Bologna

Bologna, once the Etruscan Felsina and later the Roman Bononia, boasts a rich history. In the Middle Ages, the city developed into an important free commune and, from 1088, housed the Alma Mater Studiorum, the oldest university in the Western world, which significantly influenced Europe's intellectual development. This era shaped Bologna as a center for law, medicine, and the arts.The city is renowned for its unique architecture, particularly the over 40 kilometers of UNESCO-protected porticoes that define the cityscape and offer protection from the weather. Medieval towers like the “Due Torri” bear witness to the power and wealth of families in the 12th and 13th centuries. Bologna's cultural identity is also strongly shaped by student life, which creates a lively and dynamic atmosphere, complemented by a deep musical tradition ranging from medieval chants to classical opera.

With its picturesque arcades and compact old town, Bologna invites visitors to explore it extensively on foot. The historic city center is largely traffic-calmed, making walks particularly pleasant.For longer distances, an efficient public transport network operated by TPER is available, consisting mainly of buses and trolleybuses – there is no subway in Bologna. Tickets can be conveniently purchased at vending machines, in tobacco shops (Tabaccherie), or via the practical "Roger" app; day or multi-day tickets are recommended for longer stays and save costs.Alternatively, Bologna can be wonderfully explored by bicycle or e-scooter, which are flexibly available via various sharing services. Taxis can be found at designated stands or ordered by phone/app, although ride-sharing options are rather limited. Note the strict access restrictions (ZTL) for private vehicles in the city center, which may only be entered with a special permit.