Bologna, also called the "Dotta" (the "Learned" or the "Scholarly") because of his important university that in the Middle Ages attracted scholars and intellectuals from all over Europe, is a beautiful city that has its roots in the Etruscan history and later became a cornerstone on the Via Emilia in Roman times.The city is characterized by the famous medieval arches, that can be found in virtually all the streets of downtown Bologna. They also surround Piazza Maggiore, where the Basilica of San Petronio stands, the pearl of Gothic architecture built between the XIV and the XVII century on behalf of the city hall. Inside you can admire the largest meridian in the world, on the floor of the left aisle and designed by the mathematician Giovanni Domenico Cassini.