Bologna is a city like no other, undoubtedly amongst the most beautiful in Italy. The origins of Bologna date back to the 10th century BC (exhibits in the Civic Museum) and in the 6th century in its role as capital of Etruscan civilization, it was already a prosperous cultural and trading center. Even in this period the city discovered its vocation for international relations. The historic centre of the city, the biggest in Italy after Venice, is the focus of a project dedicated to the restoration of Bologna's porticoes and facades. The centre of Bologna is a rare collection of styles that are elaborated around certain ancient architectural traditions: terracotta that covers the whole city with atmospheric tones, porticoes, towers, and aristocratic palaces.

The geometry of the city is simple: the plan of the historic city is delimited by the tree-lined avenues which make up the ring road, and which coincide with the perimeter of the city walls, which were completed in the l4th century. At the centre of this large polygon, there is the hub of the city: Piazza Maggiore. The 13th century square, enclosed by the prestigious seats of the old city authorities: the focal point of city life. However, the symbols of Bologna are the fountain of Neptune, a bronze sculpture executed by Giambologna in 1564, the two towers, the Garisenda and the Asinelli towers, built in the middle ages as a sign of prosperity and power and the porticoes which are the hallmark of Bologna. The city is lined with more than 26 miles of them. Porticoes are monuments to walk under, to chat under, and to enjoy. They are the historical expression of a city conceived as a place to meet others, to be lived in the open air. Bologna is famous in the world above all for its University, the oldest in the western world. It was founded in the eleventh century (1088). Therefore, Bologna has always been a city of scholars, earning the nickname of the "learned". Today the University is the focal point of an extremely active cultural life, where the most prestigious intellectuals meet and discuss.

Bologna, proud of its historic and artistic heritage, can boast of being a dynamic commercial city as well. The city is equipped with a modern and functional Exhibition Centre, built using leading-edge technologies and located north of the historic centre, in the business quarter, called the Fiera District. The architect Kenzo Tange conceived it. This vast complex of more than 300.000 sq. m. offers up-to date and sophisticated services. Adjacent to the Exhibition Centre, the convention centre is a modern, functional structure boasting a high standard of expertise and advanced technological facilities. Perfectly equipped for meetings, seminars, conventions of cultural or professional character, it is operational all year round, including the fair period.

Bologna also presents many shopping opportunities. The customary Bolognese shopping tours include the central streets such as Via Indipendenza, Via Ugo Bassi, Via Rizzoli, Via Farini, Via Santo Stefano, Via Massimo D'Azeglio and the Pavaglione. Bologna also adores fashion and therefore the clothes shops are very well kept. Some fashion brands famous in the world are made in Bologna, such as Bruno Magli and Alessandro Testoni (shoes), la Peria (lingerie). The focal point of the city in this respect is Galleria Cavour, where the most important Italian and foreign fashion designers exhibit their collections.

Standing out among Bologna's strength is a refined culinary tradition. The art of cooking asserts itself as a real cultural legacy whose origins go all the way back to the Roman epoch. If Emilia-Romagna is a gastronomically kingdom, then Bologna is clearly king. Virtuoso of delicatessen meats, expert of pasta dishes (from tortellini to lasagna and tagliatelle), and this city is the home of good food. It is very tempting to establish parallels between the Bolognese character and the great wealth of Bologna's colorful dishes and its wine. Bologna, with its modern face grafted onto its history will be the Italian City of Europe.