Bologna: the scholar, the chubby, the flushed
It is the most ancient University, one of the most succulent gastronomic destinations in Europe and a medieval historical center among the most picturesque in Italy.
With its roofs and red bricks, Bologna still breathe history even though it is way ahead the time, considering the culture that stains around Italy.
Bologna is a perfect destination if you want to dive in for a few days in a lively, sparkling and yet perfectly place drenched in tradition.
A few steps in the history of Bologna
We are in Emilia Romagna, a rich and productive region which has Bologna as its capital. Born in the first millennium BC, the city saw its first splendors during Etruscan times.
It was free municipality during the Middle Ages and the northern capital of the Papal State from the sixteenth century, also being the banner of the Resistance in the years of the Second World War.
Today it is UNESCO City of Music and a stepping stone for artistic currents and whimsical characters.
What to do in Bologna
Not just the Two Towers, not just Piazza Maggiore, not just the Neptune or the endless walks under the longest arcades in Europe: Bologna holds many other secrets.
For instance, do you know you can discover them all simply by walking around the city?
There are seven secrets to find, like the window in Via Piella that will make you discover a little Venice. Not everyone knows that Bologna was built on water and its canals were very important trade routes.
The Basilica of Santo Stefano, known as the “Sette Chiese” (litteraly, “Seven Churches”), is certainly one of the most fascinating places in Bologna.
The latter is basically composed of seven small churches enclosed in a single compound that looks almost like a matryoshka of art.
What about the Portici of San Luca? It’s going to be a slightly challenging walk up the hills, but it will be repaid by the sight of the whole city and also by the Church of Santa Maria della Vita, in which you can admire one of the most beautiful sculptural groups in Italy: the Lamentation of the Dead Christ.
In addition, the museums are over 60 and mostly free, including the National Art Gallery.
What to eat in Bologna
Bologna reaches its maximum peaks of pleasure during one specific moment of the day: the meals. Tortellini, lasagne, tagliatelle, ragù, crescentine, tigelle, salami: a gastronomic paradise washed down by Pignoletto and wine from the hills.
What if you want sweets? Bologna is the city of icecream. It might be weird, but here in Bologna you can taste the best ice cream in Italy.