Italy Bologna

Home to the world’s oldest university and nearly 40 kilometers of classic porticoes, Bologna is a city that cherishes and preserves its history. This city is called La Rossa (the red one) because it is packed with terracotta medieval buildings. Visitors might begin in Piazza Maggiore, the main square in Bologna’s historic center, to see the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Visit the leaning Due Torri (Two Towers), icons of the city, and climb to the top of the Anselli for a picture-perfect view over central Bologna.

Bologna is also referred to as La Grassa (the fat one) because of its culinary legacy. There are some foods you must sample here, like traditional balsamic vinegar, authentic gelato, and tagliatelle Bolognese, featuring a rich meat-based sauce that originated here. Be sure to get your hands on some Parmigiano Reggiano from nearby Parma; the Italians may tell you that it’s great for you and you should eat it every day. Once you taste it, you won’t argue.