SHORT DESCRIPTION OF BOLOGNA

Bologna (capital of the Emilia Romagna region), is one of the most important cities in Italy from the cultural, artistic and scientific points of view. Its University was founded in 1088 and has always been a leading educational institution in the country. It also gave the city its most famous nickname: “La Dotta” (“the well-read”).

Bologna was selected as one of the nine ‘European Capitals of culture’ for the year 2000 and the designation has enriched its cultural side with several important international events, including the transformation of the so-called “Ex Sala Borsa” (Former Stock Exchange) into Italy’s largest multimedia library.

The most striking part of the city is its wide Medieval centre, where 40 kilometres of arcades give visitors the opportunity to go for a relaxing walk among the city’s red brick buildings (another famous distinctive feature) in all weather conditions.

The Two Towers, the real symbol of the city, are the last fascinating proof of the almost two hundred house-towers dominating here in the Middle Ages.

Besides preserving a rich historic tradition in its palaces, squares, museums, churches and gardens, the city is also alive both by day and by night - there are numerous typical pubs, theatres, open-air markets and food shops displaying the local specialities that make Bologna a capital of good eating, recognised world-wide.

Moreover, its efficient trade fair district makes Bologna one of the most important business cities in Northern Italy. It is the main road and rail junction of the whole country and its international fast-growing airport is connected to various world capitals.

Bologna offers a wide range of tourist facilities, modern accommodation services and historical sites to organise events. The short distance from other Italian artistic cities and from the Adriatic coast makes it ideal for thematic breaks and incentive programmes.

The main events organised in Bologna refer to cinema (Festival of New Technologies in Animation Cinema, Film Festival), music (classical, jazz and contemporary music concerts, choral groups concerts, opera and ballet, etc., all taking place in beautiful theatres and arenas), culture (exhibitions and fairs), sports (walking races and a yearly marathon). There are also important events linked to one of the traditional economic activities in the area: the motorcycle industry, such as historical cars and motorcycles races and exhibitions.

Bologna’s trade fair district is also very lively and hosts some of the most important exhibitions world-wide, also referring to the main productive activities in Emilia Romagna. SAIE (interior architecture and building technologies), COSMOPROF-COSMOPACK (perfumery and cosmetics), LINEAPELLE (leather, textiles, fashion and footwear), COSMOFARMA (products and services for health, wellness and beauty), CERSAIE (ceramics for the building industry and interior furnishings) and MOTORSHOW (cars and motorcycles) are just a few examples.