Italian News Headlines 17-05-2025: Italy will host the 38th edition of the America's cup in Naples in 2027 --- Robert Francis Prevost from the USA has been chosen as the new pope, taking the name, Pope Leo XIV --- Two floating cranes, one of which is among the most powerful in Europe, have begun the process of lifting the sunken superyacht, the Bayesian, to the surface off the coast of Sicily --- Italian racing driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the F1 Mercedes team's replacement for Lewis Hamilton, became the youngest driver to take a Formula 1 pole position for the sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix --- King Charles III addresses the Italian Parliament in Italian, during his state visit of Italy --- A new discovery at Pompei has uncovered near life-sized frescoes that depict religious practices that were popular in the ancient city before its destruction in AD79 --- Pope Francis has spent a 10th night in hospital having been admitted with pneumonia in both lungs --- The Demoskopika Institute has rated Italy at the top of the European Tourism Reputation Index, above Greece and Spain, for the second year running --- Milan bans smoking in the street from 5th January 2025 --- A museum dedicated to Lord Byron is set to open in a house in Ravenna, where the English poet conducted a love affair with the aristocratic owner's wife

Province of Bologna

Bologna Province
Santuario di San Luca, province of Bologna

The province of Bologna, located in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, offers a rich mosaic of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. While often overshadowed by its capital city, the broader province is a destination in its own right.

Stretching from the Apennine Mountains in the south to the Po Valley in the north, the area blends medieval charm with breathtaking landscapes. Ancient villages, vast vineyards, and culinary excellence define its soul.

Find a hotel in Emilia-Romagna

Bologna Province
Province of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Timeless towns and hilltop villages

Outside the city of Bologna, the province is dotted with enchanting towns such as Dozza, famous for its painted walls and medieval fortress, and Brisighella, a picturesque village with cobbled streets and a centuries-old watchtower. Each town tells its own story, shaped by history and regional pride.

Other gems include Castel del Rio, known for its 16th-century bridge, and Vergato, a charming town surrounded by lush hills and forests. These locations offer a slower pace of life and an authentic experience of traditional Emilia-Romagna.

A journey through Bologna’s countryside

The countryside of Bologna province is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Rolling hills, golden wheat fields, and vineyards stretch across the landscape. Areas such as the Colli Bolognesi (Bologna Hills) are perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the panoramic views.

Visitors can also explore nature parks like the Parco Regionale dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa, a unique karst landscape of chalk cliffs, caves, and wildlife. In every season, the Bologna countryside reveals a different kind of magic.

Gastronomy rooted in tradition

Bologna province is world-renowned for its culinary heritage, deeply rooted in local traditions. Beyond the famous tortellini and ragù, villages and towns across the province offer their own specialties, including crescentine (fried dough), tigelle (small flatbreads), and salumi like mortadella and prosciutto di Parma.

Wine lovers will find much to enjoy too, especially in the Colli Bolognesi wine region. Here, Pignoletto—a fresh, sparkling white wine—pairs beautifully with local cheeses and cured meats. Agriturismi and rustic trattorias welcome travelers with genuine flavors and generous hospitality.

Castles, fortresses, and towers

The province of Bologna is steeped in medieval history, with castles and fortresses that once defended noble families and strategic passes through the Apennines. The Rocchetta Mattei near Grizzana Morandi is one of the most eccentric examples, a blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Romanesque styles.

Another must-see is the Castello di Bentivoglio, which offers insight into Renaissance life and the powerful Bentivoglio family who once ruled Bologna. These castles often host exhibitions, cultural events, and concerts that bring history to life.

The Apennines and outdoor adventure

To the south, the Apennine Mountains mark the province’s rugged border, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. Skiing and snowshoeing in winter give way to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the warmer months.

Monte Sole Historical Park is both a nature reserve and a place of remembrance, dedicated to the victims of WWII atrocities. It’s a poignant yet peaceful destination for hiking, reflection, and learning.

Festivals, folklore, and local life

Throughout the year, Bologna province bursts with festivals celebrating everything from wine and truffles to medieval history and music. Events like the Festa della Porchetta in Savigno or the Palio di San Michele in Medicina offer visitors a chance to experience authentic regional culture.

Traditional music, artisan crafts, and local markets are all part of the fabric of life here. These festivals reflect the community spirit that defines the province—welcoming, proud, and deeply rooted in its heritage.

Planning your visit to Bologna province

Whether you're a foodie, a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a curious traveler, the province of Bologna promises something special. Base yourself in a historic agriturismo or a family-run B&B for a truly immersive experience.

With its easy connections to Bologna city and nearby regions like Tuscany and Modena, the province is a perfect addition to any Italian itinerary. Explore at your own pace, and you'll find stories, flavors, and scenery to remember forever.

The Best Italian Handmade Gifts
Direct From Italy

Brindisi (violet) - High Fashion Shoulder Bag

More Details

Flag of Emilia-Romagna
Flag of Emilia-Romagna
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 22,124 km²
      Population: 4.2m
      Density: 189/km²
      Capital: Bologna

      National Parks:
      Appennino Tosco-Emiliano
      Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna
Location of Emilia-Romagna
Location of Emilia-Romagna
Provinces of Emilia-Romagna
Provinces of Emilia-Romagna
  • Comunes of Emilia-Romagna
    • Bologna

      • Anzola dell’Emilia
        Argelato
        Baricella
        Bazzano
        Bentivoglio
        Bologna
        Borgo Tossignano
        Budrio
        Calderara di Reno
        Camugnano
        Casalecchio di Reno
        Casalfiumanese
        Castel d’Aiano
        Castel del Rio
        Castel di Casio
        Castel Guelfo di Bologna
        Castel Maggiore
        Castel San Pietro Terme
        Castello d’Argile
        Castello di Serravalle
        Castenaso
        Castiglione dei Pepoli
        Crespellano
        Crevalcore
        Dozza
        Fontanelice
        Gaggio Montano
        Galliera
        Granaglione
        Granarolo dell’Emilia
        Grizzana Morandi
        Imola
        Lizzano in Belvedere
        Loiano
        Malalbergo
        Marzabotto
        Medicina
        Minerbio
        Molinella
        Monghidoro
        Monte San Pietro
        Monterenzio
        Monteveglio
        Monzuno
        Mordano
        Ozzano dell’Emilia
        Pianoro
        Pieve di Cento
        Porretta Terme
        Sala Bolognese
        San Benedetto Val di Sambro
        San Giorgio di Piano
        San Giovanni in Persiceto
        San Lazzaro di Savena
        San Pietro in Casale
        Sant’Agata Bolognese
        Sasso Marconi
        Savigno
        Vergato
        Zola Predosa

    • Ferrara
      • Argenta
        Berra
        Bondeno
        Cento
        Codigoro
        Comacchio
        Copparo
        Ferrara
        Formignana
        Goro
        Jolanda di Savoia
        Lagosanto
        Masi Torello
        Massa Fiscaglia
        Mesola
        Migliarino
        Migliaro
        Mirabello
        Ostellato
        Poggio Renatico
        Portomaggiore
        Ro
        Sant’Agostino
        Tresigallo
        Vigarano Mainarda
        Voghiera

    • Forlì-Cesena
      • Bagno di Romagna
        Bertinoro
        Borghi
        Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole
        Cesena
        Cesenatico
        Civitella di Romagna
        Dovadola
        Forlì
        Forlimpopoli
        Galeata
        Gambettola
        Gatteo
        Longiano
        Meldola
        Mercato Saraceno
        Modigliana
        Montiano
        Portico e San Benedetto
        Predappio
        Premilcuore
        Rocca San Casciano
        Roncofreddo
        San Mauro Pascoli
        Santa Sofia
        Sarsina
        Savignano sul Rubicone
        Sogliano al Rubicone
        Tredozio
        Verghereto

    • Modena
      • Bastiglia
        Bomporto
        Campogalliano
        Camposanto
        Carpi
        Castelfranco Emilia
        Castelnuovo Rangone
        Castelvetro di Modena
        Cavezzo
        Concordia sulla Secchia
        Fanano
        Finale Emilia
        Fiorano Modenese
        Fiumalbo
        Formigine
        Frassinoro
        Guiglia
        Lama Mocogno
        Maranello
        Marano sul Panaro
        Medolla
        Mirandola
        Modena
        Montecreto
        Montefiorino
        Montese
        Nonantola
        Novi di Modena
        Palagano
        Pavullo nel Frignano
        Pievepelago
        Polinago
        Prignano sulla Secchia
        Ravarino
        Riolunato
        San Cesario sul Panaro
        San Felice sul Panaro
        San Possidonio
        San Prospero
        Sassuolo
        Savignano sul Panaro
        Serramazzoni
        Sestola
        Soliera
        Spilamberto
        Vignola
        Zocca

    • Parma
      • Albareto
        Bardi
        Bedonia
        Berceto
        Bore
        Borgo Val di Taro
        Busseto
        Calestano
        Collecchio
        Colorno
        Compiano
        Corniglio
        Felino
        Fidenza
        Fontanellato
        Fontevivo
        Fornovo di Taro
        Langhirano
        Lesignano de’ Bagni
        Medesano
        Mezzani
        Monchio delle Corti
        Montechiarugolo
        Neviano degli Arduini
        Noceto
        Palanzano
        Parma
        Pellegrino Parmense
        Polesine Parmense
        Roccabianca
        Sala Baganza
        Salsomaggiore Terme
        San Secondo Parmense
        Sissa
        Solignano
        Soragna
        Sorbolo
        Terenzo
        Tizzano Val Parma
        Tornolo
        Torrile
        Traversetolo
        Trecasali
        Valmozzola
        Varano de’ Melegari
        Varsi
        Zibello

    • Piacenza
      • Agazzano
        Alseno
        Besenzone
        Bettola
        Bobbio
        Borgonovo Val Tidone
        Cadeo
        Calendasco
        Caminata
        Caorso
        Carpaneto Piacentino
        Castel San Giovanni
        Castell’Arquato
        Castelvetro Piacentino
        Cerignale
        Coli
        Corte Brugnatella
        Cortemaggiore
        Farini
        Ferriere
        Fiorenzuola d’Arda
        Gazzola
        Gossolengo
        Gragnano Trebbiense
        Gropparello
        Lugagnano Val D’Arda
        Monticelli d’Ongina
        Morfasso
        Nibbiano
        Ottone
        Pecorara
        Piacenza
        Pianello Val Tidone
        Piozzano
        Podenzano
        Ponte dell’Olio
        Pontenure
        Rivergaro
        Rottofreno
        San Giorgio Piacentino
        San Pietro in Cerro
        Sarmato
        Travo
        Vernasca
        Vigolzone
        Villanova sull’Arda
        Zerba
        Ziano Piacentino

    • Ravenna
      • Alfonsine
        Bagnacavallo
        Bagnara di Romagna
        Brisighella
        Casola Valsenio
        Castel Bolognese
        Cervia
        Conselice
        Cotignola
        Faenza
        Fusignano
        Lugo
        Massa Lombarda
        Ravenna
        Riolo Terme
        Russi
        Sant’Agata sul Santerno
        Solarolo

    • Reggio Emilia
      • Albinea
        Bagnolo in Piano
        Baiso
        Bibbiano
        Boretto
        Brescello
        Busana
        Cadelbosco di Sopra
        Campagnola Emilia
        Campegine
        Canossa
        Carpineti
        Casalgrande
        Casina
        Castellarano
        Castelnovo di Sotto
        Castelnovo ne’ Monti
        Cavriago
        Collagna
        Correggio
        Fabbrico
        Gattatico
        Gualtieri
        Guastalla
        Ligonchio
        Luzzara
        Montecchio Emilia
        Novellara
        Poviglio
        Quattro Castella
        Ramiseto
        Reggio Emilia
        Reggiolo
        Rio Saliceto
        Rolo
        Rubiera
        San Martino in Rio
        San Polo d’Enza
        Sant’Ilario d’Enza
        Scandiano
        Toano
        Vetto
        Vezzano sul Crostolo
        Viano
        Villa Minozzo

    • Rimini
      • Bellaria-Igea Marina
        Casteldelci
        Cattolica
        Coriano
        Gemmano
        Maiolo
        Misano Adriatico
        Mondaino
        Monte Colombo
        Montefiore Conca
        Montegridolfo
        Montescudo
        Morciano di Romagna
        Novafeltria
        Pennabilli
        Poggio Berni
        Riccione
        Rimini
        Saludecio
        San Clemente
        San Giovanni in Marignano
        San Leo
        Sant’Agata Feltria
        Santarcangelo di Romagna
        Talamello
        Torriana
        Verucchio
Hotels in Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna Hotels
Emilia-RomagnaWEATHER
Emilia-Romagna Climate (Bologna)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 5 -2 3 43
Feb 8 1 3 45
Mar 13 4 5 60
Apr 18 8 6 67
May 23 12 7 65
Jun 27 16 9 53
Jul 30 18 9 43
Aug 29 18 8 58
Sep 25 15 7 61
Oct 19 10 5 72
Nov 11 4 3 81
Dec 6 0 2 61
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
Other pages you might like
Newsletter
Enter your email address below to receive our free newsletter, 'I Love Italy'. It provides a captivating glimpse into the allure of 'The Bel Paese', containing extracts from our most recent articles, a window on Italian news, fashion, music and culture, useful information for visiting and living in Italy as well as our latest, delicious Italian recipes.

Subscribers are also entitled to a 10% discount on purchases from our sister-site, Italy Gifts Direct.

We will not use your email address for any other purpose or pass it on to any other organisation and you can unsubscribe from this service at any time.