A visitor to Bologna is likely to come across one or both of two groups of curious elevated tombs while wandering around the city. Who do they commemorate and why were they accorded such prominent recognition ? The answer lies with the origins of the University and importance and wealth of its law professors.
The Lugo Vintage Fair
The large vintage market is held in the historic town of Lugo twice a year. The town is also home to a museum commemorating the Italian World War 1 ace Francesco Barraca.
A Day Trip to Rimini
A combination of Roman ruins, museums and seafood make Rimini an interesting day trip form Bologna.
Ancient Roman Bologna
Bologna was a sizable town in ancient Roman times. There are remains from this this period but they are mostly hidden away and not obvious. come with me on a tour of some of them.
Montagnola – Bologna’s Oldest Park
Little visited by tourists, Mogntagnola park is Bologna's oldest, It's home to some attractive 19th century sculptures and 200 year old plane trees.
On the trail of Elisabetta Sirani – A Trailblazing Baroque Artist
Elisabetta Sirani was a highly talented and prolific Bolognese painter and printmaker who lived for all too short a time in the mid 17th century. She paved the way for future generations of female artists through the establishment of a women's art school and by breaking through many of the barriers to women of that time.
Curiosities of Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore
The area around Bologna's Piazza Maggiore has been the centre of the city at least from Roman times when the forum was located here. The Roman ruins you can visit under the Sala Borsa library include those of the basilica, the centre of civic life. For more on this topic, please see my post Ancient … Continue reading Curiosities of Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore
Bologna “La Rossa”
One of Bologna's nicknames is "Bologna la Rossa" or "Bologna the Red". Red is the characteristic colour of a city built of brick with terracotta used for roofing as well as rich architectural detailing and art works.
A Day in Faenza
The small town of Faenza is one of ancient origins. It's located about 55km south east of Bologna along the route of the Roman Via Emilia. Being so close, a side trip from Bologna is very easy and quick with a train trip taking just under 40 minutes. Faenza is well known for its ceramics. … Continue reading A Day in Faenza
The Palazzo Poggi Museum in Bologna
A visit to the Palazzo Poggi Museum will give you glimpse into the world of Bologna's University in the 18th century.
A Day Trip to Ferrara
Looking for an interesting day trip from Bologna? Ferrara is just a half hour away and full of pleasant surprises.
Bologna’s Porticos
Bologna boasts Italy's longest set of porticos with some 90 kilometres of covered walkways.
Secret Gardens of Bologna
Ever wondered what's behind the high walls of Italian cities? Come and see some of Bologna's hidden gardens behind those high walls.
Bologna’s Doorknockers
Wandering around the porticos of Bologna, you'll encounter a huge range of interesting door knockers, adding interest to your rambles.
A Walk in Bologna’s Hills
There are a number of pleasant walks in the hills at Bologna's doorstep. Along the way enjoy the views and admire ancient frescoes.
Bologna’s Antiques Market
A visit to Bologna's antiques market is a must if you're lucky enough to be in town on a weekend when it's held.
A Walk along Bologna’s Navile
Discover Bologna's canal in a pleasant walk that includes a museum and an out of the way Trattoria.
Rochetta Mattei – Bologna’s Fantasy Castle
Cesare Mattei built a fantasy castle just outside of Bologna. There he concocted his cure for cancer.
The Fountain of Neptune
Along with the ‘twin towers’, the fountain of Neptune has for centuries been a symbol of Bologna. It’s recently undergone a remarkable restoration.
La Certosa – Bologna’s Fascinating Monumental Cemetery.
The Certosa of Bologna gives a fascinating insight into the changing styles of Italian art over 200 years as depicted in funerary memorials.
Bologna on Foot 