Yes, Bologna. Bologna is old and historic, it was founded long ago, about the 6th century BC, and the Romans controlled it from mid 1st century BC until the fall of the empire. Bologna is quiet yet boisterous, busy yet calm, and populated yet not crowded. How you ask. The city is not packed with tourists, as a matter of fact I don't think we saw more than 2 dozen English speakers during our entire 3 night stay. We did not see a single tour group, you know the annoying 25+ people crowded around the person holding up an umbrella to ensure the group is together and invariably in your way of the sights you want to see. The town is very metropolitan, hosting the world's oldest university, keeping the town lively, young and spirited even while the medieval architecture screams from a time long ago. Also Bologna can brag about the porticoes, a lovely treat while walking to keep you out of the sun, rain, etc. Bologna has about 40km worth of porticoes.
Ron and Rose Ann strolling.
But wait, did I mention the food? Oh the food, there is nothing like the food in Bologna. Tagliatelle Ragu, Lasagna Bolognese, Tortellini in Brodo or cream, I'm here to tell you the food is a can't miss. Bologna also boasts Italy's first protected food product, mortadella, to ensure precise controls during preparation of this ancient food product.
The gelato was fantastic, I'd suggest at least two servings a day.
The shopping is great, lots of high end merchandise as well as the normal items you'd like. Kathie got some nice hand made local jewelry inspired by Monet's water lilies. I got some Bologna Football Club stuff to remind me of this lovely town.
There are more museums than we had time for, rest is a very important aspect of vacation afterall. We did go to Il Teatro Anatomico where for 3 Euro you can see where anatomy lectures were given at the university. Its quite interesting, made completely of wood to absorb and mask the smell of the procedures. The entry fee also allows access to the reading room of the library, a beautiful collection of books is on display with a peek of the library available through a locked door.
Skinless men supporting the lecturn.
Reading room
Library
Here's the 5th largest church in the world, San Petronio, located on the main piazza. When the Pope heard of its construction, scheduled to be the largest in the world, he forced changes. What did they do in Bologna, just diverted the funds to the university, how awesome is that!
Inside the church Cassini put in the largest sundial in the world, 67 meters long
The chairs lined up in Piazza Maggiore for free movie night every night this summer.
Unfortunately the fountain of Neptune was under cover for maintenance, however from the pictures above, including the church, you can see the main piazza of town is quite splendid.
From Bologna you can get to any major city via train rather quickly. Milan is about an hour, Florence is less than 40 minutes at 280k/hr according to Ron.
We also climbed the campanile of the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, the views of the city were spectactular. Best 5 Euro entry fee of the trip.
Sunset was just lovely.
The guy up top let me ring the bells and we chatted for about 5 minutes. He was quite happy to hear of my love of his city. I hope I've sold you on a visit, if not that's ok, I'd prefer the crowds stay away when we return.
Bologna o Bologna, where art thou Bologna.
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