Indulge in Bologna’s legendary food scene, because both October and November bring truffle season. If you ever liked pasta, then in this season you can taste white truffles crowning fresh pasta. Nibble on roasted chestnuts and walk around on the market Mercato di Mezzo in Bologna. When December comes, so does the festive Fiera di Santa Lucia Christmas market.
You may have been to other historical university cities in Europe, but did you know that University of Bologna was founded in 1088. Savor that fact during your stroll in the old town, or as you head to over to Teatro Comunale to watch a production. Then as October gives way to November the Artissima fair brings contemporary masterpieces.
There will be plenty to see in this old city during your weekend trip. Bologna is a city where medieval magic still lingers in every corner. Start in Piazza Maggiore, the grand square where towering palaces and the massive Basilica di San Petronio that tell stories of power and faith from long ago. Nearby, the famous Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda) stretch toward the sky, just as they did 900 years ago when noble families built them to show off their wealth.
Continue with some exercise to build up an appetite by climbing the Asinelli Tower for sweeping views over red rooftops and winding streets. Step into the Archiginnasio Palace, once the heart of Europe’s oldest university. For a quieter moment, wander into the Santo Stefano Basilica, a peaceful maze of seven ancient churches that feel frozen in time.
If you or your travel partner is an art lover, well then, you will most certainly adore the Pinacoteca Nazionale, filled with golden Renaissance paintings. And if you are a foodie then you should explore the Quadrilatero Market where vendors have traded since the Middle Ages. For a hidden surprise, peek through the Finestrella di Via Piella to spot secret canals that once powered mills and workshops.
In short, a visit to Bologna will give you a fine introduction to Italian living in past and present
