Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, in the Pianura Padana, between the Po River and the Apennines, exactly, between Reno River and Sàvena River.

Attractions

Until the late 19th century, when a large-scale urban reconstruction project was undertaken, Bologna remained one of the best-preserved Medieval cities in Europe, though to this day it remains unique in its historic value. Despite having suffered considerable bombing damage in 1944, Bologna's historic centre, Europe's 2nd largest (after Venice), contains a wealth of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque artistic monuments of primary importance.
The original Roman ramparts were supplanted by a high medieval system of fortifications, remains of which are still visible, and finally by a third and final set of ramparts built in the 13th century, of which numerous sections survive. Over twenty medieval defensive towers, some of them leaning precariously, remain from the over two hundred that were constructed in the era preceding the security guaranteed by unified civic government.
Bologna is home to numerous important churches. An incomplete list include:

• the basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the World
• San Pietro Cathedral
• Santo Stefano basilica and sanctuary
• San Domenico basilica and sanctuary
• San Francesco basilica
• Santa Maria dei Servi basilica
• San Giacomo Maggiore basilica
• Beata Vergine di San Luca basilica and sanctuary, on Colle della Guardia
• San Michele in Bosco
• San Paolo the Great, basilica

The cityscape is further enriched by elegant and extensive arcades (or porticos), for which the city is famous. In total, there are some 38 kilometres of arcades in the city's historical center (over 45 km in the cityproper), which make it possible to walk for long distances sheltered from rain, snow, or hot summer sun. The Portico of San Luca, the longest in the World (3,5 km, 666 arcades) connects Porta Saragozza(one of the twelve Gates of the ancient Walls built in the Middle-Age which rounded the city on 7,5 km) with San Luca Sanctuary, on Colle della Guardia, over the city (289 m/o.l.s.).