Erasmus courses for teachers in Bologna, Italy

​As the central square in Bologna, Piazza Maggiore is surrounded by some of the most important buildings and streets of the city. A beautiful church overlooks the square: the Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to the city’s patron. The square is also famous for the summer outdoor cinema, in which many world wide famous directors participate with their new movies.

Piazza Santo Stefano is one of the most fascinating squares in Italy. The complex of Seven Churches overlooking the square is certainly a masterpiece of religious architecture. Sometimes you see people sitting on the walls while drinking a coffee or a glass of wine. It is a good way to enjoy the beauty of this square. 

Bologna is famous throughout the world for being the oldest university headquarters of the world. Piazza Verdi is certainly the hub of the university area and is the meeting point preferred by the students. Nearby there are many points of cultural and historical interest, the Teatro Comunale, the Academy of Fine Arts, Palazzo Poggi and the Museo della Specola are an example.

It’s 6 o’clock, time for aperitivo! Luckily, there is a wide selection of bars and restaurants to choose  where you can taste the delicious traditional cuisine. If you are near Piazza Maggiore you should get lost in the Quadrilatero, a maze of narrow streets once known as Mercato di Mezzo (Middle Market) where craftsmen sold their goods. Its streets maintain the charm of old time while hosting modern stores and international luxury brands. Another place where you can have a good aperitivo is the Mercato delle Erbe. Born as a fruit and vegetable market, in recent years some areas of the market have evolved into restaurants and finger food shops, offering a wide variety of Bologna dishes and good wine.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is located on an hill at a height of about 600 meters and its majestic structure dominates Bologna from above. You can reach it comfortably by bus or walk the longest porticos in the world on the way to via Saragozza. Whatever your choice at the top is the panoramic terrace where you can admire the beautiful panorama.

Even if it is raining, you can visit Bologna without too much of a hitch. Of course, Bologna porticoes are not famous for this reason, but it is a good point especially during the rainy autumn. Defined as private property for public use, the porticoes have become an expression and element of Bologna’s urban identity. Because of their cultural and artistic significance, in 2021 the porticoes of Bologna have been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in the city center, the Two Towers are the iconic symbol of Bologna. They take their names from influent families who ruled the city trade and economy in the past. The tallest, called Asinelli, is not only beautiful to see, but can be climbed to the top. The panorama you will enjoy is wonderful, you will be enchanted by seeing the city from above and the life flowing below you. 

In the Montagnola park and Piazza VIII Agosto every Saturday and Sunday there is a weekly market called Piazzola market. A popular general store where there is loud to a colourful spectacle. The Piazzola is the weekly meeting for those who love the true flavour of the market. 

​Thought it might seem impossibile, Bologna is actually located on river and only few places in the city give you the possibility to have a peek at river “Aposa”. One of the most famous spots is in Via Piella: through the tiny window always open called “Finestrella”, you can enjoy the most and picturesque view called “Little Venice”, due to its resemblance with the most famous city of canals.  

​You can enjoy your sunny days in Bologna in several gardens and parks. Villa Ghigi is a huge park on the hills behind Porta San Mamolo. From via Saragozza you can enter the gate of Villa Spada park. If you have enough energy, you can climb the 300 steps and arrive at 300 scalini, a nice place to relax with a bag of chips, something to drink and get the best view of San Luca.