20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BOLOGNA

Bologna is one of the cities that we like most in northern Italy and that is often surprising. Small enough to be visited in a day or two, it radiates a plethoric personality, with a gastronomy that falls in love with the first bite, and with a lot of attractions not to get bored. There are also cheap flights that link it to the main Spanish cities. Don't talk anymore: you have to visit it! And today we are going to tell you 20 things to see and do in Bologna.

1. Did you know that Bologna had more than 180 towers? Today only about 20 remain, although there are two that have become the symbols of the city: Asinelli degli tower and the Garisenda. The best thing you can do is climb to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli (498 steps, € 5) to have a sensational overview of Bologna. Of course, if you suffer from vertigo get ready: measure about 97 meters. Uploading costs € 3.

2. Not too far from there, on Rizzoli street number 9, there is a legendary bar: the Roxy bar. The truth is that at first glance it has nothing special, but it is a place of worship for all Vasco Rossi fans, one of the most beloved singers by Italians (super recommended!). And is that the bar "appears" in one of his most famous songs: Vita Spericolata.

3. Another of the must-see places on a trip to Bologna is Piazza Maggiore. This is the religious and civil center of Bologna and here are the Palazzo Comunale, the Palazzo dei Bianchi, the Basilica di San Petronio (below we tell you more about it) and the Palazzo del Podestá.

4. Although the main protagonist of the square is the neptune fountain that hides a rather funny curiosity: Giambologna, the sculptor of the statue of Neptune, had the idea of ​​putting some genitals of a considerable size, but he collided with the resounding NO of the church. Pissed off he took the perfect revenge. If you look at the ground you will see a blacker stone than the others, from there there is a curious set of perspectives thanks to which, the great finger of Neptune seems to be his (censored).

5. The Basilica of San Petronio It is the fifth largest church in the world, especially impressive, its dome of about 45 meters. Although its facade is unfinished. Cast? The Basilica began to be built in 1390, but its initial project was halted by the Pope himself. With the passage of time (we speak of centuries) the works were advanced several times but the facade was never finished! Entering is free, but climbing onto the panoramic terrace costs € 3.

6. Learn the reason why Italians know Bologna as: the dotta, la rossa Y the gross (the cultured, the red and the fat):

• The cult It is because it is the headquarters of one of the oldest universities in Europe.
• The Red It is because of the color of the houses and the roofs (and some say that also because Bologna is a city of lefts).
• The fat woman It is for its gastronomy, aiiiins that you eat well in Bologna!

7. If you are looking for places to eat in Bologna, good and cheap, we recommend two: the Osteria dell'Orsa (where to try tagliatelle with ragout) and Bolpetta (ideal for meatball lovers). You also have to try a tortellini dish and a sandwich with mortadella (It is typical of Bologna).

8. And for dessert? Nothing better than ice cream in the Ice cream shop Galliera 49 (Although, the truth, finding a bad ice cream in Bologna is quite complicated).

9. The Basilica of Santo Stefano it is rather a set of churches called "Sette Chiese". It is formed by the Church of the Crucifico, the Basilica of the Sepulcher, the Church of San Vitale and San Agricola, the Patio de Pilato, the Medieval Cloister, the Martyrdom Church and the Museum of Santo Stefano. The entrance to the complex is a free donation.

10. Bologna is famous for its porch (arcades): they say that in total there are more than 40 km of them and that when it rains you can cross the entire city without getting wet even a hair! Take a tour of them and check out shops and stores.

11. By the way, this is where the longest porch in the world. He is the one that leaves from the Porta Saragozza and that arrives until the Sanctuary of the Virgin of San Luca. It measures about 4 km along which 15 small chapels can be seen and curiosity! 666 arches Yes, 666, as the number of the devil. The reason? Some say it is because of the zigzagging shape of the arcade (the snake is a symbol of the devil).

12. If you like libraries we recommend you visit the Salaborsa Library, which is located in the Palacio d'Accursio.

13. Although if you prefer works of art to books, it will be worth approaching the MAMBO, a museum of modern and contemporary art very interesting. Admission is € 5.

14. Another recommended art museum is the Nazionale art gallery, which has some of the best examples of Italian art between the 13th and 19th centuries and works by Raffaello, Tintoretto and Vasari (among others). Enter is worth € 6.

15. Few tourists come to them, but you know that in Bologna there are channels! It is obvious that it is not up to Venice, but it has quite a lot of charm. To enjoy them it is best to approach Via Piella, where you can appreciate the beautifulCanale delle Moline.

16. An ideal place to see the sunset is the complex of San Michele in Bosco, thanks to its privileged situation on a hill. There is a church and an old monastery there. If you do not have a car you can get on the bus number 30 comfortably. Free.

17. In Bologna you can also see the ancient Jewish ghetto, which is in the center. It is formed by labyrinthine streets, corners full of charm and the odd point (there is a street called "hell street").

18. Visit the Mercato delle Erbe (herb market) if you want to buy fruit, vegetables, cheeses or chop something between meals at their street food stalls.

19. If you have several days of time, you can base in Bologna and visit nearby cities like Verona, Padua, or even Venice.

20. Another good excursion, if you have a car, is to explore the area of ​​the Bologna hills, dotted with small picturesque villages and very beautiful panoramic. Do not miss the borgos of Monteveglio, Monte San Pietro, Savigno and a visit to some winery and gastronomic markets in the area.

You see that Bologna hides lots of lovely places and possibilities that you probably didn't even know. These are some of the main things to see and do in Bologna, we hope you tell us your favorites!

* Photocredit: Shutterstock