Travel by train from Genoa to Bologna from16,9 €

Emilia Romagna, home of good food and the unmistakable joy of its inhabitants, is the ideal destination for a comfortable train journey: with Italo you can easily reach Bologna and stroll among its famous arcades and medieval palaces.
Its cobbled floors recall its great medieval past, which manages to harmonize with its current modern character which makes it one of the most avant-garde Italian cities.
Bologna is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, which is why it has always been a favorite destination for Italian and international students, who have forged its cosmopolitan and jovial character. It is no coincidence that Bologna also enjoys several affectionate nicknames that refer to its cornerstones. Bologna la Grassa, in honor of its renowned culinary tradition; Bologna la Dotta, thanks to its university founded in 1088. Bologna la Rossa, a clear mention of the terracotta color of its historic buildings and its arcades.
For a walk among its most beautiful places you will be spoiled for choice: whether you are a cultural traveler, a lover of museums and ancient churches, or more devoted to the good life of good food and entertainment, Bologna will not disappoint you.
Start your itinerary from Piazza Maggiore, seat of the Municipality since 1336 and also sung by the most famous Bolognese singer-songwriter, Lucio Dalla. Here you will find the Town Hall and the Municipal Art Collections inside that will allow you to get an idea of the history and culture of the city from the 13th to the 19th century. From this square starts the great covered path of the arcades, which wind through the old city for 40 kilometers and are candidates for entry into the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you are in Bologna to appreciate its art, then the second stop not to be missed is the National Picture Gallery, which houses some of the most important works of the Emilian art scene such as Giotto, Parmigianino, the Carracci brothers and Raphael.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to explore the center again and maybe do some physical activity, what better time to climb the famous Bolognese towers? The Asinelli Tower and the Garisenda Tower dominate the Ravegnana square and are the symbol of the city, built by the Asinelli family between 1109 and 1119. The Asinelli Tower, the highest with its 97 meters and 498 steps, is open to public; the visit is recommended only if you do not suffer from vertigo or if you have already graduated ... urban legend has it that climbing the tower brings bad luck to students who have not yet graduated!
To get to know the ecclesiastical itinerary of Bologna and some of its most magnificent architectural works, start with the Abbey of Santo Stefano and the Gothic Basilica of San Petronio, which ranks 15th among the largest churches in the world. The centuries-old artisan and commercial tradition of Bologna make it a privileged destination also for shopping. The area with the highest commercial concentration is that of the Quadrilatero, which historically hosts numerous artisan shops, jewelers, markets and local gastronomy shops. Finding this pulsating commercial heart of the city is easy, starting from Piazza Maggiore, and proceeding along via Rizzoli, pizza della Mercanzia, via Castiglione, via Farini, piazza Galvani and via dell'Archiginnasio.
It is worth visiting Bologna even just to try its renowned gastronomy: you are in the homeland of tortellini, ragù, mortadella ... impossible to remain indifferent to the wide range of typical restaurants and taverns that you will find in every corner of the city!
Finally, to appreciate the greenest Bologna, you can move away from the center and indulge in moments of relaxation among the Bolognese hills. There are numerous public parks that can be accessed during an out-of-town excursion on the hills, such as the Villa Spada, San Pellegrino or Villa delle Rose Park.
Now you just have to buy your Italo ticket and leave for Bologna!