Falling in love with Bologna
It is almost like a stage play - Act 2 of Wrapping up March 2017- Falling in love with Bologna.
I must admit that until last year I never checked out Bologna, only heard stories about where not to go, and it being more of an industrial town with strong roots in communism. Not that that should have kept me from discovering it, were it not for the fact we always came to Italy in the summer, and Bologna definitely has a little flaw there.......it is located in de flat country of the river Po and gets very hot and humid that time of year. Big advantage: it usually is a good 5-7 degrees warmer then Marradi, so what better time to visit than in the great company of our South-African friends John and Belinda in the cooler months of the year when it gets chilly in the Appenines.
After arriving, settling into our appartment and enjoying a great Lambrusco and very flavourful Piadine Romagnole (a type of flatbread preferably filled with Parmaham, or soft fresh cheese -squaquerone- and rucola), we wandered through the narrow streets admiring shop windows filled with mouthwatering foods. Every little shop seems to have a few tables and chairs outside to enjoy their ware. Nobody seems to bring a sandwich from home for lunch.......and why would you. I love watching people and often feel like a modern Alice in Wonderland, wondering about what and why......feeling in my own world even in the busiest place. Like this couple, lovingly kissing in a tiny sliver of sunshine in an otherwise shadowy street, lost in their own world, being unaware of everybody watching them. Only until someone passing by made a remark......they took it bravely ;-), and I asked permission to keep the photo of this intimate moment.
As tourists we had to climb the 498 of stairs to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli (almost 100 mtrs high), one of Bologna's landmarks from the 1100's and the place where originally the old Via Emilia entered the city through the Porta Ravegna. The staircase is narrow, only one person can pass at the time...........an interesting study in courtesy! Some let others pass all the time, others push themselves in between you and the railing without consideration. I wish I had an icon to display my amazement......but we were happy to have made it and enjoyed the view above the city and surroundings before going down again.
Really starting to enjoy being tourists, next on the list were the Sala Borsa at the Piazza Maggiore, which nowadays is home to the Public Library. The floor of the Sala Borsa is transparent to display the archeological excavations underneath. Remnants have been found of civilization from the Etruscan ages through Roman times and the medieval era into the Renaissance. It makes me dream about time machines taking me back in time to see what the world looked like in those days.
Onwards to the University area where students hang out just like we did in our Uni years, in search for 'Piccola Venezia': a small stretch of canal near the old port area on the river Reno, that has not been covered by asphalt in the latest century. Meanwhile I am looking out for small details everywhere........
After a good nights' rest we waved goodbye to John and went exploring some more with Belinda. Bologna is definitely known for its many 'porticos', beautiful covered sidewalks, so even when it rains Bologna can be enjoyed to a large extent without getting wet ;-). I have heard many reasons why they were created, but will have to do some research to tell a decent story.
We spent the day taking in more of Bologna's offerings, wandering around, tasting good food and wine, admiring historical features, churches, details and more.......images tell more than a thousand words, so here goes day 2:
The next morning we hugged big with Belinda when she had to leave to catch her flight back to Dubai, thankful for an amazing five days spent together, sharing life stories and enjoying the good things in life. We hope to see you some time soon again!
It was also our last day, but being only an hour and a half away by car, we had a full day ahead of us to linger some more in this enticing city.
We like to frequent coffee bars and such, when we find one we like, so we had breakfast at the same bar as the day before and the day before that. On my list was a visit to the University Library and the Sala Anatomica of the same University, one of the oldest if not The oldest uni in Europe. I was impressed by the beautifully in wood sculptured depictions of the human body, besides the beauty of an auditorium all dressed in wood. We sat amidst groups of schoolchildren and took in the teacher's information about the history of the Sala, while watching the students being amazed, amused and above all interested.
Before heading home we had lunch at a restaurant recommended by our dear friend and great cook at the Colombaia restaurant in Marradi. Contrary to what we had been told (busy, very popular) it was very quiet. Advantageous if you like to have all the attention of the staff ;-). Adorned with wall paintings depicting medieval scenery it made for a very cosy ambiance. The Lambrusco was to die for and the food the usual 'romagnolo' rich and good! Apparently this place is indeed crowded on weekend evenings with live bands playing into the early morning hours. We need to go back.
I must admit that until last year I never checked out Bologna, only heard stories about where not to go, and it being more of an industrial town with strong roots in communism. Not that that should have kept me from discovering it, were it not for the fact we always came to Italy in the summer, and Bologna definitely has a little flaw there.......it is located in de flat country of the river Po and gets very hot and humid that time of year. Big advantage: it usually is a good 5-7 degrees warmer then Marradi, so what better time to visit than in the great company of our South-African friends John and Belinda in the cooler months of the year when it gets chilly in the Appenines.
After arriving, settling into our appartment and enjoying a great Lambrusco and very flavourful Piadine Romagnole (a type of flatbread preferably filled with Parmaham, or soft fresh cheese -squaquerone- and rucola), we wandered through the narrow streets admiring shop windows filled with mouthwatering foods. Every little shop seems to have a few tables and chairs outside to enjoy their ware. Nobody seems to bring a sandwich from home for lunch.......and why would you. I love watching people and often feel like a modern Alice in Wonderland, wondering about what and why......feeling in my own world even in the busiest place. Like this couple, lovingly kissing in a tiny sliver of sunshine in an otherwise shadowy street, lost in their own world, being unaware of everybody watching them. Only until someone passing by made a remark......they took it bravely ;-), and I asked permission to keep the photo of this intimate moment.
As tourists we had to climb the 498 of stairs to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli (almost 100 mtrs high), one of Bologna's landmarks from the 1100's and the place where originally the old Via Emilia entered the city through the Porta Ravegna. The staircase is narrow, only one person can pass at the time...........an interesting study in courtesy! Some let others pass all the time, others push themselves in between you and the railing without consideration. I wish I had an icon to display my amazement......but we were happy to have made it and enjoyed the view above the city and surroundings before going down again.
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| The ticket office |
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| Looking down |
Really starting to enjoy being tourists, next on the list were the Sala Borsa at the Piazza Maggiore, which nowadays is home to the Public Library. The floor of the Sala Borsa is transparent to display the archeological excavations underneath. Remnants have been found of civilization from the Etruscan ages through Roman times and the medieval era into the Renaissance. It makes me dream about time machines taking me back in time to see what the world looked like in those days.
Onwards to the University area where students hang out just like we did in our Uni years, in search for 'Piccola Venezia': a small stretch of canal near the old port area on the river Reno, that has not been covered by asphalt in the latest century. Meanwhile I am looking out for small details everywhere........
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| A laureate party taking a tour..... |
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| Even in March people eat outside.....or maybe this was only aperitivo time? |
We spent the day taking in more of Bologna's offerings, wandering around, tasting good food and wine, admiring historical features, churches, details and more.......images tell more than a thousand words, so here goes day 2:
The next morning we hugged big with Belinda when she had to leave to catch her flight back to Dubai, thankful for an amazing five days spent together, sharing life stories and enjoying the good things in life. We hope to see you some time soon again!
It was also our last day, but being only an hour and a half away by car, we had a full day ahead of us to linger some more in this enticing city.
We like to frequent coffee bars and such, when we find one we like, so we had breakfast at the same bar as the day before and the day before that. On my list was a visit to the University Library and the Sala Anatomica of the same University, one of the oldest if not The oldest uni in Europe. I was impressed by the beautifully in wood sculptured depictions of the human body, besides the beauty of an auditorium all dressed in wood. We sat amidst groups of schoolchildren and took in the teacher's information about the history of the Sala, while watching the students being amazed, amused and above all interested.
Before heading home we had lunch at a restaurant recommended by our dear friend and great cook at the Colombaia restaurant in Marradi. Contrary to what we had been told (busy, very popular) it was very quiet. Advantageous if you like to have all the attention of the staff ;-). Adorned with wall paintings depicting medieval scenery it made for a very cosy ambiance. The Lambrusco was to die for and the food the usual 'romagnolo' rich and good! Apparently this place is indeed crowded on weekend evenings with live bands playing into the early morning hours. We need to go back.
I left Bologna with a desire to return sooner than later! Until next time!
Weer een mooi (beeld)verhaal Ellen. Ik herinner me met name de portico's en realiseer me dat I 've seen nothing yet ;) . Ga een keertje met je mee terug naar Bologna. :)
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