Bologna, Italy

This was as unplanned as ever. I had had enough of Venice and was scrolling through a website of "places to visit near me" and there it was- Bologna: the land of Spaghetti Bolognese. Although, not really. I'll explain why. Happy reading!

I started this one day trip at 5 am in the morning taking a bus from Venice to the Bologna station. In the bus, I met a pleasant American guy and we chatted for hours. We are now buddies! He had his layover in Bologna en route Rome and so we spent 1 hour in the morning together in the city. 

The Street Art in Bologna

There is so much undiscovered beauty in this city, it's crazy. It is so historically laden and rich in culture. I loved the various street caricatures, some political, some fun.

Red Red EVERYWHERE

Bologna resembles Toulouse a lot in that everything is red and it's very much the "pink city" of Italy. Its a treat for the eyes. I have a blogpost on Toulouse. For reading it, click here. There are a lot of similar elements like the street art, which when you read my blog, is aplenty in Toulouse too. The reason: Red has always been the colour of the communist left in Italy and Bologna has always been a city of the left.

Basicila Di San Martino

This red Basicila is so wonderful from the inside and the outside. It has an impressive size and Gothic style architecture. 

Cured Ham

Walking through the streets, I saw many-a-shops of cured ham that smelled oh-so-delicious! Apparently, bologna is also famous for these. For obvious reasons, I could not buy one to take it with me in the airplane. 

Red Brick Tunnels

To get through the roads, one must traverse the red brick tunnels. It has shopping centres within it and a lot of tchotchkes but overall it makes for an interesting and different walking experience.

San Petronio Basicila

This place is in the 10 biggest basilicas in the world and it's so humungous! In front of it, there is a charming square where musicians come and play instruments or sing. It's a great place to have a coffee or a date! The square is called Piazza Maggiore.

The inside

The inside is just as incredible as the outside!

Palazzo d'Accursio

This beautiful red palace functions as the cities Municipal authority. This, along with the prior Basicila make up a wonderful and astounding view for the eyes. You can lose yourself in the view and flow with the wind that comes through.

Pizza Break!

For brunch, I had a slice of Margherita Pizza: 2 Euros, very good! 

Basilica di Santo Stefano

The Basilica di Santo Stefano is composed of a complex of several interconnected churches and chapels, hence its nickname "Seven Churches." These structures were built over different historical periods, and they are dedicated to various saints and martyrs.. Each church within the complex features distinct architectural styles, reflecting the various periods in which they were built. I found this place to be rich with history and so peaceful to visit.

Streets in Bologna!

Oh my! Such amazing streets, such cute narrow lanes and eateries in every little corner. That's why it's the food capital.

Neptune Fountain

This fountain has beautiful dames with water flowing out of their tits. A symbol of a prosperity? Wink wink. Ok, sorry I grossed myself out there. 

Via Piella

I bet you did not know there was a mini-Venice in Bologna! Crazy, I know. It's really cool and surrounded by red buildings too!

Two towers and a church

This is a treat for the eyes, towering in the skyline. These two were constructed by 2 families to show which one is more powerful and the church, well that's a pretty church. 

Porta Saragozza

This door is a little bit away from the main city centre so one has to travel using the bus. It's a pretty cool door but honestly? Not much to see here. You can skip this, in my opinion. 

Open restaurant and café windows!

The Italian see their food as their art and they want to share it with the people who visit. I saw so many places which had open windows into the kitchens to see the beautiful process of how our food is handmade to be the delectable stuff it is. 

"Spaghetti Al Ragù " (also known as spaghetti Bolognese).

Fact: The name bolognese is actually an Americanisation of the original sauce "Al Ragù'!". Actually, it's a meat based sauce that's typical to Bologna. People come from far and wide to eat it. This and the green lasagna make up the monumental foods of Bologna. I had it at this local place called Osteria dell'Orsa. It was for 10 euros and it was not that filling. I could make a better sauce. Although, it's worth a one time try. Is it the best I have ever has in pasta? No.

 

Cappuccino Break!

Of course I had to try the cappuccino in the food capital of Italy! I stopped at this little local place. Did you know that if you have your coffee standing at the counter you have to pay lesser than if you have it sitting down? Crazy. I had mine for 2 euros, standing price but I sat down. I am, after all, an Indian bargain hunter. 

The University of Bologna

This is the prettiest university I have ever seen, hands down, inside and outside. WOAH. The paintings and sculptures fill the ceilings and walls like a herpes outbreak and each one is so uniquely awe-inspiring that you want to lick it off the wall to have it forever etched in your soul. No, seriously. 

Aditi's recommendations

• When it comes to food, take time to google the classic places instead of falling into tourist traps
• Take a day trip from Venice. It is more affordable than living here.
• Do not shy away from seeing the art and architecture. They are all hidden gems here. 

Well, that was my day. I headed back to Venice after that. For more to come! Hope you enjoyed this journey and learnt something new!

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