Located in the Po river valley in Emilia-Romagna is a place called Bologna.  Known for its cuisine, its porticoed streets, Bologna is also where one of the oldest universities in the world can be found, the University of Bologna.  Founded in 1088, this university served as an important centre of European intellectual life during the Middle Ages, attracting many scholars.

Bologna is renowned for its culinary tradition.  The well known Bolognese sauce, a meat based pasta sauce is mixed only with Tagliatelle in this region.  Cured pork meat such as prosciutto, mortadella and salami are all part of the local food industry.

The main centre square is Piazza Maggiore where you can find the Palazzo del Podesta, the Church of San Petronio and the Neptune’s Fountain.