OUTSIDE THE EXHIBITION
Bologna: city of tradition, culture and aesthetic appreciation
Lying at the feet of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine mountains, Bologna and its history can be traced back through two thousand years packed with the events that have shaped Italy's development.
The Etruscans, Celts, Romans, the powerful mercantile companies of 1300, the noble families, and the Papacy have all left their mark in the form of a priceless historic and cultural heritage, visible even today in the unique urban and architectural features of the city. The inhabitants of Bologna are renowned for their honesty and generosity, with a cheerful and open spirit that breathes warmth and vitality into the heart of the ancient city. Hardly surprising then that Bologna should be a favoured haunt of art-lovers and gourmets, with a local cuisine that is among the most celebrated in the world.
But the city is also famed for its science, academic life, and research. Alma Mater, the world's earliest university (1088) is still one of its most prestigious academic institutions: a city within the city, and a fundamental component of Bologna's identity for more than nine centuries.
Bologna in Europe...
Bursting with seemingly perpetual energy, Bologna today is among the world's most advanced industrial centres, acclaimed throughout the world for its cutting-edge production in a range of different sectors, with special merit in the area of packaging. A socio-economic complex populated by the small and medium-size enterprises that have been studied for so many years by experts from all over the world in an attempt to find the key to a highly successful and much imitated industrial system. There's no mistaking the driving forces that led to the creation of Bologna Fiere: a major exhibition centre that hosts a long list of events of the highest international standing.
...and Europe goes to Bologna
Bologna is also known as one of Italy's main road and rail hubs thanks to its strategic location at the centre of the main north-south lines of communication. And it's perfectly placed to reach several of Italy's most important cities fast: Milan (1 hour 45 minutes), Florence (45 minutes) and Venice (1 hour 40 minutes).
The G. Marconi international airport provides daily direct flights to many European cities and Mediterranean countries.
The show that just goes on and on
Bologna is a favoured all-year-round venue for concerts, theatre, and shows of all kinds: from the most exclusive programmes such as the operatic season of the Municipal Theatre, to the romantic open-air concerts held in the city's courtyards and cloisters through the summer months or the colourful country fairs in the surrounding towns and villages.
Also, visitors to the Bologna area can easily reach nearby historic treasures such as Ferrara and Ravenna, combined with delicious excursions to discover the wines and dishes of rural tradition in the Modena, Reggio or Romagna countryside, taking in the fine local craftsmanship at the same time. And those who are lucky enough to visit between June and September can tap into the sea, sunshine and famous movida nightlife of the Romagnola Riviera, enjoying the luxury offered by the top quality accommodation facilities on the coast.
Useful links
- Comune di Bologna:
- Museums:
- Libraries:
- Hotels:
- Taxi Cotabo:
- Cat:
- Restaurants:
- Alma Mater University:
- Thaetres:
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