Nestling at the foot of the Appenine hills, capital of the Emilia- Romagna province, Bologna has long been an important trade and travel hub. Bologna has a number of affectionate nicknames: la dotta (the Learned), referring to the city's famous University, founded in 1088 and the oldest in Europe; la Rossa (the Red), referring in part to the red brick buildings that dominate the city center and in part to the city's political leanings; and la Grassa (the Fat), referring to Bologna's famously excellent food.

Despite the damage caused by bombing during World War II, the historic city center retains its characteristic archways and porticoes, much as it was in Medieval times, and still contains some stunning Renaissance and Baroque monuments and architecture.