The Magic of Bologna
Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna and one of Italy’s greatest cities. Known locally as La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa — the Learned, the Fat, the Red — these three nicknames capture the city perfectly.
La Dotta (the Learned) because it is home to the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 and the oldest university in the Western world, giving the city a youthful energy and deep intellectual culture that has persisted for nearly a millennium.
La Grassa (the Fat) because it sits at the heart of Italy’s most celebrated food region — this is the birthplace of tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and so much more.
La Rossa (the Red)
for two reasons: the warm terracotta rooftops and red-brick palazzi that give the city its distinctive glow, and for its long history of left-leaning politics — Bologna was the anti-fascist capital of Italy during World War II and a stronghold of Italy’s Communist Party for decades afterward. That progressive spirit still infuses the city today.
One of Bologna’s most defining features are its porticoes — over 40 kilometers of covered arcaded walkways lining the streets, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. Built beginning in the 12th century to accommodate a growing student population, they’ve become one of the city’s most charming and practical features, sheltering you from rain and sun alike.
Rising above the rooftops, the Two Towers — the Asinelli and the Garisenda — have stood since the 12th century and remain the city’s most iconic landmark. But they are just the most famous survivors of a remarkable era: during the 12th and 13th centuries, Bologna bristled with as many as 100 to 180 towers, earning comparisons to a medieval Manhattan.
Built by wealthy families as symbols of power and prestige — the taller your tower, the greater your status — they also served as defensive fortifications during the factional conflicts between the Guelph and Ghibelline families. Over the centuries, most were demolished, collapsed, or absorbed into other buildings. Fewer than two dozen survive today, but their legacy is central to Bologna’s identity.
Bologna is a city made for wandering: intimate, elegant, and deeply alive.
We can’t wait for you to experience it.
About Us
We met in Brooklyn 5 years ago.
On our first date, Matteo’s arm was in a sling after breaking his collarbone. Apparently it did not deter either of us from enjoying the evening and capping it off with living room karaoke and Taco Bell.
On April 26th 2025, Matteo proposed at home in Brooklyn, in the living room, with Taco Bell.
We are elated to bring our loved ones together from across the globe to celebrate in Bologna, Matteo’s hometown. We couldn’t be more excited to see you all and to spend time with our favorite people in our favorite place!