BOLOGNA: THE LEARNED, THE RED AND THE FAT ONE.

How long it's been!

Hello again! I return once again after a few days of rest to tell you about more of my experiences, this time in another Italian city. "Mi piace tantissimo l'Italia! " - I really like Italy!

If I could, I would return to Italy every year to remind myself and explore it some more because, although I have seen some very beautiful places in this gorgeous country, there are still lots to discover and enjoy.

This time we are going to Bologna, a city that radiates a full personality. Although the time we have is never enough to know it in its entirety, Bologna allows us to enjoy almost all its main places in a weekend.

It could be that you haven't considered Bologna if it's the first time you've been to Italy, because its tourism doesn't stand out very much. Well, until now! Recently there have been lots of travellers who have chosen Bologna as their tourist destination.

But, Bologna, although it stands out for it's university students, as much for Erasmus students (there are loads of them here) as for Italian students, here it is known as "the learned one" (la dotta).

Bologna is the oldest headquarters for universities in Europe.

Furthermore, the things that stand out in Bologna, and of all of Italy in general, is the gastronomy. In Bologna they eat scandalously: everything is good and you will, of course, try some exquisite food. Here, Bologna is known as "the fat one" (la grassa).

From the first moment you step into Bologna you will realise why it is also known as "the red one" (la rossa), because its houses and roofs are red.

Now that I have told you a little bit about the curiosities of Bologna, I'm going to tell you about what I saw there and, of course, what I think will be interesting for a traveller going to this gorgeous city to see.

1- Main Square (Piazza Maggiore).

I would recommend that you start your visit in this square, the centre of life in the city. It is a square that requires you to observe it for a while because it is worth to known every detail of it.

Watch out, you will see in Bologna that there are lots of bicycles and you will see even more of them in this square. Everyone has a bicycle, especially students, or that's how it seems at least.

Furthermore, you can't miss the Basilica of St. Petronius, which is unfinished. It could be one of the largest in the world, you will realise this when you look at its façade and its impressive dome.

Furthermore, you will be able to see the Comunale Palace, the Podestà Palace and the Bianchi Palace in the outskirts of this square.

Without a doubt, it is an impressive sqaure where there is a lot to see.

2- THE BASILICA OF ST. STEPHEN

Without a doubt, it's the most impressive thing that I have seen so far and that is all because it includes seven churches (among them the St. Vitale, St. Agrícola, the Pilato Courtyard and the St. Stephen Museum). It's very much worth a visit.

Located in the St. Stephen Square, it is an essential corner, especially when you wait to visit it at night. It is spectacular when illuminated.

Don't miss it!

3- THE TOWERS OF BOLOGNA

Bologna had many towers in its past. Nowadays, there are two iconic towers in the city: the Garisenda Tower and the Asinelli Tower.

Don't forget to climb the Asinelli Tower - there are loads of steps, of course! But it's undoubtedly worth it!

It has the best panoramic views of Bologna; its red roofs and hills, you will be able to photograph and enjoy these marvellous views.

4- GO UP THE SANCTUARY OF ST. LUKE

The Sanctuary of the Madonna of St. Luca is located on one of the hills on the outskirts of Bologna, and it is essential to climb it.

We did it by foot, although it is also easy to get to by public transport. We enjoyed crossing the largest porch in the world walking below 666 arches from the Saragozza Gate. While we walked along there we saw more than 10 chapels.

Impressive!

5- VISIT THE MARKETS OF BOLOGNA

Something essential to do in Bologna is to walk and stroll aimlessly and be dazzled by all the charming corners that Bologna has, but better still, explore the markets where you can buy fruit, cheese, vegetables... The Herb Market.

Or take a walk through the Gallery Cavour and be left wanting to buy something in the luxury shops of Bologna.

I only had 48 hours to see Bologna because I included it in an itinerary where I would visit more cities like Verona or Padua but, in those 48 hours, I undoubtedly enjoyed loads of things in this beautiful city.

That being said, what I enjoyed most was its gastronomy, I tried many things, including tagliatelle al ragú, Bolpetta, and tortellini. But one thing you should try in Bologna is the typical "mortadella" of the area. Everything was so good! I'd go back!

Until next time, travellers!

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