QUEENB! IN BOLOGNA – ITALY
This beautiful ancient medieval city holds a very special place in my heart. Rich in history, art, music, architecture, museums and lifestyle.
Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna in the Northern region of Italy. History shows that the first settlements date back to at least one millennium BC. It has always been an important urban center – first, under the Etruscans and Celts, then again under the Romans. In the middle ages, Bologna became a municipality and during this time it was the fifth largest European city based on population.
In the 13th century, the city center boasted approximately 90 towers, built by the most prosperous and powerful families. Some of these remarkable towers are still standing today. The most famous in the heart of the city are the Due Torri, the Asinelli and the Garisenda. The center is also the site of other notable public edifices, churches and abbeys. Among these is the magnificent Basilica di Santo Stefano, a complex of seven churches built in stages around a Roman temple. Today, it is also known as the Sette Chiese (Seven Churches) and has an impressive medieval cloister. One of the most important historical facts today is that Bologna has the oldest University in Europe – founded in 1088. The university hosts thousands of students, both Italian and international, who enrich the social and cultural life of the city.
The lengthy porticos are another incredible feature of Bologna. These comprise over 45 kilometers of arcades, some 38 of which are in the city center. The visual is astounding! Bologna’s homogeneous mix of monuments and architectural examples contribute to its historic and artistic importance.
Bologna is also a hub for impressive trade fairs in Europe. It prides itself as an industrial importance, mechanically, electronically and nutritionally. Many companies in these industries have their headquarters on the periphery of Bologna, where important transportation networks of roads and trains in northern Italy lead on towards the rest of Europe.
If you do decide to visit this wonderful city, my suggestion would be the Palace Hotel, where you can enjoy the charm of a beautiful Palazzo. It is in walking distance to all the best shops, boutiques and restaurants. A stone’s throw away from the Palace Hotel is a great restaurant Da Nello Via Montegrappa and the Galleria Cavour for shopping you will find everything in fashion.
Italy certainly has a charm about it once you have experienced the love for the country, you will keep going back.
QueenB!……..Abuzzing off
Photos by Lodovico Pignatti Morano
Hotel Palace
Via Monte Grappa, 9/2
40121 Bologna
Italy
Tel: +39 051 23 70 71
