When I go to Bologna I always stay at the Hotel Drapperie. It is reasonably priced, comfortable and the people who work there are friendly and helpful. Best of all it is in Via Drapperie, one of the market streets in Bologna. It is my favourite part of the city.
My room this time was directly above the market and I was awake bright and early to watch the day begin at the fish market below.
it is still dark when they start work
placing the fish on beds of ice
finding the right spot
checking his work
2 large, fairly ugly fish appear- there is worse to come
the table is filling up
set up for the day
the first sale - one of the ugly fish - I hope it tastes better than it looks
Down on the ground, I love the way these fish look in their trays. They look like little works of art. It seems a shame that someone is going to buy them and take them home to eat.
they look very fresh
little orange fish
these were quite big
some of these were still wriggling
such beautiful colours
a mixed box
octopus
sardines
Here is what you have been waiting for – the very ugly fish, although I’m sure his mother loved him.
this fish was huge - it would put you off going swimming
it is called rana - frog fish
I've never see anything like it
The huge fish didn’t last long at the market, somebody took it home. It is wearing some kind of nappy, probably just as well. I can’t imagine how you would cook a fish like this.
clean up time
Most Italians shop at supermarkets. I hope enough people keep shopping in these wonderful street markets, it would be a shame to lose them. I will rent an apartment in Bologna one day, so I can buy here everyday. The hotel also offers a small apartment not far away.
Hotel: Via Drapperie 5, phone 051 223955 http://www.albergodrapperie.com
Apartment: http://www.residencedrapperie.com