Bologna is the main city in Emilia-Romagna and lives up to its heritage better than most. The city can be traced back to the Etruscans who governed the Italian peninsula between approximately 800 BC to 200 BC. Later the city came under Roman rule and many remains from this period are still intact.
In the Middle Ages Bologna became an independent city-state and the time that followed saw the city’s noblemen fighting for control. These internal power struggles did not subside until the beginning of the 17th century when the city-state was incorporated into the papal state.
However, Bologna retained a degree of independence by keeping its old judicial system and, most importantly in this context, its senate and by having an ambassador to Rome.
Bologna’s many churches and palaces are filled with art and show the cultural importance of Bologna throughout the ages. It should also be mentioned that the world’s first and therefore oldest university is located in this cultural centre.
In the year 2000, Bologna was Europe’s City of Culture. The city also has an ultramodern business area with one of Italy’s largest exhibition centres plus plenty of shopping facilities.
