Introduction
Bologna the bountiful and its Apennine mountains offer legendary festivals where tortellini in broth is a sacred ritual.
The area boasts 4 protected-designation products and 5 dishes of the local tradition and 1 UNESCO heritage sites.
Upcoming Events & Festivals
Here are the upcoming events in Bologna e Appennino:
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Bologna e Appennino:
Mortadella Please
OttobreBologna
Festival della Mortadella Bologna IGP con degustazioni in piazza.
Sagra della Crescentina
AgostoZocca
Festa delle crescentine (tigelle) nell'Appennino modenese.
Cioccoshow
NovembreBologna
Festival del cioccolato artigianale sotto i portici.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Bologna e Appennino represent the excellence of the area:
The quintessential Bologna cured meat, pink and fragrant with pistachios.
The king of cheeses, aged for a minimum of 12 months, also produced in the Bolognese Apennines.
A precious condiment obtained from cooked grape must and aged in batteries of wooden barrels.
Filled pasta with a shape inspired by the navel of Venus, the iconic dish of Bologna.
What to eat in Bologna e Appennino
Meat-filled tortellini in capon broth, a sacred dish of Bolognese cuisine.
Egg tagliatelle with authentic Bolognese ragù, officially registered at the Chamber of Commerce.
Green pasta sheets layered with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano—layers of flavor.
Small bread discs cooked in traditional molds, filled with lard, cured meats, and cheeses.
A traditional Bolognese Christmas cake with chocolate, almonds, candied fruit, and mustard.
Traditions & Culture
The art of hand-rolled pasta with the mattarello rolling pin, passed down by Bolognese pasta-makers.
A procession along the 3.8 km of arcades that connect Bologna to the Sanctuary of San Luca.
UNESCO Heritage
The medieval and Renaissance arcades of Bologna, featuring over 60 km of covered walkways.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
A mountainous area of the Bolognese Apennines featuring beech forests and waterfalls.
Historical Figures
Author of 'La scienza in cucina' (1891), the first cookbook of Italian cuisine.
An icon of Italian music, born and lived in Via D'Azeglio in Bologna.
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Bologna e Appennino are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Curiosities
“The official recipe for tortellini bolognese has been registered at the Chamber of Commerce since 1974.”
“Bologna has 53 km of arcades in its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021.”
“The University of Bologna (1088) is the oldest university in the Western world.”
“In Bologna, there is no such thing as 'pasta alla bolognese'—it's called tagliatelle al ragù.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What PDO and PGI products are found in Bologna and the Apennines?expand_more
In Bologna and the Apennines you'll find 4 protected designation products, including: Mortadella Bologna (PGI), Parmigiano Reggiano (PDO), Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena (PDO), and Tortellini di Bologna (PAT).
2What should you eat in Bologna and the Apennines?expand_more
Typical dishes of Bologna and the Apennines include: Tortellini in brodo, Tagliatelle al ragù, Lasagne alla bolognese, Crescentine (tigelle), and Certosino di Bologna. Each dish tells the gastronomic story of this region.
3What UNESCO heritage sites are in Bologna and the Apennines?expand_more
In Bologna and the Apennines you'll find 1 UNESCO heritage site: the Arcades of Bologna (Cultural, 2021).
4What are the most famous food festivals in Bologna and the Apennines?expand_more
Among the most important festivals and events in Bologna and the Apennines: Mortadella Please (Bologna, October); Sagra della Crescentina (Zocca, August); Cioccoshow (Bologna, November).
5What natural parks are in Bologna and the Apennines?expand_more
Protected natural areas in Bologna and the Apennines include: Parco Regionale Corno alle Scale (Regional Park).
6Who organizes food festivals in Bologna and the Apennines?expand_more
Food festivals in Bologna and the Apennines are organized by local communities including the Confraternita del Tortellino and Pro Loco Zocca. These local associations are the keepers of the region's gastronomic traditions.