In addition to having portico-covered sidewalks, the city of Bologna is also easy to walk because it is, basically, flat.  The Torre Guidozagni can be found at piazzetta S. Alo, and is another of the twenty remaining towers in the city.Palazzo Grassi, on via Marsala, dates back to the year 1200.   I love this structure, with its old, wooden supports.Piazza Verdi is a hangout for the local college students.  You will find them here at all hours of the day, and night.  The Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore was built in 1267.  The Church is quite beautiful, and worth a visit – particularly to see the famous Bentivoglio Chapel.Bottega 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”.Before stopping for an aperitivo, myself, I decided to pop into the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita.While 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!I 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!  Nearby is the Mercato di Mezzo – which is a food market/court, bookstore, branch of Eataly.The streets in this section of town are lined with shops selling all sorts of edible delights!Inside of Palazzo Isolani, built in 1451, you will find the Corte Isolani – a walkway, courtyard lined with boutiques and restaurants.  In Bologna, it’s important to look up occasionally, as the top of the covered sidewalks can be beautiful and worth taking a look at!

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.