Bologna is renowned for its rich culinary history, which extends to the area around the iconic Asinelli Tower. Constructed between 1109 and 1119, the Asinelli Tower is not only a historical landmark but also a symbol of Bologna's gastronomic heritage. While the tower itself doesn't have a food history, being primarily a defensive and residential structure, it stands in the heart of Bologna, a city often referred to as "La Grassa" (The Fat) because of its deep connection with food culture.
The city is famous for its traditional Italian cuisines such as pasta, cold cuts, and cheeses. Bologna has contributed numerous dishes to Italian and worldwide cuisine, including the Bolognese sauce, or ragù, which arguably has its culinary roots mingling with the city's historic narrative just steps away from the Tower in the medieval streets of the old market district known as Quadrilatero.