From Florence to Bologna: we continue our journey

After Florence, our route continued north. The next destination was Bologna, a city I knew much less about before the trip than I did about Rome or Florence. But that's why it was especially interesting for me to come there. I didn't want to see another city from the list of the main tourist destinations in Italy, but a place with its own atmosphere.

The road from Florence

From Florence we went to Bologna by train. The journey took quite a bit of time, so after some time after departure, the Italian cityscape appeared outside the window again.

At the end of January, the weather was cool, but it was quite suitable for a walk. When we got off the train at Bologna Station, the first thing we did was leave our things and set off on foot towards the historic center.

The first streets of Bologna

The first thing that catches your eye in Bologna is the long covered galleries. The porticos here literally accompany you through the streets, so even in cool weather you can safely walk without thinking about every gust of wind or light rain.

We gradually reached Piazza Maggiore, the main square of the city. There are several famous buildings located almost nearby, so you don't have to look for sights for a long time. The Basilica of San Petronio towers over the square, and nearby are the old palace and the famous fountain of Neptune.

Two towers

After the square, we continued our walk to the two towers - Asinelli and Garizenda. They have become one of the symbols of Bologna. It's especially interesting to look at them from below: you immediately notice how much the towers are tilted and how unusual they look among the surrounding houses.

Asinelli and Garizenda Towers

Then we just walked along the historical streets without any strict route. I liked that feeling in Bologna - the city doesn't constantly try to surprise with huge monuments. It's more interesting to look at the details here: old facades, arches, small squares, doors and endless porticos.

A city that is remembered for its food

Of course, it would be strange to come to Bologna and not try the local cuisine. It is here that the birthplace of bolognese is located, although in Italy itself the traditional sauce is more often called ragù alla bolognese.

Bolognese

We found a small place in the center and ordered pasta. After several days of traveling, such a lunch turned out to be very useful - a hot meal, a glass of wine and the opportunity to relax a little before a further walk.

By evening, Bologna had become even more cozy. We walked around Piazza Maggiore again, looked at the illuminated buildings and gradually returned to the hotel.

Bologna turned out to be completely different from either Rome or Florence. There is less of the feeling of a huge tourist city and more of the usual Italian life. And ahead of us was the next destination on the route - Verona, after which we had to go further north to the main destination of the trip - Venice and carnival.