Bologna is one of my favourite cities in Italy and a pefect place to wander with no particular agenda. There is a surprise at every turn. Some of the magnificent buildings are ancient and it is amazing to see them still being home to residents of Bologna.
Porta Galleria
What better place to start than Porta Galleria. The original door was constructed in the 12th century and was one of 12 doors in the wall that surrounded Bologna.
the crest above the door
part of the old wall
a rather grand park near the entrance to the city
a statue in the park
poor buffalo
gruesome detail
the portico in Via Independenza
If you arrive at the station, as I did, you can walk to the city centre down Via Independenza. It will take about 15 minutes and is under cover almost all the way. I think it is a great introduction to Bologna.
waiting patiently for her master
Perhaps he was inside trying these on .
flash green shoes
the law faculty at the university
statue of Hercules by Giuseppe Mazza - imagine coming to school here every day
This building was erected around 1550. Bologna has the oldest universities in Europe and is still a university city. Having lots of students about makes for a lively and vibrant city.
the doorway to the medical faculty
looking up
an incredible staircase
detail of the ceiling
inside the dissection room
There is more information on the room in an earlier post on the walking tour in Bologna. Click here to se it.
inside the Sala Borsa
This is the public library for Bologna, and an excellent meeting place. Look down through the glass floor to see Roman ruins.
under the glass floor you can see ancient ruins
an eagle in a wall in Piazza Maggiore
keeping watch over Piazza Maggiore
Bramante's staircase
Bramante’s stairway is in the Palazzo Comunale. It was built in 1597 and the low, wide stairs were to allow those on horse-back access to the upper floors.
a beautiful portico - Piazza Cavour
detail of the ceiling
the most artistic portico in Bologna - Piazza Cavour 6
The porticoes skirting the bank at Piazza Cavour are recognised as the most colourful and elaborate in the city. The painting appears on 25 vaults and was completed by Gaetano Lodi between 1862 and 1865.
the decortation on the front of Santo Stefano
I found this next doorway very sad. It was once the entry to an orphanage. It doesn’t look like a happy place to me.
how many poor little mites went through this door?
cheisa dei Filippini
I came upon and incredibly old building in a narrow street. Is was difficult to get good photos of it as I was unable to get back far enough to get the whole building in the shot. It is a magnificent old church.
so old
the front of the building
worn stone columns
Palazzo Grassi
Palazzo Grassi is about 600 years old. I love the old wooden supports for the portico.
ancient wooden pillar
the house opposite Palazzo Grassi in Via Marsala
part of a fountain in Via Ugo Bassi
I will end my wandering in Via Ugo Bassi at Gamberini and show you some of the delicious cakes in the window.
delicious
I'd like a slice of that
I really recommend the walking tour of Bologna if you have never been before (click here), and you cannot leave Bologna without seeing the market streets. Click here and here for more.