Bologna and its neighbourhoods for a wonderful Easter Holiday in Italy

Enjoy a colorful atmosphere.

21 Mar 2019

And if you're in any one of Italy's premier gastronomic destinations, you're sure to be in foodie heaven.

But Bologna offers more than sublime tastes. It's steeped in history, having flowered during the Renaissance. It's one of Italy's great seats of learning, with museums and galleries aplenty. And it's also one of those cities which is a joy to see on foot. Venturing into Bologna's various neighbourhoods always delivers new experiences and sights, and you can spend a week exploring without seeing it all.

If you want a great place to spend Easter in Italy, Bologna is an excellent choice. And at Gruppo UNA, we can't wait to host you. Our UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro and UNAHOTELS Bologna Fiera locations will be the ideal places to recharge as you cover every neighbourhood. And our staff will be happy to point you towards trattorias, bars, galleries, and markets -- whatever you need to enjoy a memorable stay.

So let's introduce some of the city's finest areas -- and help you plan your Easter adventure.

Centro Storico: a cultural delight.

When you visit Bologna this Easter, there's only one place to start. The city's historical core is one of Europe's best preserved medieval centres, and it's packed full of unmissable sights.

Everything is clustered around the Piazza Maggiore and the superb Neptune Fountain, so make that your focal point. On one side of the square, you'll find the church of St Petronius, which boasts one of the finest Gothic interiors of all.

After that, climb the 498 steps of the Torre degli Asinelli for sublime views (although if you're in the middle of a PhD you might want to give it a miss, as legend has it that those who climb the tower will not finish their degrees!).

Then, return to the Piazza Maggiore and wander down the Via Ugo Bassi or Via dell'Indipendenza to shop for boutique fashion, culinary delicacies and the city's famous leather goods.

The University.

Bologna's university has developed a community all of its own, and it's a must-visit during anyone's Easter holiday. That's not really surprising given the institution's age. As far as we know, it's the oldest university in Europe, dating back over 1,000 years. Tour beautiful churches, academic buildings and palaces like the Collegio di Spagna or the Palazzo Poggi, be sure to take some time out in the Botanical Gardens. See the Anatomical Theatre where the science of anatomy was pioneered, or the Museo della Specola, which traces the history of astronomy.

And when your brain is full, the area is also a haven for nightlife fans. Head to the Via Zamboni for a wide choice of bars, some of which are housed in 17th-century chapels with original frescoes lining the walls. Now that's what we call a night out.

Colli.

If you need a break from your Easter sight-seeing, or the museums aren't open because it's Easter Sunday -- don't worry. Neighbourhoods like Colli in southern Bologna offer refuge and place to recharge.

Colli isn't the kind of place you'd head for excitement, shopping, or even fine cuisine. Instead, the star of the show here is the Parco Villa Ghigi. This extensive park comes into its own in spring, so it's perfect for pitstops around Easter time, and it also affords exceptional views across the city centre. If you need some Insta snaps to share with the folks back home, this is the place to come.

Bolognina.

Finally, no visit to Bologna over Easter will be complete without a visit to Bolognina -- the city's gastronomic hub. Bologna is famous for its food and drink, from spaghetti Bolognese to tortellini served in meat broth, it's pasta heaven. And at Easter, sweet treats like colomba take centre stage.

Bolognina is the place to find them. This bustling part of town is home to the Cirenaica, which is Bologna's finest food market. Swing by for gelati, or check out the street vendors for snacks in between the sights.

There are also plenty of trattorias to sample, and we recommend that you try as many as possible. Expect incredible affettati misti (meat platters), the finest pasta you've ever tasted as well as a multicultural mix of alternatives. From Thai to gourmet burgers, Bolognina offers the lot.

Bologna offers everything travellers could desire from an Easter escape, from history and education, to green parks, superb architecture, world-class food and nightlife, too.

See the city in total comfort with Gruppo UNA. Our Bologna hotels offer conveniently located, comfortable accommodation, and our staff will be delighted to book restaurants, provide directions, and generally make your visit an Easter break to remember.

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