Bologna, Italy

Nestled in the heart of Italy is Bologna. It is less visited than, say, Rome or Florence but is surely a contender for a hidden gem in Italy’s crown. Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna, a region in northern Italy. The locals have strong political views and a passion for culinary delights. The city is a beautiful fusion of architecture and history. Its streets are adorned with endless sights of its famous porticoes. Bologna is a medieval masterpiece and boasts warm terracotta hues. It enjoys a vibrant and authentically Italian atmosphere. Read on as we explore its charm and nicknames – “La Dotta” (The learned), “La Grassa” (The fat), “La Rossa” (the Red) and Turrita (with towers).

Column of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary

Bologna History

Bologna’s rich history spans millennia. What started as a small Umbrian settlement before it was conquered by the Etruscans (who called the settlement Felsina) before becoming a Roman colony named Bononia. During the medieval years, the construction of its two famous towers were built to monitor those who wished to enter and defend as necessary. Bologna became a city of learning and was transformed into a renaissance and Baroque hub. This led to a boom leading to the building of magnificent homes, palaces and striking squares. The city was also a key player in the Risorgimento (unification of Italy) which brought the city further riches as it became a centre of industry and commerce. Towards the end of World War II, the cities rail hub and industry meant it was a strategic target for air raids which did significant damage.

“La Dotta”

“La Dotta” means ‘the learned’ and is reference to the city’s historic university, “Alma Mater Studiorum”. The university is the oldest in the Western world (just pipping Oxford in the UK – AD1096). Bologna’s university was founded in AD 1088 and provided teaching and learning dedicated to the study of law. Archiginnasio Palace was once the main buildings of the university. A visit to the palace allows one to see the incredible courtyard adorned with coats of arms. The main draw of visiting the palace is the Anatomical Theatre where lessons were given on, you guessed it, the anatomy. The theatre is made from spruce wood with the original marble table in the middle of the room which was used for autopsies (the room was severely damaged during the war but rebuilt). The ceiling has been decorated with symbolic figures which represent the fourteen constellations and Apollo, the protector of medicine, positioned in the centre.

Entrance to Archiginnasio Palace Courtyard

Ceiling of staircase in Archiginnasio Palace

“La Grassa”

‘La Grassa’ means ‘the fat’ which refers to Bologna’s hospitality and traditional food. Known as Italy’s food capital, it is the birthplace of some of Italy’s most beloved foods. Bologna is famous in Italy for its balsamic vinegar, wine, cold cuts of meat, parmesan cheese and fresh pasta. Traditional dishes include Tagliatelle al ragu (what many people may called spaghetti bolognaise), tortellini in broth, lasagna al ragu (my personal favourite) and cotoletta petroniana (breaded meat fillets fried in lard, topped with prosciutto, parmesan cheese). Bologna’s famous cooked sausage, made with finely ground pork, fat and spices is called Mortadella, and it can only be called Mortadella if has been made in Bologna. It is easy to see why Bologna’s reputation is the food capital of Italy.

“La Rossa”

Bologna owes the name “la Rossa” to its famed red buildings and to the fact that it is the birthplace and the home of Italy’s political left. Politics is always a subject best left alone so I focus on the red architecture and terracotta roofs that render the city – La Rossa. When walking the streets of Bologna, the buildings and churches are often missed as the large porticoes hide them. A visit up any of the towers that allow access will show off the famous red rooftops of the city.

Bologna Porticoes

The famous porticoes of Bologna make for a unique experience. Over 40km of them can be found in the city, with the longest continuous portico leading from Porta Saragozza to San Luca (you can read about that here). UNESCO has now declared these and Bologna itself a world heritage site which is confirmation of their cultural significance. The porticoes were built out of brick, stone or wood and some date from the twelfth century. A requirement was that they had to be tall enough for a man sat on a horse to ride through them. They can be found wherever you walk around the streets of Bologna and you can’t miss and admire these architectural masterpieces.

“Turrita”

Bologna is described as towered (Turrita) because at one point Bologna could boast around 100 towers, which surely would have given Manhattan a run for its money in appearance. Towers were built to symbolise power and had to be tall and imposing. Sadly, today there are only around 20-30 towers remaining of which the iconic two at the heart of the city are often referred to as the ‘symbols of the city’ or ‘the two towers’. They are just about still standing, although currently not accessible due to renovation works (if you would like to contribute to the restoration then click here). The tallest one, Asinelli at 97.02 metres, was built between 1109 and 1119 by the Asinelli family and the Torre Gardisenda (also named after the family that built it) stands next to it but at a much shorter height of 47 metres. The Gardisenda tower gives the leaning tower of Pisa a run for its money and actually leans more than Pisa’s tower by 0.03 degrees.

Bologna's Churches

At the heart of the city is Piazza Maggiore, which is dominated by Bologna’s most important church, and, one of the largest in the world, the Basilica of San Petronio. The church is dedicated to Saint Petronius, the patron saint of Bologna. It is known as the unfinished church due to its main façade never being completed. Inside is a vast gothic masterpiece, tall and imposing as soon as you walk in. 22 chapels line the side of naves. Personally, I wouldn’t say that this is the most important church in Bologna, as we found out when visiting Bologna Cathedral. The cathedral is the seat of the archbishop and, by definition, be the most important in the city. Another church that we visited that is important is the one at San Luca. Here we learned about ‘Madonna and Child’ and its importance not only to the people of Bologna but the rest of the world. Other churches that must be explored upon our return are the Santa Stefano complex better known as “Seven churches”, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of the Holy Crucifix and the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore to name a few.

Gothic interior of Basilica di San Petronio

Conclusions

This blog gives a brief snapshot of this wonderful city. It is certainly not as famous as other Italian cities but has a lot to offer the inquisitive tourist. Perhaps I shouldn’t write so much about it and keep it my secret. Perhaps the locals do not want its soul sold to the tourism gravy train. My meanderings have brought me to Bologna on many occasions and each time I learn more about this incredible city. Every time I come I fall further in love with this city. It satisfies some of my great loves -history, architecture and food. It is not just the imposing buildings, their interiors and the magnificent statues that appeal but the famous porticoes appear to be woven into its very fabric. Bologna is truly a special place. Whisper it quietly – this city should be on everyone’s ‘places to visit’ list.

March 30, 2025May 12, 2025

Monument to the fallen of Sabbiuno, Bologna, Italy

This is a site that probably deserves more attention yet I’m sure people are grateful for its peaceful seclusion. The site is a little further down the road than the ‘Sanctuary of Madonna at San Luca’ and approximately 9km due south of Bologna. The monument is a significant war memorial which elicits great amounts of emotion. The awe inspiring ‘Monument to the fallen of Sabbiuno’ is dedicated to the memory of soldiers who horrifically lost their lives in the line of duty towards the end of World War II.

This monument to the fallen not only serves as a poignant tribute to people who suffered in past events but a stark reminder of the need of peace and unity in current times. The stunning panorama is a memorial to the fallen of the atrocious events that took place here in December 1944. This was the site of the massacre of approximately 100 Bolognese partisans and political prisoners who were shot by Nazi fascists. The accurate number and full truth will never be known, as the bodies were recovered after the Liberation and not all were identified. It is believed that these atrocious events took place between 14^th and 23^rd December 1944, an event known as the ‘Sabbiuno di Paderno massacre’.

Farmhouse at Sabbiuno — Farmhouse at Subbiuno

This remembrance site is striking. It runs along the crest of the ravine from an isolated farmhouse to a curved wall on the ridge. The curved wall has been built as a symbolic representation of the firing squad. There are gaps in the wall where replica machine guns stick out. Between the farmhouse and ridge rest 53 staggered boulders. A close inspection reveals the names of the individuals who were tragically shot and were able to be identified. There is one additional boulder with no name which is dedicated to the forty-seven unidentified fallen. This striking monument was created by the Gruppo Architetti Città Nuova, and formed by Letizia Gelli Mazzucato, Umberto Maccaferri, and Gian Paolo Mazzucato, between 1972 and 1973.

Walking along beside the boulders is an eerie experience. It conjures up mixed emotions and feelings as the monument lays bare the horrific atrocities of war. My meanderings aren’t always fun tales of the good times but are often learning journeys where exploration leads to education. The education that took place here at the ‘Monument of the fallen of Sabbiuno’ was powerful. I thank Lorenzo our local taxi guide for telling us about this place. The monument to the fallen of Sabbiuno is a very touching tribute.

March 23, 2025April 14, 2025

San Luca, Bologna, Italy

Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca

Perched on top of the mountain Colle della Guardia and overlooking the city of Bologna is the iconic ‘Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca’, an important symbol of the city. There has been a church in some form at the site since the 12^th century with the current basilica built in the 18^th century. Read on as I learn why San Luca is more than just a tourist destination, and as I discover, more by luck than by judgement, about the ‘Madonna and child’ and the symbolism of the longest portico in the world.

History of San Luca

Tradition has it that in the 11^th century a pilgrim by the name of Theocles Kmnia arrived in Italy from Constantinople carrying a painting depicting the ‘Madonna and Child’. He was to take the painting to Monte della Guardia (a hill to the southwest of Bologna) but ended up in Rome. Thankfully a Bolognese senator was able to show him the right way. Theocles arrived at the gates of Bologna in 1160 and delivered the painting of ‘Madonna and Child’ to the then Bishop of Bologna, a Gerardo Grassi.

At the top of Monte della Guardia was a small church where Beatrice and Azzolina Guezi (two hermits leading a penitent life) took sanctuary. Bishop Grassi decided to deliver the painting to this church. Thus, the route that pilgrims still take to this day was born.

Over time a large influx of pilgrims visited the church which meant that it needed to expand to cope with the increased numbers. So, in 1194 the foundation stone, which came from Rome, was laid and blessed by Pope Celestine III. Since then, the church has had many transformations. Construction of the church as seen today was started in 1723 by Carlo Francesco Dutti and finished in 1757.

The Church

The basilica is prominent and spectacular being built on top of the hill. It is captivating, looks very Bolognese – plain and simple – basic in its external decor (orange in colour), and with a distinctive dome on top. As I walk in, I’m immediately drawn to the altar at the far end. Unknown to me, this is where ‘Madonna and Child’ is kept.

One soon realises the importance, grandeur and splendour of the altar area. Artwork, pillars, golden decorations adorn this area of the church. One cannot ignore the centrepiece, ‘The Madonna of San Luca’, which is kept in a silver looking case which sits in an ornate cove and is surrounded by golden borders. Also, inside the church it is possible to see works from Guido Reni, Donato Creti, Giuseppe Mazza and Guercino.

Inside San Luca — Chapel inside San Luca

The Rains of 1433

In 1443 the heavy rains threatened to destroy the cities harvest. The city elders decided that that a procession from San Luca, carrying ‘The Madonna with Child’ to the centre of Bologna might help the situation. Miraculously, as the painting left San Luca so it began to stop raining. And so, since 1443 it has become tradition (feast of accession) to carry the painting down to the city where it resides in Bologna’s Cathedral for a 1 week before a procession takes it back. There were two occasions when this didn’t happen – firstly, in 1849 when the city was occupied by Austrians and, secondly, in 1944 during World War II.

The modern procession has broken a little from tradition as it now starts at Porta Saragozza and not San Luca and makes its way through the streets of the city to Bologna Cathedral.

The World’s Longest Portico

Built to protect pieces of artwork of the ‘Madonna and Child’ that had been created along the route, local merchants and wealthy families came together to provide the needed funds to build the portico. The world’s longest portico (covered walkway) was built between 1674 and 1793. The first arch starts at beginning of Via Saragozza, a street which leads away from the city at Porta Saragozza (gate of Saragozza).

The portico is made up of 666 arches and 15 chapels. The number of arches may be thought a very controversial number when you consider its religious significance (the number of evil and, some would say, the devil) but it is, in fact, by design. When looking from above the portico resembles a snake slithering up the hill to ‘meet’ the ‘Madonna’ church. The snake symbolises the devil and the church is seen as victorious and reigning supreme over the devil.

The length of the walk from bottom to top is 4km. For tourists and pilgrims alike, it is said that reaching the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca by foot can make a wish come true.

Conclusions

The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca should not be missed when visiting Bologna. Simple in appearance yet significantly symbolic, it is a pilgrimage site for believers, but also a very popular tourist destination. A portico plod may be inspiring though extremely exhausting, especially in the summer months. Reach the top, however, and there is great reward. This trip educated me on the ‘Madonna and Child’ and the significance it plays in the city of Bologna, and how it effects its traditions and its people. San Luca is a beautiful place of myth and mystery.

March 16, 2025May 22, 2025

Bologna Cathedral, Bologna, Italy

Bologna Cathedral

As I leave my hotel and walk along Via Indipendenza towards Bologna’s city centre, I’m immediately drawn to a tall, imperious, church-like looking façade which is nestled almost secretly alongside buildings in the busy street. Bologna Cathedral is unlike other cathedrals I have visited (both home and abroad), Bologna’s cathedral seems to be a secret and is easily confused with the Basilica of San Petronio in Piazza Maggiore.

The locations of most cathedrals that I have visited are such that they normally dominate a square in the city centre. Such cathedrals stand proudly and majestically in sight for all to gaze in wonder and are hubs of activity. Normally a cathedral has a very commanding presence for a city but Bologna’s cathedral is shy and reserved in comparison. Although almost hidden as if a terraced property, it should not be ignored and provides a great place to start exploring Bologna.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Peter

This is Bologna’s cathedral’s full and proper name. In the 16^th century, Bologna’s bishop of the time was elevated by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 to become an archbishop, which meant that the cathedral was given the rank of “metropolitan church”. Bologna’s cathedral then became the seat of the archbishop and gave the archbishop jurisdiction over the ecclesiastical territory (diocese), which included other cathedrals and their bishops.

Bologna’s archdiocese has three suffragan dioceses (dioceses other than the metropolitan archdiocese that constitute an ecclesiastical province). To the southeast of Bologna lies the Diocese of Imola (cathedral of Imola) and little further down the road the Diocese of Faenza-Modigliana (Faenza cathedral). To the northeast of Bologna, the third Diocese of Ferrara-Comacchio (Ferrara cathedral). I’m sure as we explore the churches and cathedrals in England we will come across many similar arrangements.

History of Bologna Cathedral

Looking at its history it is a bit of a calamitous church. Bologna’s cathedral is dedicated to San Pietro (Saint Peter), head of the apostles and the first pope. Most of the present building dates from the 17^th century with the cathedral’s origins being traced back to the 10^th and 11^th century. Its calamitous past has seen several changes over the centuries. It was ravaged by a fire in 1131 and damaged by an earthquake in 1222. This meant that the church was rebuilt a couple of times.

In 1477 two Ferrarese painters worked on the creation of a cycle of frescoes, and these would have had a significant influence on Niccolo dell ’Arca and Michelangelo. Sadly, the frescoes were lost in subsequent reconstruction. In 1599 the alterations made to the cathedral caused the vaults to collapse and the cathedral was then built from scratch and started in 1605.

Façade of Bologna Cathedral

Due to its location and its height it’s very hard to photograph the front of the cathedral. It has a very bland appearance and is constructed out of red stone. The façade that is seen today was built between 1743 and 1747 under the instructions of Pope Benedict XIV. The designs were completed by architect Alfonso Torregiani. Looking at the front of the cathedral, two statues may be seen – the one on the left is San Pietro and the one on the right is San Paolo (Saint Paul).

Inside Bologna cathedral

Walking into the cathedral nave, I immediately take my eyes off to colourful tiles in front of me and raise my eyes to the grand altar at the front of cathedral. There are golden pillars on each side with paintings on the ceiling and a coat of arms across the top. Looking at this display I notice the height of the ceiling of the whole room. Why so tall? Acoustics?

There are tall pillars on either side of the nave with chairs in the middle for the congregation to sit. The actual ceiling is very bland in appearance. In between the pillars there are different chapels, with paintings and lots of golden furnishings. In the first chapel (immediately on your right as you walk in) you will see a display of terracotta statues which is called the Lamentation of Christ. This was sculptured by Alfonse Lombardi between 1522 -1526.

Also, inside Bologna Cathedral it is possible to admire paintings by Prospero Fontana, Ludovico Carracci, Marcantonio Franceschini and Donato Creti. In the altar area is a wooden crucifix from the 12^th century.

Bologna Cathedral Crypt

A crypt is an underground vault which is normally used as a chapel or a burial place. Access to the crypt is permitted as part of a combined ticket with the bell tower and will cost you 5 euros and is only open on certain days and times. Lucky enough for it to be open on my visit, I took a visit to the crypt where I found a chapel and an archaeological site. The site has found remains of 10^th century Romanesque cathedral pillar beam, and also two beams from the 12^th century. In the nave they have put glass flooring in for viewing.

Bologna Cathedral Bell Tower

An incredible visit to the top of the tower is a must for those fit and daring enough. I quickly found out that the bell tower is a tower within a tower! The original tower is 40 metres high and survived the fire and earthquake mentioned earlier. In 1254 the bell tower that is seen today was constructed around the existing tower. The encompassing tower is now 70m high and is the second tallest tower in Bologna. The covered dome topping was added in 1426.

Its rather surreal when you climb the steps trapped between the two towers. When you arrive at the top, the views are incredible and give another perspective of Bologna’s skyline. Inside the bell tower are 4 bells, and the largest known as ‘nonna’ or ‘grandmother’ weighs 33 quintals. It takes a funny upside-down position. The bells are rung “in the Bolognese way” and this requires 23 people to ring the bells.

Conclusions

A secretive cathedral and possibly the most important church in Bologna. I’m sure many people like me would confuse Bologna Cathedral with the dominating and unfinished Basilica in Piazza Maggiore which has the appearance and location of a cathedral but as we have learned doesn’t have the archbishop. I have learned that this church is the head of the archdiocese and I will have to visit the cathedrals in nearby Ferrara, Imola and Faenza, which make up Bologna’s diocese. A visit to the tower is always worth the hard work of climbing the stairs (I forgot to count how many) which gives a totally different view of the city. I hope you enjoy this blog. For those planning a visit to Bologna in the future, ignore it at your peril. For those who have been please let me know your thoughts.

August 21, 2024May 12, 2025

A Tuscan Fairytale, Castello di San Fabiano, Siena, Italy

The sun is sinking in the west, its rays radiating an array of colours that light up the sky. The sound of enjoyment and the chink of glasses combine with nature’s evening song to disturb the peaceful end to the day. Each evening we both take a moment to appreciate not only nature’s final daily display but the sight of our friends and families together as one.

Whisper it very quietly, but we have a secret to share (and one we hope remains a sort of secret!). This is a place with which we fell in love the moment we saw it and now a place we will never forget, and one that will live long in the memories. This place oozes warmth, generosity and friendship. It’s almost secretly but idyllically set in the Crete Senesi region, among the clay hills south of Siena and near the Arbia River. Here lies the romantic and intimate Castello di San Fabiano.

Our fairytale gave birth to new friendships, strengthened existing ones and opened the eyes of many to our fascination with travel and history. This castle has a rich and diverse history. It takes the form of a small hamlet and like most places with a long-standing history was built around a small church of which we have proof dates to 867 AD. The small and enchanting church was a stopping place for pilgrims and is dedicated to St. Fabian, to the pope and to martyrs. There is an apse from the 9^th century, some of it may be dated to the Romanesque era, and a façade was completed in the 18^th century. I’m sure as we continue to revisit, we will spend some more time with Andrea, the present owner, and learn and explore its full history, but he did mention on a memorable night on the day after our wedding that there is a document confirming this very early date.

Between the church and the castle are the beautiful gardens that surround the castle on all sides. These charming gardens played host to our coming together, with nature in abundance and the aromas of rose bushes and lemon trees which have been planted amongst the cypress trees giving that beautiful Tuscan vibe. The castle was built to protect the nearby ford as this was one of the only passing places along the river apart from a Roman bridge a bit further downstream. The fortifications that took place meant that the towers were created to assist with communication with nearby Siena. The towers that are seen today were built at the turn of the 13^th century, and a visit to the highest accessible point is a must to sit and savour a glass of wine as the sun sets. You can see all of Siena’s skyline as the sun sets behind it and perhaps you can think about picking up the fire signals of yesteryear. The castle did see some “action” when the king of Naples army laid siege in 1409 AD. They decided that this would be a perfect post station for the long journey from Naples to Paris. It then passed into the hands of the powerful Sienese family for the next 500 or so years before changing hands a few times to be purchased by the Fiorentini family.

We can be grateful to Andrea’s father (Giovani’s grandfather) for purchasing it and to the family for their continued labour of love that they have invested and continue to take on to preserve such a charming place. Spending time with the family is an honour and privilege to learn about the place. Perhaps the castle and the surrounding countryside is a secret that is worth keeping to ourselves but we have started to share not only its location but its vibrancy on our recent big event and have been surprised to see how many accepted the invitation to come and now, perhaps, share an admiration for such a place. Words perhaps can’t describe how much this place means to us both; we hope it won’t be long until we return.

Castello di San Fabiano, Crete Senesi Gravel Ritorno, Monteroni d'Arbia, Siena, Tuscany, 53014, Italy