Bologna Gay Guide / LGBT Guide
With a population of around 380,000 inhabitants, Bologna is the largest city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Bologna has a long, impressive history having been founded circa 1000 BC by the Etruscans, and it would go on to become an important urban centre under the Celts and Romans. The city is also home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088. Even today, the city is home to a diverse population of students and has a reputation for being an important cultural centre. Indeed, in 2000 Bologna was declared the European Capital of Culture. You will therefore find plenty of sights to see and events to enjoy whilst in Bologna.
If you’re interested in learning more about the city’s history, there are plenty of museums to choose from, including the Archaeological Museum; the Jewish Museum; the University Museum, which includes a number of smaller museums such as the Museum of Military Architecture and the Naval Museum; the Museo di Antropologia; the Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica di Bologna, where you can learn more about music; the Ducati Museum; the Museo delle Cere Anatomiche, where you can see wax anatomical models from as far back as the 17th century; the Museo di Mineralogia, where you can examine precious stones and minerals, and the Lamborghini Museum.
There are also numerous landmarks scattered throughout the city, such as the Palazzo Comunale, Bologna’s city hall; the Tower of the Asinelli and the Tower of the Garisenda; the Glossatori tombs; St. Luke's Basilica and the Santa Maria della Vita, where you can see the famous sculpture of the Lamentation. There are also some beautiful parks in the area, such as the Margherita Gardens; the Botanical Gardens and the Villa delle Rose. You can also enjoy events such as the Bologna Jazz Festival; the Bologna Festival, where you are able to listen to classical music; the BilBolBul, a comedy showcase, and Gender Bender, which is an international festival examining gender identity and sexual orientation.
Bologna is also home to gay bars, saunas and clubs, so that once you’ve had a taste of high-culture in the city, you can relax and have a few drinks in a friendly atmosphere, thus making it an excellent holiday location.