|
|
|
Bologna historyBologna is the regional capital of Emilia Romagna, and a compulsory point of passage between the North and South of the Peninsula. An Etruscan and then Gallic settlement, it was first a colony and then a Roman Municipality. During the Middle Ages Bologna proclaimed itself a Free Common and reached the top of its power in 1249 with the victory of the Fossalta battle where King Enzo, son of the Emperor Frederic II, was made prisoner. Within its walls, the first University of the world saw the light in the XI century. Seigniories followed one another until the town in the XVI century fell once and for all under the influence of the Papal State while at the same time maintaining its own ancient magistracies, first of all the senate, and its own ambassador in Rome. In the charming historical center, among the best preserved in the world, many ancient palaces and churches stand and witness the cultural relevance that Bologna has had in the course of the centuries. A most modern Fair District, an efficient Congress Palace, up-to-date welcome structures crown a rich group of industrial companies of primary importance in the mechanical sector and in the field of agricultural and food processing, etc. Just taking a walk along the nearly 40 kilometers of porticoes that decorate Bologna's streets allows to catch aspects of a life full of moods, to follow shopping itineraries in glamorous boutiques or in large and small street markets, also for food, to know a many-sided reality, culturally and economically at home in XXI century Europe. Courtesy of IAT Bologna Tourist Office
|
