During the Middle Ages, Bologna was one of Europe’s largest cities and is home to the world’s oldest university. The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 AD and still matriculates students today.
Piazza Maggiore is home to some of Bologna’s most important medieval-era buildings.
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The Basilica di San Petronio lies at the southeast edge of the central Piazza Maggiore and dominates the square.
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The statue, which stands 4 meters tall, was constructed as a symbol of the Pope and the Catholic Church’s power over the people of Bologna.
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The two most famous towers are the Asinelli Tower and the Garisenda Tower, which lie at the intersection of the two main streets of the old city.
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It is Bologna’s largest tower, at 97.2 meters high, and it actually leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
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