About SAIS in Bologna | Location

About Bologna

The city of Bologna is steeped in European history coupled with important modern and contemporary political movements. Bologna's history spans three millennia with Etruscan and Villanovan ruins on display throughout the city. But it also looks forward, its economy and lifestyle representing one of highest standards in Europe.



From the main piazza to the remnants of medieval city walls, Bologna's preserved historic center features a system of nearly 40 kilometers of porticoes that shelter its citizens, while a pair of medieval towers still guards the heart of the city.

Bologna boasts a population that is as culturally, economically and politically diverse as any to be found in Europe. An ancient city, whose medieval center is one the largest preserved in Itay, Bologna also offers 21st technology in the form of free wifi access throughout the center, easy and affordable public transportation and an easy-jumping off point to visit the sea, the mountains and other cities or places of interest in Italy and Europe.

Bologna has one of the highest per capita incomes and lowest unemployment rates in Italy, and it consistently ranks in the top 10 European cities for quality of life. Located at the crossroads of Italy's highly developed network of railways and highways, it is an hour's drive from Florence and the Adriatic coast and no more than two or three from Venice, Verona, Milan and Rome. The city's airport is the third largest in Italy, with daily flights served by major European airlines.

LOCATION

For nearly 1000 years, scholars have come from near and far to learn at the University of Bologna, Europe's oldest.Today, Bologna remains a seat of higher learning, not only for the 80,000 students at UniBo, as it is known locally, but also for students in other international programs, preeminent of which is the Johns Hopkins SAIS Bologna Center.

The Bologna Center lies in the heart of the university district, a true city within a city. Cultural, intellectual and social exchanges make it easy for students to interact with a large variety of people from around the world.

Bologna Center alumni return year after year, not only to visit the center but also the city, their second hometown for that one magical period that so many call the best year of their life. Join us in discovering this remarkable place.