Bologna City Breaks

Bologna City Breaks - Awash with the days gone by
Discover a place steeped in history during a Bologna city break. The area was settled around three thousand years ago by a tribe called the Villanovese. They were conquered by the Etruscans, then by the Celts, then finally by the Romans, by which time the town was called Boronia. It was a thriving Roman colony for four hundred years, before being conquered in turn by waves of barbarian invaders, including the Visigoths, the Huns, the Ostrogoths, and the Lombards. During World War II, the city was a centre of resistance against the fascist rule of Mussolini and the Germans. Today, with prominent universities – one of the oldest in the world, ‘Alma Mater Studiorum’, founded in 1088 – and historical locations, Bologna is a thriving city break destination.

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Short Breaks In Bologna - Full of the past
Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, in the Pianura Padana, between the Po River and the Apennines. A weekend break here takes you on a journey: from the name and ruler changes over thousands of years, to the incredible architecture and cultural influences the city emanates across the globe. Bologna remains one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, despite having suffered considerable bombing damage in 1944, the city’s historic centre, the continent’s second largest after Venice, contains a wealth of important Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque artistic monuments. Enjoy a city break rich in culture and history.

Bologna City Breaks - Steeped in history, but forward-thinking
Today, surrounded by hills, Bologna’s city centre is much as it was in the Renaissance. The vista of red coloured buildings, covered walkways, and wide piazzas will be a prominent feature of a Bologna city break. Residents are affectionately known as a dotta (the learned) – because of the universities; la rossa (the red) – due to the ancient roofs; and a grassa (the fat)… due the amazing cuisine synonymous with the area. The twin squares of piazza Maggiore and piazza del Nettuno form the heart of the city and are home to a number of impressive palazzi (many of which now house designer boutiques). Despite the history, Bologna is one of the most developed cities in Italy and often ranks as one of the top cities related to quality of life in the country. See for yourself during a Bologna city break.