BOLOGNA – Day One – pt 2

DSCN0234DSCN0236DSCN0238DSCN0241DSCN0243DSCN0244In addition to having portico-covered sidewalks, the city of Bologna is also easy to walk because it is, basically, flat.  DSCN0245DSCN0246The Torre Guidozagni can be found at piazzetta S. Alo, and is another of the twenty remaining towers in the city.DSCN0247DSCN0256Palazzo Grassi, on via Marsala, dates back to the year 1200.   I love this structure, with its old, wooden supports.DSCN0257DSCN0264DSCN0265DSCN0266Piazza Verdi is a hangout for the local college students.  You will find them here at all hours of the day, and night.  DSCN0268DSCN0270DSCN0271DSCN0272DSCN0282The Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore was built in 1267.  DSCN0285DSCN0292DSCN0289DSCN0291The Church is quite beautiful, and worth a visit – particularly to see the famous Bentivoglio Chapel.DSCN0278DSCN0281DSCN0293DSCN0294DSCN0306Bottega Portici is a great place for lunch, or an aperitivo.  But be warned: it can get really crowded after office hours!  The location is great, though – as it overlooks the famous “Two Towers”.DSCN0318DSCN0319DSCN0325DSCN0329Before stopping for an aperitivo, myself, I decided to pop into the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita.DSCN0331DSCN0333While the church, itself, is quite beautiful, the real reason to visit this monumental complex is to see the breathtaking sculptural group “Compianto del Cristo Morto” – or “Lamentation over the Dead Christ”.  I was unprepared for the emotional and physical beauty/intensity that seeing this provoked in me!  I can’t recommend this strongly enough!  This is a MUST SEE, when in Bologna!DSCN0346I think that part of my reaction to this beautiful group of statues was the fact that I didn’t know what to expect – so, that said, I will not post any photos on this blog.  You must see this for yourself!  DSCN0339DSCN0342Nearby is the Mercato di Mezzo – which is a food market/court, bookstore, branch of Eataly.DSCN0348DSCN0349DSCN0350The streets in this section of town are lined with shops selling all sorts of edible delights!DSCN0353DSCN0355DSCN0357DSCN0358DSCN0369Inside of Palazzo Isolani, built in 1451, you will find the Corte Isolani – a walkway, courtyard lined with boutiques and restaurants.  DSCN0373DSCN0376DSCN0377DSCN0380DSCN0388In Bologna, it’s important to look up occasionally, as the top of the covered sidewalks can be beautiful and worth taking a look at!DSCN0391DSCN0394DSCN0410DSCN0417DSCN0437DSCN0439

Next up: more from Bologna, including a visit to Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande, and the Civic Museum of the History of Bologna!

Note: this blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear.

One Comment Add yours

  1. Francis says:

    Bolognese is one of Italy’s hidden secrets. I loved my time there !

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