Bologna

Lore & Background

The city has been an important urban center for centuries, first under the Etruscans (who called it Felsina), then under the Celts as Bona, later under the Romans (Bonōnia), then again in the Middle Ages, as a free municipality and later signoria, when it was among the largest European cities by population. Famous for its towers, churches and lengthy porticoes, Bologna has a well-preserved historical centre, thanks to a careful restoration and conservation policy which began at the end of the 1970s. In 2000, it was declared European capital of culture and in 2006, a UNESCO 'City of Music' and part of the Creative Cities Network. In 2021, UNESCO recognized the lengthy porticoes of the city as a World Heritage Site.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicks the San Siro turf as the floodlights cut through a misty Milan night in the late 1970s. The stands roar with a nervous energy specific to this fixture; it is not the deafening hatred of the city derby, but a sharp, intellectual tension between two proud clubs. A Nerazzurri midfielder wins the ball near the halfway line, his eyes scanning for a pass that could break the Bologna defense known for its discipline. The crowd holds its breath as the play unfolds—a moment where history is not just written in trophies, but in the relentless pursuit of glory against a worthy adversary.

Reader's Guide

Bologna is an important agricultural, industrial, financial and transport hub, where many large mechanical, electronic and food companies have their headquarters, and is also home to one of the largest permanent trade fairs in Europe. In 2022, Il Sole 24 Ore named Bologna the best city in Italy for overall quality of life, although it dropped to 4th place in 2025. Bologna intends to become carbon neutral by 2040 and raise female employment rates, focusing on sustainable and equitable urban development. The city is also increasing its investment in sustainability as part of a 2022–2024 program that integrates gender perspectives into urban planning, with an emphasis on sustainable mobility, public infrastructure, and green spaces.

Did You Know?

• Bologna was an Etruscan city called Felsina before becoming the Roman colony Bonōnia in 196 BCE.
• The University of Bologna, established in 1088, is the oldest university in continuous operation in the world.
• Bologna's lengthy porticoes were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
• In 1530, Emperor Charles V was crowned in Bologna, the last emperor to be crowned by the pope.