Bologna got its first street numbers in 1794 and its first street signs in 1801. Only a few of the street signs survive, but there are many of the 18th century building numbers. This post gives the historic background and shows you what to look for.
Bologna University has numerous museums. One that has long been a favourite with local children is the Geological and Paleontological Museum, as it has a number of dinosaur skeletons. The nucleus of the museum dates back to the 16th century when Ulisse Aldrovandi, a professor of natural history, amassed what was at the time the... Continue Reading →
A little under four kilometres ( two and a half miles) from the centre of Bologna is the 17th century neo-classical Villa Aldrovandi Mazzacorati. It’s home to both a pristine 18th century private theatre and a tor soldier museum.
Along with most European cities, Bologna has interesting examples of Art Nouveau architecture from the early 20th century. In this post, I point out out some of the best known locations that you can keep an eye out for during your visit.
Walking around Bologna, you’ll come across many examples of artful wrought iron, from the medieval period through to Art Nouveau. It’s yet another layer of interest to add to your Bologna visit.
Bologna's Davia Bargellini Museum houses an interesting painting collection as well as a fascinating array of applied arts objects, including an intact detailed 18th century doll's house. Entry is free.
Saint Catherine of Bologna died almost 600 years ago, but her intact body can be visited along with objects from her life in the church of Corpus Domini. She was a mystic, artist, musician, author and abbotess of the monastery of Poor Clares.
Bologna’s cathedral, San Pietro, can be found in Via d’Indipendenza. A climb up inside the 1,000 year old bell tower gives you a wonderful view of the city and an opportunity to see the massive bells. Look for the sign out the front on weekends.
he Orto Botanico is a quiet corner of Bologna where you can go to enjoy the greenery or perhaps get away from the growing tourist crowds for a picnic.
I wonder what a city's statues can tell us about its history and culture? In this post I look at a selection of Bologna's statues from ancient times to today.
By the time he was in his late twenties, Gioacchino Rossini had left the poverty of his early life behind and had become one of the most famous and wealthiest composers in Europe. By the age of 39, he had almost ceased composing and had largely withdrawn from the world. My post looks at locations in Bologna redolent with his memory.
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.
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.
Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of Bologna, has numerous interesting features not often noticed by visitors. I point them out is this post to add to the depth of your visit.
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.
Bologna boasts Italy's longest set of porticos with some 90 kilometres of covered walkways.
Ever wondered what's behind the high walls of Italian cities? Come and see some of Bologna's hidden gardens behind those high walls.
Wandering around the porticos of Bologna, you'll encounter a huge range of interesting door knockers, adding interest to your rambles.
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.
Discover Bologna's canal in a pleasant walk that includes a museum and an out of the way Trattoria.
Bologna on Foot 