It was way back in 1088 when Bologna opened its university, becoming the first place to use the word “universitas” for the institution of learning that housed both pupils and masters.This is now the oldest academic establishment in the world, giving rise to one of the city’s nicknames. La Dotta (the educated) is one of a trio used to describe the Emilia Romagnan capital, along with La Rossa (the red) to describe the red roofs, and La Grassa (the fat) to describe its love for food.
As a tourist, you are most likely to become more closely acquainted with the last of this trio, a brief walk down the narrow streets that link into the main Piazza Maggiore leaving you in no doubt of what this place is so famous for. But let’s face it, whilst cultural appreciation is a major bonus point of a trip to Italy, football is the main reason to venture over to the peninsula.
Bologna FC play their home games at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, built in 1927. Back in the 1990 World Cup, the stadium played host to England versus Belgium, famous for David Platt’s last minute goal in extra time. Tickets are readily available online in advance or from official ticket vendors (usually located in tobacco shops around the city). Don’t forget that a passport is essential for gaining entry to Italian stadiums, so be sure to take this along with your ticket on matchday.
Whilst the Rossoblu are not one of the elite sides in Serie A, a matchday experience will provide no less in terms of entertainment and atmosphere. On occasion Ultras in the Curva Bulgarelli are known to let off fireworks, creating stunning displays usually in big games such as those against Juventus.
A weekend trip is easily accessible, with flights from the budget airlines starting from just £25 each way to the city’s Guglielmo Marconi airport. With a huge train station just a €6 bus ride or €16 taxi fare from the airport, it is not just Bologna FC that is accessible from here. This region is packed with teams, Parma, SPAL, Carpi, Sassuolo and Cesena just a few that are within easy reach of Emilia Romagna.
Indeed, Bologna is on the high-speed Frecciarossa train line that connects with Florence, Rome and Naples heading south, and Reggio Emilia, Milan and Turin heading North, giving the Serie A tourist a huge list of potential stadiums to visit.
But back to the city itself. Hostelworld.com always provides a good list of reasonably priced and comfortable places to stay, Il Cortile del Nespo recommended in particular. Perfectly placed for sightseeing and transport links, placed just 10 minutes walk away from Piazza Maggiore, this B&B offers room rates of €65 for a double room and €55 for a single.
In terms of places to eat and drink, you can’t really go wrong in Italy’s food capital. There is just one word of warning here. Locals will be offended if you order “Spaghetti Bolognese.” This dish does not exist as such, and is only ever asked for by tourists. The sauce you are thinking of is called Ragù and is generally served with tagliatelle.
Local resident Michelangelo Gamberini recommends Via Clavature which is full of bars for a quick lunch or aperitivo. There you will find Mercato di Mezzo, where you can take advantage of different stalls selling local food and drink, so that you can sit with a group and all enjoy something bought from a different place.
In order to experience typical Bolognese cuisine, Michelangelo offers La Santa and La Traviata on via Urbana, Cesari on via de' Carbonesi or Trebbi on Via Solferino, whilst you can find good pizza at Regina Margherita (via Santo Stefano) and Regina Sofia (Via clavature) or La Mela on Via de' Fusari.
So, with a quick weekend trip definitely cheaper than two nights away in the UK and potentially costing less than a day out watching a Premier League side, the question is what are you waiting for?
