Bologna probably isn't somewhere that's particularly high on your list of must-see places, but after having spent a weekend there, I completely fell for this quaint, charming little city. On a spontaneous whim, my mum and I booked a girls weekend there last week, and were immediately hooked when we got there. It's not as well known as Florence, or iconic as Rome, but it's stunningly beautiful, interesting and so unspoilt and untoursity.
It has three nicknames- the 'fat', the 'learned', and the 'red'. The first for its delectable range of restaurants, trattorias and food markets; the second for the oldest university in the world located there; and the last for the beautiful terracotta buildings stretching across the city. Amazing food, fascinating culture and history, and stunning surroundings- what more could you want in a holiday destination?
1. Eat lots and drink Aperol Spritzes in the sun
One of my highlights of this mini break was sitting outside with the sun beaming down on me, Aperol Spritz in hand, complimentary aperitvo nibbles on the table, and having time to relax and chat with my mum. It was so nice to just stop and relax, taking in the chilled atmosphere of the city, and enjoying the cuisine that Italy is so famous for.
I was in a carb coma for the majority of the time I was there, and probs negated all those intensive HIIT sessions, but it was SO WORTH IT. Bruschetta is probably the best thing ever invented, pasta and pizza are perfect and do I even need to wax lyrical about gelato because you probably know that already?
2. Check out the panoramic views across the city
I almost killed my mum by making her climb up the 497 steps up to the top of the tallest of The Towers (which lean like craaazy- Pisa ain't got nothing on them...) but the views at the top were so worth it! Bologna is a city to be admired from above, to see the rooftop terraces, scale of the cathedrals and the vibrancy of the city's buildings.
We also went up to the top of a viewing platform made by the construction team renovating the cathedral which was stunning from the top. We got some funny looks for choosing to walk up rather than take the lift, but hey- girl's gotta burn off that extra prosecco right?!
3. Soak up the history
My favourite way to see a city is to wander around and get lost, and this is the perfect city for that. It's compact but not stifling small, and at every turn there is something else to capture your interest. Walk around the old town, taking in the medieval buildings and your ancient surroundings- you can't escape the city's fascinating past!
4. Visit the beautiful churches and cathedrals
Bologna is home to one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, and it is pretty mahoosive, gotta say. It's ornate and intricately beautiful- definitely worth a look in as its free. But for all this ornate grandeur, my favourite place in Bologna was the Complesso di Santo Stefano, a complex of three churches and charming courtyards, with the oldest one being almost 2000 years old!
It was incredibly moving, a small oasis from the city and a must-see. The courtyards and churches host some amazing architecture and preserved frescoes, and it was fascinating to walk around and feel as if you were transported back into a simpler time.
5. See the old canals or 'Little Venice'
My mum is pretty obsessed with Venice, and when she heard that there used to be canals in Bologna, she got pretty excited. There are hardly any left now, but we stumbled across a pretty bridge looking down onto an aquatic street which could have been transported straight from Venice. It's a bit out of the way, but its exceptionally pretty and looks good for the insta. Priorities.....
I'm back now in the slightly colder Oslo now after an Easter break back home, and although it's weird having got back into my home life, it is nice to be back in Scandinavia. And I'm off to Helsinki this weekend which I'm ridiculously excited about, expect to see a photo diary for Finland soon!
Honor xxx
Wow!! Looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt really was gorgeous!
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