The Most Underrated City on Our Trip to Italy
Welcome to Bologna! While I knew the least about Bologna before starting our journey, the city turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip to Italy. Bologna is much smaller than the big metropolises like Milan and Rome and you can feel the difference as you explore the city center. It is more easily managed than the more well known metropolitan areas but is still packed with history and tourist sights. There were considerably less wayfarers in Bologna, even in the peak July season, making it feel more like a summer holiday abroad, versus American packed Florence, for example. What I did know about Bologna was the world renowned food, and that famous food did not disappoint! My friend and I traveled by train from Milan to Bologna and after a day of rain in Milan, we were greeted with warm sunshine as soon as we stepped onto the train platform in Bologna.
The two main cuisine specialties in Bologna are Tagliatelle al Ragu and Tortellini in a broth based sauce. We had each of these masterpieces numerous times but fell in love with the Ragu at Caffe del Rosso, on their outdoor patio under the portico. Our favorite summer side dishes of caprese salad and prosciutto wrapped melon complimented the hearty dishes nicely.
Bologna's central square, the Piazza Maggiore, is the center of history and architecture for the region. Included in, and surrounding, the square, are must see buildings that showcase the beautiful architecture and the historical significance. Favorites consist of The Fountain of Neptune and Basilica of San Petronio, and various palazzos such as Palazzo dei Notai, Palazzo dei Banchi, Palazzo d'Accursio, and Palazzo del Podestra.
A city known for it's porticos (partially covered walkways with pillars and arches), walking the streets of Bologna is visually beautiful. While porticos are popular in many European cities, something about seeing them all congregated together makes the city feel more special. The area around Piazza Santo Stefano is especially gorgeous with it's golden hued buildings and historic 7 churches (also known as Seven Churches Square).
My favorite historical sites in Bologna were the two towers, degli Asinelli and Garisenda. Asinelli, the taller of the two, standing at 97m, is open to the public to explore. The climb to the top is steep but you are nicely rewarded for your efforts with unparalleled views of the entire city. Looking over the orange and red rooftops is where I fell in love with Bologna. The second tower, Garisenda, stands only about half as high as Asinelli, at 48m, and has substantial tilt. The leaning tower of Bologna is not safe to enter, but makes for very interesting photos next to the sister tower of Asinelli.
The views didn't end at The Two Towers, our hotel also had a very pleasing rooftop patio where we spent our nights sipping wine and overlooking the city. Because we packed in so much walking and sight seeing throughout the day, we loved the slow paced (and cheap) nights at "home". A perfect way to relax and unwind after our days in constant motion. Good night Bologna and next up is Florence!
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