Bologna Italy In A Day! 8 Must See Attractions

Published On : 03 Sep 2024

Called “La Grassa” (the fat one) because it offers a wide variety of delicious food, Bologna is the administrative and the most populous city of the Emilia-Romagna district in the north of Italy. Bologna is a colorful city famous for its red-brown buildings, long covered walkways, and active student life, which can offer a tasty meal, interesting architecture, and stunning stories, as well as the true Italian spirit within a day’s visit. Below are the suggested 8 places that should not be overlooked by anyone visiting this charming city in a day!

1. Piazza Maggiore and the Fountain of Neptune.

The magnificent Piazza Maggiore is that symbol of Bologna’s antique character and is the ideal starting point. The Piazza is enclosed by majestic Gothic palaces dating back to the Middle Ages and the Basilica of San Petronio and has a social feeling as it has been used for markets, protestations, musical performances, and the conventional tempo of the Italian community. The most famous fountain, Fontana di Nettuno represents the Neptune god with the sirens and cherubs. I learned that one must relax like a true Italian by having a cup of cappuccino at any café around the piazza!

2. Basilica di San Petronio

On one side of Piazza Maggiore is the massive Gothic Basilica di San Petronio, Bologna’s largest church. Inside you can see high vaults, stained glass, which is illuminating half-built construction, and the largest sundial in the world, covering a nave length of 66,8 meters. There is an entrance fee to pay for the tower but for a mere €3, you get the chance to go up to the terrace that offers breathtaking views of Bologna as far as the eye can see, with the red terracotta roofs stretching as far and wide as the sea.

3. Quadrilatero Food Market Area

Thus, if you were planning to visit “la grassa” the home of this tasteful cuisine, then I must tell you: “You won’t regret it”. The Quadrilatero district located to the northeast of Piazza Maggiore is one of the most vibrant districts in the city blanketed with delicious offerings. Stroll through novelty food alleys filled with cheeses, smoked meat, pasta, olive oils, wine, chocolates, and other related things. In Parma, there are some traditional dishes that you should taste: mortadella – a local pork cold cut specialty, parmesan, balsamic vinegar, and homemade tortellini.

4. Two Towers

Bologna was home to as many as 180 two towers known as Due Torri with the famous structures being the last ones still standing. The only few that are standing today are of immense historical significance and the most popular ones are the Torre degli Asinelli and Garisenda towers located at Via Zamboni. Ascend the Torre Degli Asinelli, for some 500 steps and enjoy the splendid view of the city. Or enjoy the tilt of Torre Garisenda from the ground though it is much less prominent as it encouraged Florence’s Galileo Galilei to do his gravity experiments!

5. Sanctuary of the Madonna Di San Luca.

Walk on the longest covered portico in the world as pilgrims have been doing in the past to get to this beautiful Basilica that lies 3 km away from the city center. The church of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca contains an enchanting Italian Byzantine-style icon of the Madonna and Child over the altar. But the real reward is leaving the noise and the speed of the city below for the feeble enchantment of Bologna and the countryside that makes you wish to put a pause even if it lasts only an hour.

6. La sorbetteria Castiglione: Gelato Break

I tell you that a vacation in Italy cannot be complete without stopping by for a gelato. Located near the heart of Bologna, specifically at Via Castiglione n. 69/A, La Sorbetteria Castiglione offers what many people say is the “best gelato in the world”. Cones: Their artisanal gelato, which is creamy, is made daily from local and seasonal produce. For the pistachio one may expect rose meringue and for the stracciatella – Masala chai or gorgonzola cheesecake. You want to make sure you get your cone – it is so delicious!

7. Which experience was the most distinctive – dining at a traditional Osteria

Traditional restaurants in Bologna are osterias that offer freshly cooked homestyle food from the Emilia-Romagna region in simple, relaxed tavern-style eating places that may be family-run. Another must-visit restaurant is Osteria dell’Orsa, a typical trattoria that has been a landmark of the city since 1976 offering fresh and tasty dishes at reasonable prices focusing on the local dishes. That’s why twirled ribbons of fresh tagliatelle pasta served with a hearty Bolognese ragu isn’t just a dish; it’s a meal essential. Or they may try their heavenly lasagna, made with parmesan béchamel and ragù, which is to melt in everyone’s mouth. No matter where you choose to eat, take your time – Italians do not consider it just another meal but more like an occasion to spend quality time with friends and family while enjoying delicious dishes.

8. Handmade Pasta Making Class

La Vecchia Scuola Bolognese is where you can immerse yourself in the world of cooking Bolognese pasta during hands-on cooking classes. Located in a palazzo home and operated by three sisters, the cooking school provides half-day and whole-day classes focused on pasta making. Master handling the dough at a basic level, through hand mixing and kneading the dough, and forming some of the egg pasta varieties such as tagliatelle or tortellini. Take your creations home and let your dinner guests be wowed by pasta made by REAL online! Advanced booking only.

Rich in culinary culture, home to a wealth of medieval architecture, and of course, the warm people of Italy all deserve more than just the typical day trip to Bologna. However, if you are short of time and can manage a single day, the following is the list of the most interesting and mouthwatering sights that will give you a glimpse of the country’s “la grassa” and make you crave more!

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