Bologna - Undoubtedly One of Italy's Gastronomic Capitals
February 17, 2014
When
people think of Italy there is one thing that comes to mind - FOOD. Italian is
undoubtedly the most popular food in the world and Bologna is undoubtedly one of Italy’s
gastronomic capitals. Though often overlooked by busy tourists, Bologna has much more to offer than a plate of tagliatelle. Here
are some reasons to visit Bologna on your next Italian vacation.
Bologna
is an easy city to love. There’s the beautiful display of medieval and
Renaissance marvels; an attractive selection of museums and art galleries; an ensemble
of terracotta red, burned orange and yellow palazzi; 40kms of arched porticos
throughout the city; an illustrious university (Europe’s first founded in 1088);
and a cuisine to be envied by all.
Lovingly
referred to as “La Grassa” (The Fat Lady) for its remarkable culinary tradition,
Bologna is the capitol of Emilia Romagna; a region famed for many of the
Italian specialities introduced to tables around the world. Foods like Tagliatelle
al Ragù (Bolognese sauce), Mortadella, Parmiggiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto Crudo di
Parma, Tortellini, Lasagna and Balsamic Vinegar are a few on its impressive
resume. Local trattorie and osterie are a great place to sample regional dishes
and local red and white DOC wines. Try the spumante Romagna Albana DOCG.
Bologna’s ancient streets criss-cross one another like
the spokes of a bicycle wheel. At its centre sits the 13th century Piazza
Maggiore flanked by the Gothic Basilica of San Petronio, the world’s sixth
largest basilica. This gathering space is the perfect place to people watch or begin
sightseeing. Adjacent to the piazza is the famous 16th century Fountain
of Neptune sculpted by Renaissance artist Giambologna, also referred to as “Il Gigante” (The Giant) due
to its immense size.
To the east of Piazza Maggiore
are the landmark Two Towers: Asinelli and Garisenda, two of only 20 standing
towers that remain from the hundred that dominated this landscape in the middle
ages. The
towers were power symbols; the higher the towers, the richer and more
prestigious the family. For a breathtaking
view of Bologna and the surrounding countryside, we recommend you climb the 498
steps to the top of the Asinelli.
Attracting over 80,000 students
each year, Bologna’s university is definitely worth noting. It’s not only the
oldest university in the world but it boasts Dante and Copernicus among its
alumni. Other buildings to put on your
sightseeing list include Palazzo Accursio, Palazzo
del Podestà, the Sala Borsa, Palazzo Re Enzo, the Archiginnasio, the Complex of
Santo Stefano, San Giacomo, the Oratory of Santa Cecilia, Basilica of San
Domenico, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
Bologna is a great place to
visit any time of year and thanks to the city’s arched walkways you can find
respite from heat, rain, and snow. Don’t
just see the city, devour it!
· Bologna’s
many nicknames include: La Grassa (The Fat), for the culinary tradition; La
Dotta (The Learned), for its ancient university; and La Rossa (The Red), for
the colorful hues of its buildings and left wing politics.
· Solid
chocolate was invented here.
· Like
Venice, Bologna has an intricate network of buried canals. A great view point
is Via delle Moline.
· Bologna
is consecutively named one of Italy’s most liveable cities.
· Though
gelato was not invented here, Bologna based company Carpigiani invented the ice
cream machine used in half the world to create gelato. Try some drizzled in
balsamic vinegar.
· A
14 year old Mozart earned a diploma in composition at the Accademia Filarmonica
di Bologna in 1770.
· UNESCO
announced Bologna as a City of Music.
· Beneath
the 13th century Palazzo dei Podestà is a double open arcade - Voltone del
Podestà – a whispering gallery where two perpendicular passages intersect and create
an extraordinary acoustical effect.
· Superstitious
students refuse to climb the Torre degli Asinelli because they believe they
won’t graduate if they do.
· The
city has a street named “Via senza nome” (nameless street).
· Bolognese
singer Lucio Dalla wrote a song about Piazza Maggiore referring to it as
“Piazza Grande” like the main piazza in Modena. As a result, people often
confuse the two.
· This
highly political city is host to the Festa dell’Unità each year, a
socio-cultural and musical event organized by the Democratic Party’s young
students.
·
Via
Emilia is one of oldest, longest Roman roads in Italy. It connects Rimini with
Piacenza passing through Bologna, Modena, Parma and Reggio Emilia and divides the
cities (including Bologna) in Levante and Ponente (east and west).
GRAND HOTEL MAJESTIC GIÀ BAGLIONI is located in a 300-year-old palazzo with ceilings frescoed by the Carracci brothers. It is the oldest and most prestigious hotel of Bologna and sits within walking distance of Piazza Maggiore.
Ever wonder what it would be like to
stay in a 14th-century convent? Then book a room at IL CONVENTO DEI FIORI DI SETA, a
beautifully decorated boutique hotel with a modern twist.
A simple
and charming boutique hotel, ART HOTEL OROLOGIO was named after the
clock tower it faces on a small square steps away from Piazza Maggiore. It’s affordable, charming and in a great location.
Where To Eat In Bologna
You can’t
visit Bologna without trying tagliatelle al ragù and ALL' OSTERIA BOTTEGA is the place to go. This small and intimate restaurant
only seats 20, so if you’re lucky enough to get in, sit back and enjoy.
Located in the
heart of Bologna is I PORTICI, a
restaurant awarded the prestigious Michelin Star for serving up classical
Bolognese dishes with a modern twist. Try their 5 course tasting-menu.
Enjoy authentic local dishes under
the shade of the two leaning towers at IL
PAPPAGALLO. This Bolognese institution has been serving up great food for
over a century to a list of famous patrons. Be sure to try their famous tortellini
in brodo.
From the food, bread, wines, down to
the artwork, CAMINETTO D’ORO is a
celebration of the beautiful bounty from Emilia Romagna. It’s a must for both locals
and enlightened tourists.
For over thirty years TRATTORIA BATTIBECCO has been serving
delicious Italian dishes. This sleek Michelin-starred restaurant may be
renowned for its meat based creations but the fish is impeccable.
Surroundings
Outside the city are a series of rolling, olive-and
vine-covered hills known as the Colli
Bolognesi that produce many great red and white DOC wines. Take time to sample
the best balsamic vinegars in the world and discover how this condiment is made
and the delicious ways it can be used. If you have time, enjoy
day trips to Parma, Modena and Brisighella.
Getting
To Bologna
There are daily flights
into Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi airport from most Italian and
European cities. Bologna is also easily accessible by train, bus or by car.
Look for my new article in the latest issue of Panoram Italia Magazine.
Look for my new article in the latest issue of Panoram Italia Magazine.
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