Discovering Bologna Italy : Where Every Corner Tells a Story

Bologna Ahead!

As I made my way on my Italian adventure, leaving Venice by train, my next stop was Bologna, Italy a city that captures your heart from the very first step. Known as "La Rossa" for its distinctive red brick architecture, Bologna is a place where every corner tells a story, every meal is a celebration, and every day brings delightful surprises. Let me take you through my wonderful journey in this magnificent Italian city.

A Perfect Base: Art Hotel Commercianti

My Bologna adventure began at the Art Hotel Commercianti, and what a perfect choice it turned out to be for my stay. This beautiful boutique hotel sits right in the heart of the historic center, housed in a building that dates back to the 13th century. The moment I walked through the doors, I was struck by the perfect blend of medieval charm and modern comfort.

The lobby highlights original stone walls and vaulted ceilings, beautifully complemented by carefully chosen modern art pieces. My room overlooked the church where I could hear the gentle sounds of Italian life in the distance - conversations, laughter, and the clinking of glasses from the restaurant nearby. The weather was great so it was nice to have windows to open.

Exploring on Foot: 18,000 Steps Through History

After settling in, I set out to explore Bologna on foot. What a walk it turned out to be…18,000 steps through this incredible city! Bologna is a walker's paradise, with its famous porticoes providing shelter from both sun and rain while creating these beautiful, covered walkways throughout the city. I really enjoyed walking around and just looking at their ornate architecture.

My wanderings led me to the vibrant markets, where the sights, sounds, and aromas immediately drew me in. The market vendors were so enthusiastic about their products, fresh vegetables, fish, wheels of aged cheese, and displays of cured meats that looked like works of art. Nothing better than seeing the beautiful fresh food, and colorful flowers. Whenever I go somewhere like this, I start thinking about how fun it might be to live there.

A Taste of Authentic Bologna at Simoni

After hours of walking and exploring, I decided to have my charcuterie at Salumi Simoni. That turned out to be the perfect spot for experiencing authentic Bologna cuisine. This charming establishment became my introduction to the city's incredible food and wine culture.

At Simoni, I was treated to a wonderful local wine, a Sangiovese from the Bologna Romana region, paired with an exquisite selection of regional meats and cheeses. The staff guided me in my pick of wine, along with the selection of meat and cheeses. They know their stuff!

One of the highlights of my evening at Simoni was meeting a lovely couple from Switzerland, Yves and Katrina. We found ourselves deep in conversation about travel, food, and the magic of discovering unfamiliar places. There's something about sharing good wine and food that breaks down all barriers – we spent hours exchanging stories and recommendations, and within a brief time they felt like old friends. This is another benefit of solo travel – you meet so many interesting people!

Morning Rituals: The Perfect Italian Breakfast

The morning at the Art Hotel Commercianti began with the most wonderful breakfast. The hotel's breakfast room, with its vaulted ceilings and soft morning light, provided the perfect start to each day. As you entered you were greeted by a Barista ready to make the coffee of your choice.

The breakfast was a celebration of Italian morning traditions, offering perfectly flaky cornetto, rich espresso that awakened all the senses, fresh local honey, and seasonal fruit, and a variety of meats and cheeses (popular in Europe). It was the kind of breakfast that makes you want to linger, to savor each bite while planning the adventures ahead, but no time to waste on my trips! The European breakfasts are always so good.

The San Luca Train Adventure: A Journey to Heaven

My next adventure brought one of Bologna's most delightful experiences, the journey to San Luca on the tiny tourist train. This bright red train, cheerful and compact, became my chariot for one of the most spectacular views in all of Italy. I did buy the tickets from Viator, and that really was not necessary. I paid for a person extra to walk me to the desk and get my ticket! They handed me a map, and coupons for a free sandwich several blocks away. Lesson learned.

The train follows the path of the world's longest portico, a covered walkway that stretches for nearly four kilometers up the hillside. From the comfort of the train, I watched as the city gradually gave way to rolling countryside, the portico creating this incredible tunnel of arches that has protected pilgrims for centuries. Many take that walk up (and down). My knees and I wish them well.

And then, the destination! The view from San Luca is breathtaking. The entire city of Bologna spreads out below like a beautiful tapestry of red roofs and ancient towers. The Po Valley stretches endlessly into the distance, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps. It was cloudy, but the view was still wonderful. Standing there, with the gentle breeze and the peaceful atmosphere, I understood why this place has drawn visitors for hundreds of years.

The sanctuary itself is magnificent, a baroque masterpiece that houses a revered icon of the Madonna. The interior is filled with golden light and beautiful artwork, creating an atmosphere of peace and contemplation that makes the journey up the hill feel like a true pilgrimage.

I will say the ride down on the train was the “crazy train”. The tiny train picked up speed and started whipping around causing a lot of screaming from the riders including me as our lives flashed before our eyes. In retrospect, walking back down might have been a good option.

Culinary Artistry: Handmade Pasta

Back in the city, the afternoon brought another culinary adventure. Bologna is famous throughout Italy for its cuisine, and I was determined to experience the best it had to offer. I found a lovely local restaurant where the pasta was made fresh that very day.

Watching the chef prepare the pasta was like witnessing artistry in motion. I enjoyed a delicious lemon pasta with guanciale that I am still dreaming about! Paired with a local white wine, it was a meal that exemplified everything wonderful about Italian cuisine.

Sweet Discoveries: Gelato Perfection

No trip to Italy would be complete without discovering exceptional gelato, and Bologna certainly didn't disappoint. I found this wonderful gelateria where each flavor was made fresh daily using traditional methods and the finest ingredients. The line out of the door let me know I was in the right place.

The pistachio gelato was revelation, so rich and nutty that it tasted like eating pure pistachios transformed into silk. The stracciatella was studded with dark chocolate shavings that melted perfectly on the tongue. Wandering Bologna's beautiful streets with gelato in hand became one of my favorite daily rituals.

A Moving Good Friday Experience

One of the most moving experiences of my stay was attending a Good Friday performance at a local church. The historic church provided the perfect setting for this special evening as the crowd built around the outside.

The local choir's performance was stunning. Even without understanding all the words, the emotion and devotion in their singing was deeply moving. The crowd was silent as they listened and bowed their heads. It was one of those travel moments that stays with you forever, a perfect blend of culture, history, and human expression.

Farewell to La Rossa

Soon, it was time to bid farewell to Bologna. As I made my way to the train station for my journey to Montecatini, I found myself already planning a return visit. Bologna had captured my heart completely.

As the train pulled away from the station and Bologna gradually disappeared into the distance, I reflected on what an incredible few days I'd experienced. From the warmth of the Art Hotel Commercianti to the spectacular views from San Luca, from the incredible food and wine at Simoni to the moving Good Friday performance, Bologna had offered me a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and human connection.

Why Bologna Should Be on Your Travel List

Bologna taught me that sometimes the most wonderful travel experiences come from the places that aren't at the top of every tourist list. This beautiful city, with its incredible food, rich history, and warm people, offers something truly special – the chance to experience authentic Italian life at its finest.

From the daily ritual of morning espresso to the evening passeggiata through the porticoed streets, from market conversations with passionate vendors to chance encounters with fellow travelers, Bologna creates memories that last a lifetime.

Bologna awaits – with its red roofs, incredible cuisine, and that special Italian magic that makes every moment feel like a celebration. Arrivederci, Bologna. Until we meet again.

If you would like to see my video on my trip, please click here!