This Italian City Is the Birthplace of Lasagna-and It's Home to the World's Longest Covered Walkway

"The cultural tradition of Bologna is conviviality. Sharing meals with friends and acquaintances is a much-awaited moment of the day. It can be at home or in the streets of the city, in the markets or in the osterie (taverns)."

"Culture and the arts are part of the city's identity, just like all the fresh and local food that represents our great quality of life. A lively college community gathered in a pop music-fueled bar just steps from a towering sixth-century Gothic basilica."

"Bologna is an equally enticing destination to visit on a trip to Italy. With a remarkable food history dating back to the Middle Ages, it's the place to thank for some of the world's most beloved dishes, including lasagne alla bolognese, tortellini, and ragù."

Bologna, located 30 minutes from Florence by train, is a significant Italian destination known for its culinary contributions including lasagne alla bolognese, tortellini, and ragù. The city hosts the oldest university in the Western world and earned UNESCO City of Creative Music designation for its rich music scene. Bologna seamlessly blends historical architecture, such as sixth-century Gothic basilicas, with contemporary culture including college communities and modern venues. The city's defining characteristic is conviviality—a cultural tradition emphasizing shared meals and social gatherings in homes, markets, streets, and taverns. This social atmosphere permeates daily life, with communal dining and cultural activities integral to the city's identity alongside its renowned local food quality.

Read at Travel + Leisure