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Bologna holiday: Book a villa with pool, holiday home or apartment

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Bologna: Italy's Best Kept Secret



Bologna is Italy's "best kept secret" – although the secret is certainly coming out. Often overshadowed by the museum-heavy atmosphere of Florence or the grandeur of Rome, Bologna offers a more authentic, lived-in luxury. It's a city where medieval grit meets upscale relaxation.

A deep dive into history



Bologna's identity is known as La Grassa (The Fat), La Rossa (The Red) and La Dotta (The Learned), and it's built on three pillars:The University: Founded in 1088, it's the oldest university in the Western world

The Architecture: The city is famous for its porticoes – nearly 40 miles of elegant covered walkways, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Towers: In the 12th century, the skyline resembled a medieval New York City with over 100 towers; today, the “Two Towers” ??(Asinelli and Garisenda) remain the city’s iconic symbols.

Your Italian Escape



Imagine waking up in a restored historic villa nestled in the rolling Bolognese hills, just twenty minutes from the city center. Bologna offers a unique vacation rhythm: mornings spent wandering marble plazas and afternoons retreating to a private pool overlooking vineyards.

Whether you book a luxury vacation rental with terracotta floors or a modern property with panoramic views, the city offers the perfect balance of urban culture and secluded villa life.

It’s the ultimate destination for those seeking the “Under the Tuscan Sun” experience without the tourist crowds.

The Culinary Capital



If you only eat one thing here, make it everything. Bologna is the undisputed food capital of Italy.

Tagliatelle al Ragù The real "bolognese" – silky egg pasta with a slow-cooked meat sauce.

Tortellini in Brodo Small, hand-folded pasta filled with meat, served in a rich capon broth.

Mortadella The original (and much better) inspiration for bologna.

Gramigna alla Salsiccia Curly pasta with a savory sausage and cream sauce.

Crescentine Pillow-fried dough served with local soft cheeses and charcuterie.

Activities and festivals



Climb the Asinelli Tower: 498 steps for the best view of the "red city".Quadrilatero: Explore the old market streets (Via Pescherie Vecchie) to see the world's best delicatessen displays.

San Luca Walking Tour: Walk the world's longest portico (3.8 km) up to the Madonna di San Luca Sanctuary.

Cinema Ritrovato (June/July): One of the world's most famous film restoration festivals, with outdoor screenings in Piazza Maggiore.

MortadellaBò (October): A festival dedicated entirely to the city's favorite pink salume.

Nature and outdoor activities



Bologna is not just bricks and mortar. The city is surrounded by the Colli Bolognesi (Bolognese Hills), which offer green breathing spaces: Giardini Margherita: The city's "Central Park", perfect for a stroll at sunset.

Parco Gessi Bolognesi: A stunning natural park with karst formations, caves and hiking trails just outside the city limits.

Via degli Dei: A famous hiking trail that connects Bologna with Florence over the Apennines.
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