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Bologna district guide
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 Bologna?s
fame is closely linked to the reputation and prestige of the
Alma Mater Studiorum. Renowned throughout Europe, the
University of Bologna has always attracted students from all
over the world. Bologna is not a city which attracts mass
tourism, but instead it welcomes curious and attentive
visitors.Bologna is a city with turrets and porticos which stretch
out for kilometres, but it is not ostentatious. Often, the
city?s most valuable treasures can be found tucked away in
magnificent Renaissance palaces, in churches which have been
deconsecrated and restored, beneath gateways or inside
courtyards.
The city attracts a considerable amount of visitors each
year to a variety of exhibitions. It offers an excellent
infrastructure and quality services, which facilitate
visitor?s stays and help render them as pleasant and
enjoyable as possible.
The
historic city centre ? which is separated from the rest of
the city by ancient walls - the Porte and a ring-road ? is
still reminiscent of an ancient Roman castrum
(fortification), with its network of roads, intersected by
both major and minor decumani (Roman roads).
Inhabited by both locals and students, this area represents
the focal point of the city?s cultural, economica and
social life.
The political and religious heart of the city can be found
on the Medieval Piazza Maggiore, which can be accessed via
the symbolic Piazza del Nettuno on which stands a statue of
the Roman god Neptune. The piazza - a popular spot for daily
walks ? is living proof of the city?s glorious history.
It is dominated by the incomplete fa?de of the Basilica di
San Petronio as well as numerous other elegant Medieval
buildings. Even today, it evokes memories of a bygone era
when Bacchanalian parties and public feast days were held
here.
Another area which has retained its original sturcture is
the Ghetto Ebraico (or Jewish Ghetto). This fascinating
district is characterised by its narrow, labyrinthine
streets and craftsmen?s workshops.
Beyond the city walls, the rest of the city looks different.
This is a result of the urban development which took place
after the Second World War. The reconsturctions which took
place after the bombings radically altered the appearance of
the city, particularly in the area around the train station.
One of the plans which were set in motion for this urban
renewal was the widening of the Vie Ugo Bassi, Rizzoli and
Indipendenza, to enable them to accommodate more shops and
businesses in the name of commercialisation.
Bologna is divided up into districts, the names of which are
taken from those of the gateways in the ancient city walls.
Much of Bologna?s charm is derived from its beautiful
gardens which are dotted throughout the built-up urban
areas. These render the areas an altogether more pleasant
place to live.
The exhibitions district is relatively modern. It is
characterised by the extremely modern Kenzo Tange Towers,
and was perhaps originally contructed with the aim of
glorifying Bologna?s historic Due Torri (Two
Towers). The district is also home to the Galleria Comunale
d?Arte Moderna (Municipal Gallery of Modern Art), which is
housed in a building designed by Leone Pancaldi. This
building is linked to the Palazzo dei Congressi which
was conceived by Melchiorre Bega.
Another typical feaature of Bologna is its hills. Here, you
can take long walks and visit ancient villas, convents and
sanctuaries. The unmistakeable Sanctuary of the Blessed
Virgin of San Luca stands on the della Guardia hills. From
the top, it is possible to take in a magnificent panoramic
view of the plains.
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