two towers Torre Asinelli and Torre Garisenda are particularly characteristic. In Bologna there were once over 100 towers and you say they belonged to the rich families of the city. You can climb the approximately 500 steps and admire the view from above.

You will definitely admire the arcades of the city for which it is famous. They cover a network of 38 kilometers and in case of rain you can go around the city without an umbrella. Unbelievable so…

You will visit the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca from where the view of the city will take your breath away, its uphill road is worth it.

The Basilica di San Domenico is also worth a visit.

Bologna has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous art galleries, museums and theaters. The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna houses an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio.

The DaviaBargellini museum opened in the palazzo of the same name in 1924. There is an abundance of paintings as well as everyday objects. Entrance to the Museum is free.

At the end of January there is also the museum week where you can visit many of its museums for free.

A very nice way to get around the city is with the red hoponhopoff buses, stopping at any point you are interested in easily and comfortably.

Eating in Bologna is a revelation as the flavors of its cuisine are special. The ragù alla bolognese - pasta bolognese and the tortellini stand out.

The food markets are also interesting as you can enjoy their delicious salami, pizza and drink a glass of wine.

Bologna offers a fascinating mix of history, art, culinary delights and a lively atmosphere. Whether you're interested in exploring its architectural wonders, savoring its local cuisine, immersing yourself in its vibrant cultural scene, or using it as a gateway to other nearby attractions, the city has a lot to offer.