Bologna

Bologna is a city in northern Italy, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and of the province of Bologna. It sits along the banks of the Reno River, about halfway between Milan and Florence. The city is known for its long history, well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, and its large student population.

Its University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is widely regarded as the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and its development helped inspire the modern university system. The Bologna Process, a European higher education framework launched in the 1990s, is named after the city.

Key landmarks include Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, the Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda), and the Archiginnasio of Bologna. The urban core retains medieval towers, porticoes, and arcades. Bologna's cuisine is a hallmark: regional specialties include tagliatelle al ragù (often called Bolognese), tortellini in broth, and mortadella; the city is also known for its markets and artisanal food production.

Economy and transport: the city has a diversified economy focused on education, research, services, and manufacturing. It is served by Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and high-speed rail links to major cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome. The climate is temperate with hot summers and cool winters.

Name usage: In English, "bologna" also denotes a cured sausage, known as baloney in colloquial usage, though this association derives from the city’s name.