Ultimo giorno a Bologna

We spent our last day in Bologna on June 2nd, Italy's Republic Day.  Festa della Repubblica celebrates the birth of Italy as a republic and no longer a monarchy; the day's festivities caught us completely by surprise.  We planned on a leisurely day and made it to Piazza Maggiore when we came upon crowd control entering the square.  As we made our way through the single file, something that Italians just don't do at all, I mean literally lines don't happen here, more of a mob and whoever makes it is the one through, we saw the the last military unit march onto the square.  Now if you know us, the retired Soldier and wife, well you know we are suckers for a good military ceremony.  We made our way into the crowd and ended up in the thick of it, nearly in formation.  I do miss it, just not that much.  We took some good shots, listened to a few speeches and moved to the shaded exit from the square.  Not much better than paying tribute to the men and women who protect their land's freedom and security.  It was really cool, I throughly enjoyed it.










After all the excitement of the ceremony we set off walking the city, just wandering.  I like to think after a 3rd visit to Bologna, this time for a week, that I could help show you around for a visit.  

We filled our water bottles at Fontana di Nettuno 


and headed out, watching father and son play with a bike under the porticos and then finding the Museo Davia Bargellini on a recommendation from a local.


It was a cool place, and free, containing all kinds of intricate old items such as keys, locks, door knockers, as well as paintings, tapestries and even a chariot.  I got in a little trouble when I touched the money press, I was just trying to figure out what it was stamping:


We walked on, finding the Torresotro di San Vitale



and the Porto San Donato, historic entrances to the city.


Also Torre Pendiparte, which houses a B&B (just a little out of our price range)


Torre Guidozagni


and Torre Azzoguidi


Some pretty cool sites just walking around the city.  Here are a few more random pictures I took of our day exploring, in no particular order:

Via dell'Indipendenza, the main shopping street in the city yet closed to traffic on the weekends.  Bologna is very pedestrian friendly





Near the university, the oldest university on our planet.





The market set up and viewed from our hotel room, the Zanhotel Regina.  A nice hotel with a super comfy bed, roomy room and shower, which if you've travelled Italy is a bonus, a really good breakfast, an elevator, but not good internet.


Our day was nice, we had a good evening meal at Trattoria Del Rosso.  Crescentine with meats from Bologna, squacquerone cheese and the typical gnocco fritto (bread) of the Emilia Romagna region.  I'm telling you right now you are missing out if you haven't been to Bologna.


Lasagna Bolognese


Tortelloni with butter and sage.



So here's the thing about Bologna, you won't find a bad meal.  I don't care what TripAdvisor says, best this, best lunch place, best lasagna......BS......These folks know how to cook, the ingredients are fresh and of quality, the prices are all basically the same, don't worry about which trattoria or ristorante (although my fratello Ricardo's Cesari is my favorite).  Just find a table, al fuori (outside) if possible, and eat.  Its good for you. Put down your phone, talk, drink wine, and eat some more.  Trust me.  I love food.  I love Bologna.

We had an awesome time in Bologna, I very much look forward to our return.  

On this day we took about 15,562 steps, maybe some of that squacquerone was burned off but I really don't care.

Ciao bella 😘


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