TRAVEL >
The best of Bologna
Written by: Milan Duda
Photo: www.isifa.com
Surrounded by hills, Bologna's city center still
appears much as it did during the Renaissance - rust-colored
buildings, wide piazzas, majestic churches and covered
walkways with floors laid with marble. Viewing its
amazing architecture or standing under some arcade,
you'll get the feeling that you've found yourself
in the middle ages. And this impression is only augmented
if you visit some of the local museums or galleries.
Valentina Noli
musician
Favorite hotel:
Grand Hotel Baglioni, Via Indipendenza 8, 40121, tel.: +39
051 225 445 www.baglioni.hotel-bologna.net/
- 5-star hotel in the heart of Bologna, probably the best in
town
Favorite restaurant:
Il Veliero, Via Milazzo 11/a, +39 051 255 888
- It's a very characteristic place - when you enter you have
the impression of being inside a sailboat ("veliero" means
sailboat).
Favorite night spot:
Il ruvido, Via Maserati 9, +39 051 631 1892, www.ruvido.it
- Former factory converted into "the factory of fun" -
the setting is inspired by Dante's La Divina Commedia.
Favorite shop:
La Feltrinelli International, Via Zamboni 7/b
Favorite attraction:
Piazza Santo Stefano - s "Kostelem sedm kostelù" a
renesanèními budovami. |
Massimo
Bernacconi & Livia Romani
president, Association of Emiliano Romagnoli in Prague & photographer
Favorite restaurant:
The typical local "osterie" in the city center
where you can stop to eat something while walking without
any specific destination.
Favorite night spot:
Kasamatta, Via Sampieri 3, tel.: +39 051 224 256
- a very "chic" atmosphere, especially on Thursday
evenings
Giostra, Via Mattei 46 L, tel.: +39 051 535 905
- has an excellent live music program
Favorite shop:
Max Mara, Via Rizzoli 7G/H, Via dell'Archiginnasio, 4/MNL
Favorite attraction:
The St. Luca Church on the hills and the endless stairs to
reach it! The church of St. Petronio with its facade still
unfinished after centuries, and the former Jewish "ghetto".
Best-kept secret:
To master the secrets of Bologna you have to walk along its
narrow streets and discover the old renaissance palaces (in
Strada Maggiore, via S. Stefano, via Barberie), which hide
wonderful inner gardens behind their gates.
Good Advice:
The best way to enjoy Bologna is browsing the fashionable
pubs and bars in the city center. Don't miss the traditional "aperitivo" in
one of the lounge cafés in via dei Musei and, of course,
sipping a typical espresso at Zanarini.
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Thomas Mongodi
manager of Italian software firm Freefile in Prague
Favorite hotel:
Grand Hotel Baglioni, Via Indipendenza 8, 40121, tel.: +39
051 225 445 www.baglioni.hotel-bologna.net
- Pavarotti and his friends (U2, for example) sleep here
when they perform in Modena
Favorite restaurant:
Buca di san Petronio, Via de' Musei 4, tel.: +39 051 224
589
- genuine Bolognese cuisine (hand made tortellini, bollito,
lasagne, etc.)
Favorite night spot:
MATIS dinner Club - Via Rotta 10, tel.: +39 051 619 9418
Favorite shop:
Feltrinelli International via Zamboni 7/b
- if you like books and want to spend half an hour in a peaceful
environment
Favorite attractions:
Ascending the leaning tower Torre Asinelli, strolling in
the center, including a visit of the morning market in Via
delle Clavature street.
Best-kept secret:
In the park Giardini Margherita you can see Romano Prodi,
former President of the EU commission, jogging.
Good Advice:
Don't stroll alone in the evening. In certain quarters, Bologna
is as dangerous as the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. |
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Basic facts
Country: Italy
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Time zone: GMT + 1 hour
Population: 390,000
Currency: Euro
Country dialling code: +39 051
Religion: mainly Catholic
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Where on the web?
For further information, we suggest the following websites dedicated
to Bologna:
www.bolognaturismo.info - the Bologna turismo office provides services
for visitors.
www.hellobologna.bolognafiere.it/eng - How to best enjoy your trip
to Bologna.
www.deliciousitaly.com/EmiliaRomagnatapt.htm - the official web
site of the Emilia Romagna region.
www.bologna.world-guides.com - well-known guide offering advice
on where to eat in Bologna, accommodation and transport.
HIGHLIGHTS
· Don't miss the views of Bologna from the heights of the neighboring
hills. From the San Mamolo Gate, head on foot or by car to places
where the locals get away from the city bustle on weekends. This
outing is worth the effort especially in the spring and autumn.
· A favorite gathering spot is Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune's Fountain),
between Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. It was built in
1566 by Tomaso Laureti, and later Giambologna decorated it.
· You definitely should visit local restaurants and try some of
the native specialties. Lasagna and tortellini originated here,
and a glass of good red wine goes perfectly with them.
Overview
· Bologna is the main city of the Emilia Romagna region in Italy,
and all the major transport arteries linking northern and southern
Italy intersect here. Industry flourishes (chemicals, auto, steel,
and food processing), as does agriculture.
· 900 years ago, the oldest university in all of Europe was founded
here, and today it attracts students from around the world - so
the city's streets are enlivened by many young people enjoying
themselves in a variety of ways.
· Bologna's towers are dominated by the leaning Asinelli on Piazza
di Porta Ravegnana. In the 12th century the Asinelli family erected
this 97 meter structure. If you want to delight in a view of the
city from its height and (weather permitting) the Adriatic Sea,
first you'll have to climb its 500 steps. |
