Bologna is rich in food history and culture that we're sure the city's name sounds familiar to you. Bolognese sauce? Bologna sausage? Yes, they all originated from Italy's 7th most populous city. Its rich history comes to no surprise as the first settlements date back to at least 1000 BC. It has withstood four periods from the Etruscan period and Celtic period to the Roman period and the Middle Ages. Learn more about Bologna through the Bologna Travel Guide and Offline Map.
1. All'Osteria Bottega
For foodies out there All'Osteria Bottega is the place to be while in Bologna. The owners themselves, Daniele and Valeria lavish attention on every table between trips to the kitchen. Enjoy plates of culatello di Zibello ham, tortellini in capon broth, Petroniana-style veal cutlets (breaded and fried, then topped with Parma ham and parmigiano reggiano and pan-sauteed in broth) and other Slow Food delights.
2. Torre degli Asinelli
The leaning towers are the city's main symbol. The taller tower, the Torre degli Asinelli is 97.2m-high and is open to the public. However, be prepared to climb up and down 498 steps. It was built by the Asinelli family between 1109 and 1119. The shorter tower, the Torre Garisenda is 47m-high and leans 3.2m off vertical. If you wish to climb up the shorter twin, you'll have to purchase tickets in advance from the official website as there are no tickets sold onsite.
3. Basilica di Santo Stefano
The Basilica di Santo Stefano is such an interesting religious site to visit. Its unique atmospheric structure is like a labyrinth filled with interlocking ecclesiastical structures. Its architecture dates back centuries of Bolognese history and incorporates Romanesque, Lombard and even ancient Roman elements.
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