Far from the crowded Venice or Florence, this authentic Italian city is not to be missed.
While Venice is overwhelmed by tourists and Florence sometimes feels like an open-air museum, did you know there's a city halfway between the two that offers travelers an experience of everyday Italy, far from the tourist traps? There, you'll discover the true soul of Italy.
Its name immediately evokes gastronomy and it is nicknamed "the red city" for its brick roofs and facades or "the learned one" for its historic university... Capital of Emilia-Romagna, it has long remained a pearl less coveted by tourists who tend to rush towards the mythical canals of Venice or the Renaissance treasures of Florence.
This city is Bologna. Its authenticity is first perceived in its pace of life, less frenetic than in Italy's tourist capitals. It's easy to explore on foot and take the time to stroll, often sheltered from the sun or rain, beneath its 40 kilometers of arcades, known as "I Portici di Bologna," a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bologna, a student city par excellence due to its historic University founded in 1088—the oldest in the Western world—is a leading Italian cultural city, although its treasures are more discreet than the Colosseum or the Bridge of Sighs. Its two leaning towers (Asinelli and Garisenda), which rise above the rooftops, are the symbols of the city. One should not miss the climb of the 500 steps of the 97-meter-high Asinelli Tower for a panoramic view "over an ocean of red roofs."
The heart of the city beats in Piazza Maggiore, dominated by the imposing Fountain of Neptune—a Renaissance masterpiece—and the Basilica of San Petronio, whose unfinished façade fascinates. But it is undoubtedly through its local gastronomy that Bologna claims its title as the most authentic city. Often considered the true "belly of Italy," here, culinary tradition is serious business. Forget "spaghetti Bolognese," the real Bolognese sauce is enjoyed in the form of Tagliatelle al Ragù, a rich sauce simmered for hours.
Other gastronomic treasures to discover include tortellini in broth, often stuffed by hand, the original mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, and the region's balsamic vinegar. Don't miss the opportunity to do your shopping at the Quadrilatero, its open-air food market, which offers fine cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and fresh pasta prepared right in front of you. The atmosphere is still very Italian, far from the souvenir shops.
Finally, did you know that Bologna has its own "Little Venice"? Unlike Venice's grand canals, Bologna's is a secret that must be earned. A simple stop at the Finestrella di Via Piella offers an unexpected glimpse of this hidden canal. And yes, Bologna's most beautiful treasures are discreet, but just as enchanting!
L'Internaute
