Bologna – The Fat One Overview

 

We landed on Bologna as a place to spend a month due to it’s location to explore other places in the region and because it’s often referred to as the food capital of Italy.  As massive foodies we had to visit and it didn’t disappoint. 

This is a vibrant Italian city which seems to be less on the radar of other big Italian cities, now swarming with tourists.  It definitely delivers on giving you the quintessential dolce vita opportunities though and there is so much to see and do from here too – Milan, Florence, Verona, Parma & Moderna are all just an easy train ride away in addition to the beach resorts of Rimini, Cattolica and Ravenna. 

The Unesco portico’s of Bologna make it great in all seasons.  The never-ending portico’s give Bologna a unique feel to the city but what really stands out are the streets that are lined with bars filled with legs of hams, mortadella, wheels of parmigiana, tempting pastries and the best gelato to tempt you everywhere you go.  All washed down with negroni’s, spritz or a refreshing Lambrusco (a delicious sparkling red).  What’s not to love!

This is the first university city in Europe and a place that is steeped in history and culture, with live music playing an important part in the everyday life of Bologna.  We were there in July / August outside of the uni term time.  Whilst this did make things a bit quieter there was still plenty of life and buzz about the city to enjoy. 

The Maggiore piazza is the central feature of the city along with the 2 towers round the corner, which lean more than the Leaning tower of Pisa, it’s an amazing sight to see (even if you can’t climb them currently).

If you are looking for a city brimming with delicious food, amazing architecture and steeped in unique history and culture, then this is the place for you.