Royal Hotel Carlton

Bologna is the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. It is the seventh most populous city in Italy, with 391,473 inhabitants from 150 different nationalities. Its metropolitan province is home to more than 1 million people as of 2026. Bologna is most famous for being the home to the oldest university in continuous operation, the University of Bologna, established in AD 1088.

As you wander the streets of Bologna, you will be greeted with stunning medieval architecture, such as the Two Towers, a symbol of the city, and the Basilica di San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world. You can also explore the historic university district, which is the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 11th century. Here, you can visit the Archiginnasio, the oldest university building in the city, which houses the Anatomical Theatre, one of the most fascinating attractions in Bologna.

But it's not just the history and architecture that make Bologna a must-visit destination. The city is also renowned for its food scene. Home to some of the most delicious Italian cuisine, Bologna is the birthplace of iconic dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne alla bolognese, and tortellini. You can indulge in these traditional dishes at local restaurants or visit the Quadrilatero, the city's vibrant food market, where you can sample fresh produce and local delicacies.