Bologna, Italy
Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna and a university city, with Piazza Maggiore at its center. These pages answer general questions about the city, its nicknames and how it compares with other places in Italy.
- What is Bologna most famous for?
Food first: tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini and mortadella. Then 62 km of UNESCO-listed porticoes, a university dated to 1088, its towers and Motor Valley.
- What do Italians call Bologna?
Just Bologna, said bo-LOHN-ya. Italians also know the city by three nicknames, la dotta, la grassa and la rossa: the learned, the fat and the red.
- Why is Bologna called the red city?
Two reasons: the red brick and terracotta of its old center, and the left-wing mayors who ran Bologna without a break from 21 April 1945 to 1999.
- Which is nicer, Bologna or Florence?
Florence for Renaissance art, Bologna for food and smaller crowds: 4.1 million overnight stays against Florence's 9.2 million. Fast trains link them in 37 minutes.
- Who are the patron saints of Bologna?
San Petronio is the patron, feast day 4 October. He shares the role of protector with Procolo, Domenico and Francesco, alongside the Madonna di San Luca.
- Where did Stanley Tucci go in Bologna?
The Quadrilatero market behind Piazza Maggiore, where he ate mortadella from Salumeria Simoni. Most of the episode was filmed outside the city.
- Is Bologna worth visiting?
Yes, for the food and a flat, walkable center where many sights are free. One full day covers the core, two add San Luca. Plus who should skip it and why.