I hate to admit it, but I must. I am, in my heart, both a child and “an American”. I say this because I can’t look at the name Bologna and not hear the Oscar Mayer song. (In a similar way, I giggle about a particular Canadian city. Classless, I know.)
Arrived in a torrential thunderstorm. ⛈️ It was lovely all the way from Milan. I even had a comfy window seat on the upper deck of the train! Stepped out of the train into sheets of rain, strong wind, and 27C/81F. Wet and steamy.
Had my umbrella blow inside out twice before I found my hotel, Casa Faccioli. It is beautiful and centrally located. I have a balcony!
My walking tour of Bologna was mostly dry but overcast. Honestly very comfortable given the weather in Milan. I’ve never been an organized tour person, but I learned WAY more on this tour than I ever could have on my own!
Besides the food, culture, science, and beauty of Bologna, the Ducati factory and museum were a big motivator for this visit. Going to the museum without the Basha was very hard. 😭
The Ducati factory and museum were wonderful and emotionally exhausting. The kids suggested food.
The porticos are famous, and UNESCO protected, but the longest stretch is the 3+ mile walk up to the Basilica di San Luca, which supposedly houses a relic written by the disciple Luke. I headed out early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Anatomical theatre
A MUST VISIT for me in Bologna was the Anatomical theatre of the University of Bologna. The University is the oldest continually operating university in the WORLD. The anatomical theatre dates from 1637 and has seen some of the most famous (and controversial) surgeons, anatomists, and scientists in history. It was AMAZING. (The Basha would have said I spent far too long, but I enjoyed it that much.)
Palazzo Poggi was my final stop. It is a former house/palace that was the seat of the University from the early 1800’s until recently. It housed some amazing scientific and nautical exhibitions with pieces dating back to the early 1500’s.
I realized, while in Bologna, that this cannot be my only visit here. As much as I love my Mexican home, this city spoke to me. I need to come back and listen more closely.