Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, has a rich gastronomic history closely associated with its vibrant market culture and the presence of numerous guilds dedicated to various aspects of food preparation and trade. The area around Piazza Maggiore, the main square of Bologna, has traditionally been a bustling hub for traders and merchants selling local produce and specialties. Bologna is widely recognized for its culinary tradition and has earned the nickname "La Grassa" (The Fat), indicating its historic abundance of rich food and deep culinary culture. Though the city is famous for its meat products, it also offers an array of vegetarian delicacies coming from the tradition of "cucina povera", which focuses on simple, yet flavorful dishes.