Bologna
Bleis Hotel Bologna

Things to do in Bologna

Bologna known as "la Dotta, la Grassa, la Rossa” (the Learned, the Fat and the Red one). Start with Piazza Maggiore, the throbbing heart of the city, surrounded by historical buildings such as Palazzo del Podestà and Basilica di San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world.

The two towers, Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda, are iconic symbols of Bologna; climb Torre degli Asinelli for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

The Archiginnasio, an ancient university building, houses one of the most important libraries in Italy, and the famous Teatro Anatomico, where anatomy lessons were held. The Basilica of Santo Stefano, also known as the Sette Chiese (Seven Churches), is a unique religious site, ideal for a spiritual and historical tour. The Mercato di Mezzo is the perfect place for sampling local food. Here you can find many stalls offering fresh products and traditional dishes.

Recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bologna's porticoes stretch for kilometres through the city. A stroll under the famous porticoes is not to be missed!

Finally, Via dell'Indipendenza, one of the main roads in Bologna. The perfect place to indulge in shopping and immerse yourself in the city’s lively atmosphere. End your day at Bologna's largest park: Giardini Margherita, the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some nature, a stone's throw away from the city centre.

Bologna City of Business

The city of Bologna is renowned not only for its rich history and culture, but also for being an important centre for business and industry. The city boasts a strategic location in the heart of Italy, easily accessible through excellent transport links.

The capital of Emilia Romagna is home to numerous exhibitions and events of international relevance, including CERSAIE and Cosmoprof. These events attract professionals from all over the world, making Bologna a privileged meeting point for business exchanges and networking.

Bologna's economy is particularly vibrant in the industrial automation, advanced mechanical engineering and automotive sectors. Internationally renowned companies such as Ducati, Lamborghini and Maserati have chosen Bologna as their base of operations, making the city a hub of technological and industrial innovation.

Bologna also hosts numerous R&D centres, which work closely with the University of Bologna, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. This close relationship between academia and business fosters the emergence of innovative start-ups and cutting-edge research projects.