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THINGS TO DO IN BOLOGNA |
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The Hotel
University is in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe
- Bologna.
Located at a vital crossroads in Emilia-Romagna in northern
Italy, Bologna has been one of the most important cities in
Europe for over a thousand years. It boasts the very first
university in Europe, a fact that long ago earned it the moniker
La Dotta, or ‘The Learned City’. Visitors
come to marvel at its famous red buildings, the Two Towers
and many churches.
The beautiful porticoes that line the streets ensure shade
from the hot Italian sun, and the gastronomic capital of Italy
proves itself a wonderful place to dine out in when night
comes and the city’s restaurants fill with cultured
diners.
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MAIN ATTRACTIONS |
With the exception of Venice, Bologna offers the visitor
some of the most important historical monuments in any European
city. Famous for its Two Towers, Bologna once had over a hundred
such buildings, probably used for defensive purposes and built
by the prominent families of the time. The Famous Asinelli
and Garisenda Towers that dominate the central skyline date
from the early 12th century, and are a phenomenal sight to
behold. The Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by palazzo was created
around 1200 and must be one of the finest squares in Europe.
Common to every historic Italian city is a great number of
churches, and Bologna is no exception. The Basilica of San
Petronio is huge, and the cathedral of San Pietro is beautiful,
a real sanctuary from the busy Bolognese streets. |
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CULTURE |
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The University
was a vital part of the intellectual life in the middle ages,
and Bologna remains very much a university town. The hotel
is perfectly located for any scholars looking for a place
to stay for academic conferences near the university Bologna.
The city retains a youthful air during the university year,
and the seat of learning became famous as a bastion of the
post-war Left, adding extra meaning to one of Bologna’s
nicknames, La Rossa. Former members of the university
include Dante, Copernicus and Marconi. Bologna is also a UNESCO
City of Music, an accolade justified by the many wonderful
concert and operas available to take in.
The reception also provides internet access and telephone,
fax and copying services. Staff will be pleased to assist
you with any travel arrangements or excursions you would like
to make, and also to ensure you are familiar with your surroundings
by providing a city guide and any further suggestions for
shopping and eating.
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SHOPPING |
The University Hotel is a perfect base for the keen shopper
in Bologna. As you would expect from a city known as La
Dotta, there are many bookshops, galleries and antique
shops. The food markets are handsomely stocked with the area’s
famous foodstuffs and wines., and Italy’s famous fashion
houses and designers have stores in the Via Farini and Galleria
Cavour arcade. Usual shopping hours are 9.30 to 13.00 and
1500 to 2000. |
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SURROUNDINGS |
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If you
feel the need to leave Bologna to explore the beautiful countryside
of Emilia-Romagna, there is ample opportunity to do so. Wine
connoisseurs will appreciate a wine tour
in the Apennine Hills, and nearby Ravenna
is similarly beautiful. The surrounding coastline is also
perfect for any sun worshippers.
Remember, staff at the University Hotel are pleased to help
with any further information to help you enjoy your stay in
Bologna. In addition, visit our Useful
Links page to obtain other information.
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RESTAURANTS |
The region of Emilia Romagna is renowned for its cuisine,
including the famous Bolognese sauce, Parma hams, parmesan
cheese, handmade pasta, sausage and balsamic vinegar, all
vital components to the national diet. Understandably, as
its capital, the city of Bologna boasts many restaurants that
excel in catering, using these local ingredients to satisfy
the discerning palate. |
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