Car Rental Bologna - Exploring Bologna

Apart from the tourist magnets of Florence and Venice, which are only a few hours drive from Bologna, there are several nearby attractions to add to the appeal of this important renaissance town.

Just out of the city is the elevated Basilica Santuario della Madonna di San Luca. This 18th C Basilica is famously connected to the city walls by a lovely portico.

The tiny resort town of Porretta (Terme) is famous for its hot springs and, strangely, its increasingly popular annual soul music festival. It enjoys a lovely location among the Apennine Mountains, about 50kms south of Bologna.

Modena is another historic city nearby, but in recent times has become extremely wealthy on the strength of its motor industry, hosting famous names such Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini. It’s main cathedral has some remarkable 12th century bas reliefs which are worth checking out. It is also Italy’s home of the Biblioteca Estense (custodian of many of the country’s most important books and manuscripts).

To truly appreciate renaissance culture, spend a day (or more) visiting Florence, with its massive Duomo, Baptistry, Florentine-art-laden Uffizi Gallery and famous Ponte Vecchio.

Likewise, Venice is one of the world’s most unique and best-known towns, largely due to its many canals, Piazza San Marco, St Mark's Basilica and unusual atmosphere.