Explore the Best Things to Do in Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Bologna is one of Italy’s most underrated cities, no joke! It’s got a crazy long history dating back to the renaissance period, loaded with culture, art, and amazing food. People from all over the world flock to this place for its majestic medieval towers, shady arcades, and charming piazzas. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, art-lover, or just plain curious, Bologna won’t let you down. So, here are my top picks for the absolute best things to do in Bologna. Enjoy!

Bologna’s history dates back to the Roman Empire, with the city being a key transportation hub for the region’s food supply. Its strategic location on the Via Aemilia, a major Roman road, made it a vital centre for the trade of pork products, including salami and prosciutto. These meats were preserved in salt and spices, allowing for long-distance transport. Bologna became a central part of Italy’s meat industry.

Fast forward to the Middle Ages and Bologna had established itself as one of Europe’s great university cities. The city’s vibrant student population played a vital role in Bologna’s food culture, leading to the development of a wide range of food and drink specialties. One of these was the Bologna sausage, made using a combination of pork, spices, and garlic. The first written reference to the sausage dates back to the 1300s, but it wasn’t until the 1500s that it began to be widely recognized outside of the city. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).