Bologna is a city located in northern Italy, capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. With a rich history dating back to the Etruscan civilization, it was known as Felsina and later became the Roman colony of Bononia. The city is famous for its porticoes, which are a World Heritage Site, and for being home to the University of Bologna, the oldest in the Western world. Its medieval architecture, with towers and historic buildings, makes it an attractive tourist destination. Additionally, Bologna is known for its gastronomy, being home to dishes such as tagliatelle and ragù alla bolognese. The city has a population of approximately 400,000 inhabitants in the urban area and more than 1 million in the metropolitan area.