Bologna itself is so beautiful that it is difficult to imagine it even in any decorations. The handsome city, founded by the Etruscans in 5 centuries BC, still keeps the unsolved secrets of the ancient civilization. The walls of the houses are mostly in orange tones, which makes the city seem drenched in the sun in any weather. But still, at Christmas, Bologna becomes even more beautiful: myriads of lights sparkle on its two famous falling towers, and mysteriously twinkle in countless arcades and narrow streets. Bologna's main square, Piazza Maggiore, hosts Christmas markets. Many tents and stalls are hung with colorful angels, and on the counters there are fantastic constructions made of chocolate and all kinds of sweets. In houses, churches and squares, nativity scenes are installed - sculptural scenes on the theme of the birth of Christ. The oldest of them dates back to 1560.
All Christmas days in the city there is a merry bustle. But on the last day of Advent, everything calms down, cafes, shops and small private restaurants close. Christmas in Italy is a family holiday and is celebrated at home with the family.
But on New Year's Eve, everyone pours out onto the streets of the city. A large fire is made in the central square and a "diver" is burned in it - a frightening-looking doll. And together with the "diver" all the problems and troubles of the outgoing year burn in flames.
Culinary capital
Bologna is called the culinary capital of Italy. Many famous cheeses, sauces, sausages, pies, pastries were invented here. And all this can be bought in all shops, of which there are a great many on every street. And in restaurants, cafes, pastry shops, you will be offered the most delicious culinary delights of this region.
This city still retains the cinematic atmosphere of the 60s of the twentieth century. Italian film classics, Fellini, Antonioni shot their films here. Since then, little has changed in the architecture of Bologna. You can find streets, shops, hairdressers, remembered from those films, and sit in the same cafes.
The university
If you go from the two inclined towers along Via Zamboni, you can go to the oldest in Europe and one of the oldest in the world, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. Bologna is a city of students, they come here from all over the world. After all, it is a great honor to study at the University of Bologna. Many great people graduated from it or worked in it.
sights
It is difficult to list all the interesting places in Bologna. In addition to the Piazza Maggiore already seen on the square, it is worth seeing:
- Basilica of San Domenico
- Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi
- Medieval museum
- Archaeological Museum
- Botanical Gardens of Bologna
Bologna is an amazing medieval city, full of fun and the spirit of student freemen, with delicious Bolognese cuisine in restaurants large and small, with sparkling Italian wine in their cellars.
