Welcome to Bologna
From
Jesse's Journeys in Italy
Population: 369,995
Official website:
Bologna
Wikipedia:
Bologna
Map:
Mapquest
Bologna,
capital of the northeastern region of
Emilia-Romagna, is the food capital of
Italy, a thriving business city and a
major university town with a red-bricked
Historic Centre.
In spite
of two leaning towers (outdoing Pisa's
one) plus a wealth of other attractions,
Bologna is largely free from tourist
crowds and well worth a visit. It is also
one of Europe's most important conferences
cities.
Bologna
is over 2,500 years old but saw its glory
days come in the 12th century when
students from all over Europe flocked to
study here, in what was then a major city
in the Papal States.
It is not
just the city centre's bricks that are
red. Bologna is known for its passionate
interest in politics. Socialism and
communism have played a major role of
Bolognese life, ever since determined
partisan resistance in World War II.
Summers
are what most would consider hot and humid,
with the average temperature around (32°C in Jul/Aug).
However, the summer is
full of festivities. Seek solace in the
shady porticos which stretch for a lengthy
40km along major streets of the Old Town.
In winter, the temperature drops to below
10°C (Jan/Feb). The best time to visit is
spring and autumn.
By Jesse Andrews, April 2005
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