| Page Views: 1,712 Last Visit to Bologna: June, 2005 I Visit Here Frequently | La dotta, la grassa,la rossa!!! by alemir82 - last update: Apr 6, 2006 |
If you want to visit Italy for its archeological splendor go to Rome. If you want to spend all day inside a museum with other English speakers go to Florence. But if you’re looking to mingle with some friendly locals, choose Bologna. Nicknames such as La Dotta, La Grassa and La Rossa, help to explain some about the culture of the city. |
|  | La Dotta, literally 'the learned' relates to the city’s rich academic tradition. The University of Bologna founded in 1088, is the oldest in Europe. That's right 1088 no typo. It's the same university that hosted such notables as Dante and Petrarch. Literary enthusiasts might also be pleased to know that the University counts Umberto Eco, author of The Name of the Rose as one of its faculty members. In the field of law and arts the University of Bologna is the most prestigious in Italy, while its engineering program is not too shabby either. Apart from academics Bologna is a very important commercial center, and home to many high-end industries. Among the industries that call Bologna home is my personal favorite Ducati, but more on that later. |
La Grassa, 'the fat' refers to Bologna's rich culinary tradition. As the capital of Romagna, a region considered to be the gastronomic center of Italy, Bologna is home to many dishes that have found their way around the world. Things such as lasagna, tortellini, ragù, and mortadella hardly need to be translated. Where else, as they are keen to say, can you 'eat like a horse and drink like a sponge'?
The city's third commonly used nickname, La Rossa, alludes to one of two things. Guides are quick to tell you it gets its name from the red roofs and brick architecture, but from the city’s leftist political tendencies the other meaning is quite apparent. One rousing rendition of 'Bandiera Rossa' or 'Bella Ciao' in the main piazza is sure to put even the most affirmed fascist into the proletarian spirit. | | |
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alemir82's Bologna Travel Tips
 Comments for alemir82 about Bologna | | | | |
flying_dolphin7 Sun Jun 11, 2006 05:03 UTC
Beautiful photos and nice tips at Bologna.. seems i had miss this place , ciao:) | Maurizioago Thu Apr 6, 2006 22:17 UTC
Qui vedo delle novità. Mancano le foto, ma i tips sono scritti bene. Ciao! |
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