Our Culture
Bologna produces some of the finest pasta delicacies in all of Italy and definitely is one of the cities that dominate the food scene.
Among Bologna’s traditional dishes are the famous (and often poorly imitated) ragù sauce (known as ‘bolognaise’) and Mortadella, a finely ground pork sausage studded with cubes of tender pork fat. And almost every type of taglieri (charcuterie platters), enriched with salumi and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Bologna gave the world the famous tagliatelle al ragù (incorrectly known and prepared in other Countries as ‘spaghetti bolognaise’), tortellini in brodo (pork-stuffed pasta in broth), tortelloni burro e salvia (ricotta-stuffed pasta with butter and sage), lasagne and mortadella sausage.
The city’s gourmet delis and food markets have also been praised by numerous chefs.
The History of Bologna
There are several landmarks that are distinctive of this beautiful city.
THE UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA
The University of Bologna is the oldest and most famous in Europe, dating from the 11th century and attaining its greatest renown in the 12th–13th centuries. The University is still today a meeting point for culture and cultures. The old town with arcades stretching over more than 40 kilometres is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the Old World.
PORTICOS
One of the things that strike the most about Bologna is the high number of porticos that extend from almost every building. These attractive arches were originally built from wood in the late Middle Ages to create extra living space and now have the advantage of offering protection from the rain and sun as you walk around the city.
Bologna is home to the longest portico in the world at nearly 4km. It starts just outside the city walls and extends up the hill to Santuario della Madonna di San Luca.
THE QUADRILATERO
The Quadrilatero is one of the most atmospheric areas of the city. This cluster of narrow streets off the main square has been Bologna’s market since the Middle Ages and is still full of delis and stalls selling giant wheels of parmesan, legs of ham, and pristine piles of fruit and vegetables.