BIG BUYER / Visitors / Bologna and the beauties of ItalyBologna and the beauties of Italy

Bologna is one of the most beautiful and charming cities in Italy, full of art, history and culture. It is close to all the major tourist destinations in Italy.

BOLOGNA

Bologna is one of the main Italian Cities, renowned all over the World, for its liveliness and its artistic beauties. Nicknamed “La Dotta” because of its ancient University; “La Rossa” for its walls and terracotta roofs; “La Grassa” for its traditional dishes.

Bologna is dotted with arcades, museums, churches, Renaissance palaces and theatres that Exhibitors and Visitors of BIG BUYER 2023 will have the opportunity to visit at very advantageous prices thanks to the agreed Tourist Packages available.

MODENA

Just 20 minutes from Bologna by train, Modena is an extraordinary combination of innovation and history. The beautiful architectural attractions in its historic centre became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, including, in particular, the Duomo, Piazza Grande and the Torre Ghirlandina. Moreover, the city is home to many cultural institutes including the Galleria Estense.

Motor racing fans must not miss a visit to the MEF, the museum dedicated to the life of Enzo Ferrari, where photos and memorabilia bring back to life the sports legend admired throughout the world.

FERRARA

It takes just 25 minutes on a Freccia train from Bologna, the capital city of the Emilia region, to Ferrara, a stop not to be missed for those who visit the region. Its unique urban layout, perfectly blending the Middle Ages with the Renaissance, was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the first example of the modern city in Europe.

Places not to be missed include Palazzo Schifanoia with its beautiful Salone dei Mesi (Room of the months) frescoed in the 15th century by artists of the Officina Ferrarese, the Castello Estense and the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral with its museum that houses some very fine works.

REGGIO EMILIA

It takes just 30 minutes by train to get to from Bologna to Reggio Emilia, the city where the Italian flag was created in 1797. The attractions in the city include the Basilica della Madonna della Ghiara, a Baroque building that houses the Crocifissione del Guercino (Crucifixion of Guercino). You can admire elegant Piazza Prampolini, the heart of the city, overlooked by the Cathedral, the Baptistery and Palazzo Municipale (Town hall).

The Teatro Municipale (Municipal theatre) is very famous with its unique neoclassic façade, embellished with 19 Tuscan columns made of granite, overlooking Piazza Martire del VII luglio.

PARMA

It takes just 45 minutes by train to get to this elegant city, in the Emilia region, from Bologna. Parma is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy thanks to the large number of artistic masterpieces preserved in its historic centre. Piazza Duomo has visually striking architecture with its outstanding Romanesque Cathedral and Gothic Baptistery, the two most important artistic and religious monuments in the city.

The true symbol of the city, however, is Palazzo della Pilotta, the ancient residence of the Farnese family. Every year, in October, the Teatro Regio holds the Festival Verdi, an event that attracts classical music lovers from all over Europe. Parma is also famous worldwide for its gourmet delicacies, especially its Prosciutto (ham) and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

FLORENCE

Departing from Bologna, it only takes 35 minutes on FRECCIA high-speed trains to get to Florence, the capital city of Tuscany that has retained its ancient charm and splendour.

The city is crossed by the river Arno. Walking along its streets, you cannot help being captivated by the magical atmosphere of its monuments steeped in history and importance. Thanks to its beauty and historic centre, it has been included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to get an even more impressive view of the city, it is worth admiring it from the surrounding hills: from Forte Belvedere, Piazzale Michelangelo and the hills of Fiesole.

MILAN

Bologna is only 1 hour by FRECCIA trains from Milan, the main economic and financial centre in Italy, a focal point for industrial design and one of the world’s four fashion capitals.

Today, tourists from all over the world are amazed by the excitement it has to offer. Cultured, modern and lively, with plenty of beautiful attractions and artistic works, its undisputed symbol is the Cathedral, with its bright Candoglia marble façade and late Gothic architecture. From the top of the cathedral, stopping at the foot of the renowned Madonnina statue, you can enjoy a unique view of the entire city, dominated by its 135 pinnacles pointing up to the sky.

VENICE

Venice is a charming and unique city in the world due to its amazing architectural features. Elegant, precious, exciting and romantic, Venice is full of noble palaces, ancient bridges, monuments and squares that are evidence of the artistic and cultural vivacity.

The heart of the city, with the lagoon all around it, is St. Mark’s Square, a real “parlour” surrounded by works of unquestionable value. Many cultural events take place in Venice. The city hosts two of the most important events in Italy: the International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale and the Venice International Film Festival. The city is also famous for its “Carnevale” (carnival).

TURIN

You can catch a high-speed train from Bologna and get to Turin in just two hours, arriving in the capital city of the Piedmont region, a city with unique charm, surrounded by impressive mountain peaks. Combining simplicity and the typical luxury of the 19th century, Turin is a bustling place with clubs, bars and wine bars in the central area of Piazza Castello and throughout the city.

Turin has impressive stately homes that have hosted kings and nobles of that period. It is also home to the famous Museo delle Antichità Egizie (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities), which has a collection of more than 5,000 artefacts, and is second only to the museum in Cairo.