Bologna is rightly called the student capital of Italy. Here is the oldest university in Europe: the University of Bologna, in which Petrarch, Dante and Copernicus studied at one time, was founded in 1088. In 2000, Bologna was recognized as the European capital of culture, and in 2006 was recognized by UNESCO as a creative city of music.

In addition to the rich university life, Bologna is known for its towers and long arcades. The local historical center is well preserved and is considered one of the largest in Italy, thanks to the policy to preserve and restore the city, which began in the 60s of the XX century.

Bologna has many alternative nicknames, among the most popular: "Scientist", "Red" (for a large number of medieval red houses), "Fat" (for an appetizing and rich cuisine).