I’m originally from Bologna, Italy, which is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna Region. Bologna is the largest city in Emilia-Romagna and the seventh largest city in Italy. It has a population of around one million people. It is a very old city that was founded by the Etruscans and later used by the Romans.
The city center is well preserved. The most famous monuments are two towers named Asinelli (little donkeys) and Garisenda, a leaning tower. From the top of the Asinelli tower, one can see the characteristic terra-cotta tegole (shingles) covering the roof of most central buildings. Hence the first appellative for Bologna: La Rossa (The Red).
Bologna hosts the oldest continually operating university in Europe (founded in 1088 AD) and the second oldest in the world, behind the Al-Karaouine in Morocco, which has been operating since 859 AD and began its life as a mosque. Hence the second appellative for Bologna: La Dotta (The Knowledgeable).
Last but not least, Bologna is the gastronomic capital of Italy. (I’m a little biased, but I would also call it the gastronomic capital of the world, most likely competing with Lyon, France.) Bologna is the birth city of Tortellini, Green Lasagna, Tagliatelle, Mortadella, and the world-famous Bolognese meat sauce. (I had better stop listing delicious food, or I’ll break my Paleo diet early this week). Hence the third appellative for Bologna: La Grassa (The Fat).
Bologna is a great town for shopping, which you can do rain or shine thanks to the maze of Porticoes. (Please see last image below.) Many famous fashion companies have started here, including Bruno Magli, shoes (1936) La Perla, lingerie (1954) Furla, pocketbooks and accessories (1927) and Max Mara clothes (1927 from nearby Reggio Emilia).
I immigrated to the United States when I was 25 to continue my medical education, and I later met my husband here. Nevertheless, Bologna is still very much in my blood and I visit my relatives in Bologna regularly. I hope you’ll stop by Bologna and enjoy some great food, shopping, and people.
Photos provided courtesy of Steven Lansman, MD.
