Bologna, Italy

June 19, 2024 | Mike Mikus | Europe

Hello all. Welcome to our travel blog. Today’s adventure has raven us to the famed city of Bologna (pronounced buh·lo·nyuh) the home of 400,000 very well fed residents. I say that because, Bologna is the renown for their cuisine. Also, their churches, museums and gardens, medieval squares, and red-tiled rooftops make this a do-not-miss destination if you happen to find yourself in the Adriatic Sea.

In truth, it was a decision that we did not take lightly. Most recently, Venice passed laws banning cruise ships. Having been to Venice on two occasions, I have to say I understand their decision. Nothing kills off that surreal feeling brought on by the quaint little canal-laden township like a 13-story cruise ship making its was up the Grand Canal.

So our port of call for the next several days will be Ravenna, Italy, which is beutiful also, but two hours each way to Venice. So instead, we opted to celebrate by making our first visit to the Bologna, which has been on our wishlist for years.

In addition the hosting Italy’s first University, both Lamborghini and Maserati call this city home. Also, like other European cities, Bologna 1000 year old city walls are integrated into the backdrop of the city. While this blends in well in the old town areas, I always get a kick out of the contrast in the modern architecture parts of town.

At any rate, we spent our day exploring the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of old town “Bologna Centrale”.

With temperatures hovering in the 90s, we were pleased to learn that the city features some 33 miles of porticoes, which are covered walkways that shelter visitors from sun.

We especially liked the many piazzas and parks, which are home to many statues and fountains.

Gotta Hand It To ‘em, They Can Make a Door Knob – Bologna (Karen’s Photo)

Perhaps the most famous is Piazza Nettuno. It is the largest town square, and easy walking distance to everywhere that we wanted to be. The giant Neptune fountain dominates the square.

One of the city’s biggest attraction is the Towers of Bologna. These 150 & 300 foot medieval towers were built in the 12th and 13th century. Unfortunately, their recent fame has been garnered with problems, due to the fact that one of the towers is at high risk of falling over. The shorter of the two is leaning 4 degrees (which is actually more than The Leaning Tower of Pisa). In 2023, an effort was begun to save the tower, and construction is expected to last through 2026. Regardless, it was great seeing them (although it was a real challenge to photograph with the construction…).

These towers are named Garisenda and Asinella, and were made famous by Dante, the famous 12th century Italian poet who included references to the towers in several of his writings.

Okay, I know that some of you will be rolling your eyes again after this next bit, but I have to say, Balogna is a gastronomy Mecca. Many of the foods eaten around the world originated here, including bolognese sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Mortadella.

When visiting, the only thing better than a toasted mortadella sandwich with burratina and pistachio cream is to have one with a cold glass of Follo Bologna Prosecco on a shady piazza!