Bologna

TLAMA games · Board game · 2026
8.8 Ludopedia — BGG 2 30 min
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8.8 rating Ludopedia
— rating BGG

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Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy abstract strategy games for two players, focusing on tile placement and area control, "Bologna" is a sure bet! It's a quick and addictive tactical duel.

Highlights
  • Pure strategy, no luck
  • Fast and intense matches
  • Engaging tile placement
  • Two-player tactical duel
Keep in mind
  • Minimal direct interaction
  • Sudden ending can surprise
  • Light theme, focus on mechanics
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Journey back to 12th and 13th century Bologna, a city torn by the conflict between the Guelfs and Ghibellines! In "Bologna", two players embody rival families vying for control of the city, erecting impressive buildings and towers. Each turn, you'll place a piece on the board: a simple house, a house with a study, or a tower. Houses help control areas and enclose courtyards, which grant immediate influence. Towers are key to dominating the landmarks in each district. The first player to enter an empty district determines its landmark, which will be scored later. Strategy is paramount: deciding when to secure a courtyard, expand your presence, or invest in taller towers can lead to victory. The game can even end suddenly if a player achieves a certain level of influence! With no luck involved, only pure tactics, "Bologna" is a direct confrontation where every decision matters. Will your family reign over the city of towers? It's a quick game with accessible rules, yet it demands strategic thinking to dominate the board and outmaneuver your opponent.

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Bologna English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Upcoming Releases Cities: Bologna (Emilia-Romagna, Italy) Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher TLAMA games
Designer Martin Holeksa, Robert Milička
Artist Mihajlo Dimitrievski

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1owners
56wishlist
4want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can participate?
This game is exclusively for two players.
How long does a game take?
Games are quite fast, typically lasting around 30 minutes.
What is the game's complexity?
The rules are easy to learn, but the tactical depth is significant, requiring good planning.
Does the game involve a lot of luck?
No, "Bologna" is a game with no luck. All decisions are made by the players.
Who is this game best suited for?
It's ideal for couples or friends who enjoy abstract, strategic games with quick playtime.
Is the city-building theme important?
The medieval Bologna theme serves as a backdrop for the core mechanics, which are the strategic focus of the game.

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