Though Bologna may not be among the most sought after destinations for visitors who arrive in the Bel Paese in search of history, art and tradition, those who do chose to come here never tire of appreciating her streets and monuments and paying homage to her often hidden beauty.
Bologna La Dotta (Bologna the Learned) is one of the most academic cities in Italy. If you want to spend your free time learning about a particular topic, you can turn to the city’s dozens of libraries, research institutes and museums. With about 400,000 inhabitants, Bologna is the ideal size: small enough to project a friendly and intimate character and large enough to support a rich cultural life. With over 100,000 students attending the University of Bologna each year, the academic and social life for students is rich in variety and opportunity. The city has never become a major tourist center and, consequently, maintains a distinctively Italian character. Because of its position at the foot of the Apennines in the broad plain of Emilia, Bologna has always served, since its Roman establishment, as a major crossroads. Today, it serves as a primary railway hub, providing easy access to Florence, Venice, Milan and Rome. 
While interning at Degusta, a nationally distributed food and travel magazine, Joe Nistler (BCSP Spring Semester 2011, University of Wisconsin) was assigned an article on gelato. On his quest to experience what Bologna has to offer in terms of his 'favorite dairy treat', Joe explores the twists and turns of the medieval city center and discovers that the Asinelli and Garisenda towers, dating back to the 12th century, are 'a beacon for an excellent gelateria.' Follow Joe on his 'medieval gelato adventure' and savor the city!
For travel articles on Bologna, check out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/31/travel/31frugaltraveler.html
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/travel/23hours.html?adxnnl=1&a
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