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walking & hiking tours in and around Bologna

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Author: Silvia Donati

I'm a professional hiking guide leading tours in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Trentino's Val di Non and the Dolomites. I also work as a freelance journalist and travel writer. My passions are the outdoors and active travel. I try to lead people to discover authentic, curious and lesser-known aspects of the places they visit.
Clock tower in Bologna at dusk
Discover Bologna, Museums & Monuments

New Must-See Attraction in Bologna: The Clock Tower

February 18, 2022April 21, 2022 Silvia Donati

There’s a new panoramic spot in town you don’t want to miss: the rooftop terrace of the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower) on Piazza Maggiore. Read my latest post for all the info.

Tagged Bologna, Palazzo D'Accursio, Piazza Maggiore, towers of Bologna2 Comments
Real Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Food & Wine

How To Tell If Your Parmigiano Reggiano Is The Real Thing

November 12, 2021November 12, 2021 Silvia Donati

Confused about how to recognize authentic Parmigiano Reggiano? Here's a simple guide.

Tagged foodie, Parmigiano Reggiano4 Comments
Bardi castle Emilia-Romagna
Explore Emilia-Romagna

Haunted Castles of Emilia-Romagna

October 23, 2021 Silvia Donati

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? In the spirit of Halloween coming up, here are two particularly spooky castles of Emilia-Romagna. The hunt is on! 

Tagged castles, Parma, Romagna4 Comments
Two Towers of Bologna
Discover Bologna

Bologna vs Florence: Which is Better?

October 8, 2021October 20, 2021 Silvia Donati

Unsure whether to visit and/or stay in Bologna or Florence? In this post, I give you some points to ponder.

Tagged Bologna, day trip, foodie6 Comments
Food & Wine

Five Things to Eat in Bologna (Besides Tortellini and Tagliatelle)

March 12, 2021October 29, 2021 Silvia Donati

Bologna is known for its rich culinary tradition, although most people are only familiar with the stars of Bolognese cuisine. Well, I suggest you experiment a little and try the five dishes I describe in this post!

Tagged foodie8 Comments
Discover Bologna

Ten Things to Know About Bologna (Quiz Answers)

January 29, 2021 Silvia Donati

As promised, here are the answers to the questions published in my blog post from last week, where I asked about some important elements of Bologna’s history and culture, which will help you to familiarize with the city as you plan a visit, or just for the fun of it.

Tagged Basilica of San Petronio, Bologna, mortadella, portico, tortellini, towers of Bologna4 Comments
Discover Bologna

QUIZ: How Well Do You Know Bologna?

January 22, 2021October 14, 2021 Silvia Donati

Test your knowledge of Bologna! Answer ten questions to get an overview of Bologna’s history and other elements that give the city its character. Quiz results will be published next week!

Tagged Bologna3 Comments
Piazza Maggiore in Bologna with people cycling
Discover Bologna

When To Visit Bologna (Italy)

May 29, 2020 Silvia Donati

When is the best time to visit Bologna? Any season really is good if you know how to make the most of it. Here's my advice.

Tagged Bologna, Bologna hills, tours6 Comments
View from above of Bologna's Piazza Maggiore
Discover Bologna

Five Videos to Transport You to Bologna

May 15, 2020 Silvia Donati

Being stuck at home is no fun, but you can still travel virtually. Here are five great videos and documentaries I've picked about Bologna and Emilia-Romagna. Enjoy!

Tagged Bologna, university4 Comments
Food & Wine

Emilia-Romagna’s Spring Delicacy: The Green Asparagus of Altedo

May 8, 2020 Silvia Donati

No other vegetable symbolizes spring in Emilia Romagna more than the prized ‘asparago verde di Altedo,’ grown north of Bologna.

Tagged Ferrara, foodie, recipes, tagliatelleLeave a comment
Spaghetti and tuna sauce from Bologna
Food & Wine

The Real Spaghetti Bolognese Are with Tuna

January 17, 2020January 17, 2020 Silvia Donati

Did you know?! The real spaghetti alla bolognese are with tuna. Read on for the interesting story and fierce debate surrouding the dish.

Tagged foodie, pasta, ragu', tagliatelle3 Comments
The Two Towers in Bologna
Events

What’s New in Bologna and Emilia-Romagna for 2020

January 3, 2020January 10, 2020 Silvia Donati

Welcome to the first post of this new year! Read on for new things happening in Bologna and Emilia-Romagna in 2020.

Tagged Bologna, hiking, Parma, portico, Rimini, towers of BolognaLeave a comment
New Year's Eve in Bologna
Events

What To Do In and Around Bologna on New Year’s Eve (2019)

December 20, 2019January 3, 2020 Silvia Donati

If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Bologna or around Emilia-Romagna, here are a few ideas. Buon Anno!

Tagged Bologna, Christmas in Bologna, Ferrara4 Comments
Food & Wine

Bologna’s Christmas Cake: Certosino

December 13, 2019January 3, 2020 Silvia Donati

Forget Panettone and Pandoro: in Bologna, you've got to do Certosino when it's Christmas time.

Tagged Christmas in Bologna, foodie2 Comments
Panoramic view of Torrechiara Castle
Explore Emilia-Romagna, Museums & Monuments

In the Parma Hills, A Castle Built for Love: Torrechiara

December 6, 2019October 8, 2021 Silvia Donati

Looking mighty from its panoramic position on the rolling hills of the Val Parma, 18 km south of the city of Parma, Torrechiara Castle is among the most significant and best preserved examples of Italian castle architecture.

Tagged castles, Parma4 Comments
View of Bologna's hills and red roofs from city center
Discover Bologna, Museums & Monuments

Why You Should See San Michele in Bosco in Bologna

November 29, 2019December 11, 2019 Silvia Donati

San Michele in Bosco offers one of the best views over Bologna and is a site rich with history and spirituality.

Tagged Bologna, Bologna hills6 Comments
The cheese counter at FICO Eataly World in Bologna
Discover Bologna, Food & Wine

Is FICO Eataly World (Bologna) Worth the Trip To the Outskirts of Town?

August 20, 2019August 20, 2019 Silvia Donati

Here's a concise guide to FICO Eataly World to help you understand if it may be a fit for you or not and plan your visit accordingly.

Tagged Bologna, foodie6 Comments
View of Bologna's rooftops and medieval towers
Discover Bologna

Bologna 101: Practical Information to Navigate the City

August 11, 2019May 23, 2020 Silvia Donati

Must-have info for first-timers and anyone who needs guidance about Bologna’s transport, where to stay/be, when to visit, stores and restaurants opening hours, and all those practical details needed when traveling to a new city, plus lots of useful links for planning your visit, all compiled in one place!

Tagged Bologna, hotels, Piazza Maggiore7 Comments
A cup of gelato under the portico in Bologna
Food & Wine

Where to Eat Gelato in Bologna – My Top Picks

July 26, 2019October 9, 2019 Silvia Donati

When the weather gets hot in Bologna, there are only two things you can do: find shelter under porticos, and eat gelato.

Tagged Bologna, foodie, gelato3 Comments
A typical portico in Bologna
Discover Bologna

A Portico-Themed Tour of Bologna

June 26, 2019August 11, 2019 Silvia Donati

An itinerary to guide you through the history and variety of Bologna's porticoes.

Tagged Bologna, portico, San Luca6 Comments
porticoes of Bologna in Piazza Santo Stefano
Museums & Monuments

Bologna’s Porticoes To Be Nominated For Inclusion On Unesco’s World Heritage List

March 23, 2019January 22, 2020 Silvia Donati

Big news for Bologna! The porticoes will be nominated for inclusion on the coveted Unesco's World Heritage list. Here's the scoop.

Tagged Bologna, portico5 Comments
View of Bologna's red roofs.
Accommodation

Where to Stay in Bologna: My Top Picks

March 15, 2019August 11, 2019 Silvia Donati

To answer the often asked question of where to stay in Bologna, I've compiled this list of my favorite hotels and B&Bs in Bologna. I hope you find it useful.

Tagged Bologna, hotels3 Comments
View of the hilly Reggio Emilia countryside from the Rossena Castle.
Countryside & Mountains

The Reggio Emilia Countryside: Haunted Castles and Gluttonous Pleasures in the Lands of Matilde di Canossa

February 22, 2019June 25, 2019 Silvia Donati

A road trip through the Reggio Emilia countryside, discovering haunted castles, learning about a very special woman, and visiting producers of local specialties like Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar and culatello. Start planning!

Tagged castles, Parmigiano Reggiano, Reggio Emilia7 Comments
View of the Portico di San Luca and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
Museums & Monuments, Walks & Hikes

Walking in Bologna: The Portico and the Sanctuary of San Luca

January 18, 2019October 8, 2021 Silvia Donati

Discover why walking along the Portico di San Luca is a quintessential Bologna experience! I also tell you about my guided walking tour of the portico and the Bologna hills.

Tagged Bologna, Bologna hills, San Luca11 Comments
View of historic center of Ferrara.
Towns & Villages

Day Trip from Bologna: Visit Ferrara

January 5, 2019May 8, 2020 Silvia Donati

Ferrara, Unesco city of the Renaissance, makes for a delightful day trip from Bologna. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to see in a day.

Tagged day trip, Ferrara12 Comments
Bolognese Apennines
Countryside & Mountains, Walks & Hikes

My Favorite Mountain Villages of the Bologna Apennines

August 12, 2018August 23, 2019 Silvia Donati

An itinerary through beautiful mountain villages in the Bologna Apennines, better discovered on foot!

Tagged Apennines, day trip, hiking, historic villages8 Comments
Due Torri Bologna
Discover Bologna, Museums & Monuments

Climbing Bologna’s Asinelli Tower

July 21, 2018January 8, 2020 Silvia Donati

For gorgeous views of Bologna, and a quintessential Bologna experience, climb the 97-meter-high Torre degli Asinelli!

Tagged Asinelli Tower, Bologna, Due Torri, towers of Bologna21 Comments
top walks in Bologna
Walks & Hikes

Top Three Walks in the Bologna Hills

May 22, 2018June 29, 2019 Silvia Donati

Get those walking shoes on and explore the beautiful hills surrounding Bologna! Read my suggestions for three top walks.

Tagged Bologna hills, hiking, San Luca23 Comments
Asinelli Tower
Discover Bologna

What to See In (and Around) Bologna in One/Two/Three Days

April 14, 2018June 23, 2019 Silvia Donati

A handy guide on how to plan one, two or three days in and around Bologna!

Tagged Basilica of San Petronio, Due Torri, Piazza Maggiore, San Luca, Valsamoggia13 Comments
dish of tagliatelle al ragù from Bologna
Food & Wine

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese: Recipe and Rules

February 6, 2018May 7, 2020 Silvia Donati

How do you make tagliatelle alla bolognese? And more fun bits about one of Bologna's quintessential dishes.

Tagged foodie, pasta, tagliatelle7 Comments

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Meet me

Silvia Donati certified hiking guide in Bologna
Ciao, I'm Silvia! Contact me if you love walking - bolognauncovered@gmail.com - and I'll help you discover the 'hilly' side of Bologna ;-)

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  • New Must-See Attraction in Bologna: The Clock Tower
  • How To Tell If Your Parmigiano Reggiano Is The Real Thing
  • Haunted Castles of Emilia-Romagna
  • Bologna vs Florence: Which is Better?
  • Five Things to Eat in Bologna (Besides Tortellini and Tagliatelle)
  • Ten Things to Know About Bologna (Quiz Answers)

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