General info
The importance of Bologna in Italy and in Europe, considered from the cultural, industrial, trade, social, political, and economic points of view is much greater than suggested by its demographic data: there are about 500,000 inhabitants in the city, including over 100,000 students of the ancient and renowned University of Bologna, founded in the 11th century. The cityscape is enriched by elegant and extensive arcades for which the city is famous.
- City of Bologna: http://www.comune.bologna.it/
Main Sights
Until the late 19th century, when a large-scale urban reconstruction project was undertaken, Bologna remained one of the best-preserved Medieval cities in Europe; to this day it remains unique in its historic value. Bologna's historic centre, Europe's second largest (after Venice), contains a wealth of important Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque artistic monuments.
Bologna is home to numerous important churches: the basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the World, San Pietro Cathedral, Santo Stefano basilica and sanctuary, San Domenico basilica and sanctuary, San Francesco basilica, Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
- GAM Bologna: http://www.galleriadartemoderna.bo.it/
- Archiginnasio: http://www.archiginnasio.it/
Transports
Bologna is a very important railway and motorway hub in Italy and has an internationa airport, the Guglielmo Marconi.
- Public transport: http://www.atc.bo.it/
- Airport G.Marconi: http://www.bologna-airport.it/
- Taxi Bologna: http://www.cotabo.it/
- Shuttle Bologna: http://www.cosepuri.it
Where to eat
Bologna is renowned for its culinary tradition and it is regarded by some as the food capital of Italy. It has given its name to Bolognese sauce, a meat based pasta sauce called in Italy ragł alla bolognese but in the city itself just ragł as in Tagliatelle al ragł .
Business
The city's Fiera District (exhibition area) is the second largest in Italy and the fourth largest in Europe, with important international exhibitions, like the Motorshow (cars, motorcycles; considered the most important in the world), Saie, Saiedue and Cersaie (buildings), Cosmoprof (beauty culture, considered the most important in the world), Lineapelle, etc. Bologna and its metropolitan area has several important industries in the fields of mechanics, foods, and electronics, important retail and wholesale trade (the "Centergross" in the northern metropolitan area, built in 1973, was the largest in Europe for several years), and the first Italian vegetable and fruit market.
- Fairy Bologna: http://www.bolognafiere.it/

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