Bologna is one of Italy's most interesting and active cities. It has managed to preserve one of the country's most charismatic historical city centers, while at the same time embracing the arts, technology and remaining politically progressive.
Bologna 2000 was one of the Jubilee year's most successful initiatives and the city was also European City of Culture. Bologna is also the home of Umberto Eco.
One way to appreciate the city is to climb one or both of the famous towers; the Garisenda and Asinelli built in the 13th century.
From the top, the layout of the historical center of Bologna is clearly visible. It is formed of a series of ever increasing concentric rings heading towards the then countryside.
Why such an urban plan? Well, it simply offered the quickest routes for anyone wanting to get to the centre of Bologna from outside, in any direction. This is the essence of Bologna.
The growth of the medieval heart represented the slow collapse of feudal society of the time and the changing relationship between the town and the countryside.
As the middle class grew, so the founding of Europe's first university followed, a further influx of people and greater riches.
Eventually, Bologna became a city of towers with each inhabited by the city's aristocracy.
Virtual visit of Bologna
www.comune.bologna.it/girabologna
See also Parma
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