[2024 Bologna Attraction] Travel Guide for Two Towers (Updated Nov)

Celebrating Oktoberfest In Bologna 🇮🇹

#oktoberfest I recently celebrated Oktoberfest in Bologna, and it was such a fun twist on the traditional German festival! 🍻 While Bologna is known for its food and culture, they really know how to throw a great Oktoberfest party. The event was held at Parco Nord, and the entrance fee was around €10, which included a beer mug and your first drink. The massive tents were filled with people enjoying live Bavarian-style music, delicious German sausages, and, of course, plenty of beer! The atmosphere was lively, with people dressed in traditional Lederhosen and Dirndls, dancing and toasting all night. Even though it wasn’t Munich, Bologna’s take on Oktoberfest still had that friendly, celebratory vibe. Before heading to the festival, I explored the historic center of Bologna, including the iconic Two Towers and Piazza Maggiore, making it a perfect mix of culture and fun. If you’re in Bologna in the fall, don’t miss this unique celebration! #OktoberfestBologna #BavarianVibes #BeerLovers #ExploreBologna #ItalianOktoberfest #TravelItaly

Over the centuries, particularly between the 12th and the 13th century, Bologna was a city full of towers. Almost all the towers were tall (the highest being 97m), defensive stone towers; the number of towers in the city was very high, possibly over 200. There are now 25 towers left without counting the hundreds of bell towers in the city. The Two Towers, “Le due torri”, both of them leaning, are the symbol of Bologna, and the most prominent of Bologna. (Until 1919, there were 5 towers in this square) The taller one is called the Asinelli while the smaller but more leaning tower is called the Garisenda. Their names derive from the families which are traditionally credited with constructing them between 1109 and 1119. The Asinelli Tower was used by the scientists Giovanni Battista Riccioli (in 1640) and Giovanni Battista Guglielmini (in the following century) for experiments to study the motion of heavy bodies and the earth rotation. In World War II, between 1943 and 1945, it was used as a sight post: during bombing attacks, four volunteers took post at the top to direct rescue operations to places hit by Allied bombs. Later, a RAI television relay was installed on top. Architect Minoru Yamasaki is thought to have been inspired by the Towers when designing the World Trade Center during the 1960s. The Garisenda Tower today has a height of 48 m with an overhang of 3.2 m. Initially it was approximately 60 m high, but had to be lowered in the 14th century due to a yielding of the ground which left it slanting and dangerous. It was cited several times by Dante in the Divine Comedy and The Rhymes (a confirmation of his stay in Bologna), and by Goethe in his Italian Journey. The Two Towers have also been the subject of an eponymous poem by Giosuè Carducci as part of the Barbarian Odes. Charles Dickens wrote about the towers in his Pictures from Italy. You can still visit and climb to the top of the Asinelli Tower. #instagramworthydestinations #urbanexplorer #unforgettableexperiences

Bologna in Italy is also one of the most interesting city I have ever been in. The city which very strong in culture offers great variety of amazing food and wine. Take a look around the original architecture design of the city and the tower in the middle of the city is also amazing. Overall, I love staying here. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

An ancient medieval city where artistic accumulation and modern vitality intertwine.

‌Bologna is an Italian city with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It has rich tourism resources and unique charm. ‌ Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, located in northern Italy and has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Known for its long history and rich cultural heritage, the city is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, as well as many medieval buildings and modern cultural events‌. Bologna is not only a city where history and modernity intertwine, it is also a paradise for gastronomy and a rich and colorful cultural activities. Whether you are a history buff or a food explorer, you can find your own fun here‌. Here is a travel guide to Bologna: - Attractions: -Twin Towers (Due Torri): The tall one is called Asinelli Tower and the short one is called Garisenda Tower. They are the landmark buildings of Bologna. It was built in the 12th century when two noble families competed for leadership of the city. The Asinelli Tower is 97 meters high and is the fourth tallest tower in Italy; the Garisenda Tower is 48 meters high and has an inclination of 4.0°, which is more inclined than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Tickets for the Asinelli Tower are 3 euros, and you can climb to the top to overlook the city; the Garisenda Tower is prohibited from climbing to the top because it is too tilted. Tour time is 1-3 hours. - Piazza Maggiore: the central square of the city, surrounded by Renaissance and medieval buildings such as the Poseidon Fountain and the City Hall. The Poseidon Fountain was created by Giambologna and is an important symbol of the city. The square is open to the public free of charge and can be visited at any time. - University of Bologna: The oldest university in the West, known as the "Mother of Universities" in Europe. The campus has a variety of architectural styles and has many historic colleges and libraries. Some colleges are free to visit. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of the university, you can participate in guided tours organized by the school (cost is about 10-15 euros). - Basilica of Santa Maria di San Luca: Located on the top of the mountain, the longest promenade in the world connects the main city to the church. The church has exquisite architecture and gorgeous interior decoration. It is free, but if you want to climb to the top of the church to overlook the view, you may need to pay a fee (about 5-10 euros). - gourmet food: - Spaghetti alla Bolognese: Originated from Bologna, it uses ground beef, bacon, tomatoes, etc. as raw materials. The meat sauce is rich and the noodles are chewy. In local restaurants, a regular dish of Bolognese costs between 10 and 15 euros. - Italian ravioli (Tortellini): usually filled with meat or cheese, paired with delicious sauce and rich in taste. The price per serving is around 12-18 euros. - Raclette: Melted cheese poured over potatoes, ham and other ingredients, it is fragrant. The price for a portion is around 8-12 euros. - Crescentina: a local specialty snack. The bread is crispy and can be stuffed with various fillings, such as cheese, sausage, etc. The individual price is between 3-5 euros. - Notes: - Language: The official language is Italian. Some people can speak English, but you may encounter language communication barriers in some small restaurants and shops. It will be helpful to learn some simple daily Italian expressions in advance. - Time difference: Bologna is located in East Zone 1, 7 hours behind Beijing time (summer time is 6 hours). - Transportation: If you take local trains, you need to pay before getting on the bus, and if you take the bus, you need to pay after getting on the bus, otherwise you will be fined. - Consumption habits: Dining in restaurants generally charges a seating fee of 1.5-2 Euros; hotels in Italy generally do not provide toiletries and disposable slippers, so you need to prepare them yourself. - Safety: You may encounter women in gypsy costumes begging with children in the city center. Please take care of your belongings. When participating in large public events, take care of your personal belongings.

Discover Bologna, where ancient Italian charm meets modern style.

1. Recommended Attractions 1. Piazza Maggiore: The city center, surrounded by grand buildings and ancient churches, is a great place to feel the history of Bologna. 2. Due Torri: The iconic building of Bologna, you can climb the shorter tower and overlook the city. 3. Basilica di San Petronio: One of the largest churches in Italy, with exquisite interior decoration and unique architectural style. 4. University of Bologna: One of the oldest universities in the world, the campus is full of academic atmosphere, and you can visit ancient buildings and libraries. 2. Recommended Food 1. Tagliatelle al Ragù: A specialty of Bologna, with rich meat sauce and chewy noodles. 2. Lasagne: Layers of noodles and rich fillings, rich taste. 3. Mortadella Sausage: The famous local sausage, delicious. 4. Gelato: In Bologna, you can taste authentic Italian ice cream in various flavors. 3. Shopping Recommendations 1. Around Piazza Maggiore: There are many specialty shops and boutiques where you can buy Italian fashion clothing, leather goods and souvenirs. 2. Via dell'Indipendenza: The main shopping street in Bologna, with various brand shops and department stores. 4. Accommodation Suggestions 1. Old Town: Convenient for sightseeing and feel the history of Bologna. 2. Near the train station: Convenient transportation, suitable for tourists who need to travel frequently. 5. Transportation Guide 1. City Transportation: You can walk around the old town, or take a bus or taxi. 2. External Transportation: Bologna has an international airport and train station, which can easily reach other cities. 6. Precautions 1. Respect local culture and customs, especially pay attention to dressing appropriately when visiting churches and other religious places. 2. Pay attention to personal belongings, especially in crowded places. 3. Try to learn some basic Italian phrases for better communication with locals.

Towers of Bologna 🇮🇹

#italytrip Just got back from Bologna, and one of the highlights of my trip was exploring the famous Towers of Bologna! 🏙️ The city used to have over 100 medieval towers, and while only a few remain today, they’re still an incredible sight. The most famous are the Two Towers—Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda—right in the heart of the city. For 5 euros, you can climb the Asinelli Tower’s 498 steps, and let me tell you, the view from the top is *so* worth it! Seeing Bologna’s red rooftops and the surrounding hills stretching out is simply breathtaking. The shorter, leaning Garisenda Tower adds a dramatic element to the skyline, and it’s fascinating to think of how these towers once dominated Bologna’s landscape. After the climb, I wandered over to Piazza Maggiore, where you can admire more of the city’s stunning medieval architecture. Nearby, the Basilica di San Petronio is free to visit and worth exploring. Bologna’s towers are not just historical landmarks—they’re a must for anyone who loves panoramic views and a bit of adventure! #trip #BolognaTowers #LeDueTorri #ItalianHistory #BreathtakingViews #MedievalBologna

I passed through Bologna on my way to Florence 🇮🇹

#italytrip I just came back from a fantastic trip to Bologna, and it quickly became one of my favorite cities in Italy! 🍝 Known as "La Grassa" (The Fat One) for its incredible food, Bologna didn’t disappoint. I spent my days wandering through its beautiful porticoes, which cover most of the city, giving it a unique charm. The Two Towers (Le Due Torri) are a must-see—climbing Asinelli Tower costs around 5 euros, and the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking! 🏙️ You can see the whole red-roofed city stretching out beneath you. Piazza Maggiore is the heart of the city, and it’s surrounded by iconic buildings like the Basilica di San Petronio (free to enter) and the impressive Fountain of Neptune. I also couldn’t resist visiting some local markets, especially Mercato di Mezzo, where I indulged in fresh pasta and the best mortadella sandwiches. Bologna is a perfect mix of history, architecture, and amazing food. Whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, this city has something for everyone. #trip #Bologna #ItalianFood #LeDueTorri #PiazzaMaggiore #TravelItaly

Bologna_medievalcity

Bologna, the delightful capital of Emilia-Romagna, is an interesting spot, with its blend of fascinating culture, history and delicious traditional food. We felt the warmth from our B&B host and totally immersed in this beautifully colonnaded medieval grid. It is a bolshie city that hosts one of the world's oldest university and is famous for its graffiti-embellished piazzas. Bologna also has various attractions, including Asinelli tower, Neptune fountain, and the Basilica of San Petronio. #報名酒店試睡員

Two Towers almost collide in Bologna

Pisa is not the only city with a leaning tower. Bologna has it’s own tower that is no less spectacular. It is marbling to look at it and immensely the question arises how do the towers not collide. You might even be fearful of walking up the stairs, but the centuries old history is proof that the mankind in an attempt to develop in architecture has withstood the time. #italy #bologna