Bologna

Glowing a distinct terracotta red between the hillsides of Emilia-Romagna, the city of Bologna rarely fails to impress. For one thing, it is home to the oldest university in all of Europe, which has been churning out some of Italy’s most learned since way back in 1088. Secondly, it’s the birthplace of that much-loved Bolognese sauce, and is now hailed as the veritable culinary capital of the nation. And then there is that exquisite web of medieval architecture to consider; the dual towers of Asinelli and Garisenda; the sacred confines of the Santa Gerusalemme; the soaring domes of Santa Maria della Vita. And we haven’t even started on the museums and art galleries yet—go ahead and ask your Bologna tour guide for those! Indeed, so versatile is beautiful Bologna that it has something for virtually every type of traveller. People watchers can mingle with the crowds around the fountain of Neptune on Piazza Maggiore, and partiers can join the students in the Via Zamboni. Foodies can disappear to the trattorias; culture vultures amidst the theatres, and thrill-seekers to the majestic hiking trails of the Po Valley all around.