Last Updated on August 20, 2019 by Michael
We’ve already shown tasty pictures of Bologna, the food capital of Italy. But the city also makes for a great visit in its own right. It’s the home of the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 it’s the oldest university in the Western Hemisphere, and houses many interesting architectural features. In 1568 it was decreed that all sidewalks should be covered so most structures built since then have porticoes to protect pedestrians from sun and rain. At over 30 miles, Bologna has more covered walkways than any other city in the world making it a difficult city for umbrella salesmen. And you hockey fans will love a city that has a “Via Zamboni.”
Bologna is a city of many contrasts between new and old.
We didn’t walk all 30 miles of porticoes but it sure felt like it.
The paintings on the ceilings of some porticoes are incredibly detailed.
The statue of Neptune, seen here in nighttime shadow, is called “The Giant” because of his ample derriere.
The Piazza Maggiore in the center of town at night.
The view from our flat of the rooftops of Bologna.
As a university town the street performers are a bit classier than we’re used to seeing.
Nobody looks more stylish reading a newspaper than Italians.
A day in the life of a Mini Cooper
He starts out the day by himself.
Sometimes he gets someone “Smart” to talk to.
Or perhaps a few bikes, both powered and unpowered.
But by the end of the day he’s tired and just wants to go to sleep, and so shall we. Good night after another day in Bologna.
Here are some tasty food pictures of Bologna.
Larissa and Michael are your typical middle-aged couple from Philadelphia who’ve been traveling the world full-time since 2011, seeking off-beat, historic and tasty sights. To receive our free quarterly newsletter with updates and valuable travel tips subscribe here.