Bologna is known as the food capital of Italy, and for good reason! It’s where Italians go to eat, and after spending a day exploring this incredible city, I completely understand why. But Bologna isn’t just about food—it’s filled with history, quirky hidden gems, and stunning architecture. I couldn’t possibly show you everything, but here are 10 things that will give you a taste of what makes Bologna so special.

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1. The Clock That’s Always Wrong

Right off the train, one of Bologna’s most famous landmarks caught my eye—a clock that’s permanently set to the wrong time. It’s actually a memorial to the victims of a 1980 time bomb attack that killed 85 people and injured over 200. The city chose to freeze the clock at the exact moment of the explosion as a tribute to those who lost their lives.

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2. Unique Architecture Everywhere

Bologna’s architecture is breathtaking, blending styles from Etruscan, Roman, Medieval, and Modern times. One of its most distinctive features? The city has over 62 km (32 miles) of porticos—beautiful covered walkways lining the streets. In 1288, a law required all buildings to have porticos tall enough for a rider on horseback to pass through, wide enough for market stalls, and raised to avoid the muck of the streets. A clever design that still makes Bologna charming and walkable today!

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3. Markets & Vintage Shops

Bologna loves a good market! There’s a regular weekly market in the main square, and I stumbled across a couple of others during my visit. Fur coats and vintage clothing seem to be in fashion, and I was amazed at some of the bargains—designer pieces for just a few euros! If you love unique fashion, Bologna is a paradise.

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4. The Secret Canals of Bologna

Did you know Bologna once had canals like Venice? Most are now hidden beneath the city, but a few secret spots still reveal their past. Down a little side street next to a fantastic restaurant (more on that later), you’ll find Finestrella di Via Piella, a small window offering a peek at Bologna’s lost waterways.

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5. The Leaning Towers of Bologna

Forget Pisa—Bologna has its own leaning towers! Asinelli (the tall one) and Garisenda (the short one) both have noticeable leans. Unfortunately, part of Asinelli is covered for restoration, but they’re still an impressive sight.

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6. Piazza Maggiore & the Fountain of Neptune

The heart of Bologna is Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square, surrounded by impressive historical buildings. Right in the center stands the Fountain of Neptune, which has a few fun secrets:

The trident in Neptune’s hand inspired the Maserati car emblem.

The Pope was unhappy with Neptune’s manhood and ordered it to be made smaller. In revenge, the artist sculpted his hand in a way that makes it look larger from a certain angle. Cheeky!

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7. The Unfinished Basilica of San Petronio ⛪

Bologna wanted to prove its independence from Rome by building a church bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica—but the Pope wasn’t happy about it. As a result, the church remained unfinished for centuries and wasn’t even consecrated until 1954—564 years after construction started! Inside, you’ll also find something incredible…

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8. The 67m Long Meridian Line

Inside Basilica di San Petronio, you’ll find one of the largest astronomical instruments in the world: a 67-meter-long meridian line built in the 1600s by astronomer Cassini. By tracking the sun through a hole in the roof, he proved that the Earth’s orbit is elliptical and changes speed depending on its distance from the sun. Mind-blowing!

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9. The World’s Oldest University & Anatomical Theatre

Bologna is home to the world’s oldest continually operating university, founded in 1088! You can visit the university’s Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio, where the walls are decorated with 6,000 coats of arms belonging to former students. The real highlight? The Anatomical Theatre, a stunning wooden room where medical students once watched dissections. The professor’s chair sits between statues of two “skinned men,” while an anatomy figure above receives a femur from a cherub instead of flowers. A little creepy, but fascinating!

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10. The Food (Of Course!)

No trip to Bologna would be complete without indulging in the food! Whether it’s fresh market ingredients, street food, or dining at a traditional restaurant, everything I ate was incredible. Some of the highlights:

Tigelle – Small round flatbreads filled with Prosciutto di Parma and creamy cheese.

Mortadella & Cheese Toastie – Bologna is famous for Mortadella, so of course, I had to try it in a sandwich!

Lambrusco Wine – A local sparkling red wine that pairs perfectly with the food.

I even found a special jaffle maker (toastie press) that makes the same patterns as traditional Tigelle. I was so obsessed that I went back to buy one for the van!

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Final Thoughts: Bologna Stole My Heart

Bologna is full of history, amazing food, and quirky surprises, and I absolutely loved exploring it. It was easy to get around, and the city has an incredible energy that makes you feel right at home.

If you’re visiting Italy, Bologna should absolutely be on your list—and if you love food, history, or just wandering beautiful streets, you’ll be as obsessed as I am!

There was so much more I could have included, but I’ll save that for another time. If you enjoy posts like this, hit subscribe on my YouTube channel and come along for more adventures! 🚆🍝🇮🇹