An itinerary to guide you through the history and variety of Bologna's porticoes.
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.
Bologna’s Porticoes To Be Nominated For Inclusion On Unesco’s World Heritage List
Big news for Bologna! The porticoes will be nominated for inclusion on the coveted Unesco's World Heritage list. Here's the scoop.
Where to Stay in Bologna: My Top Picks
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.
The Reggio Emilia Countryside: Haunted Castles and Gluttonous Pleasures in the Lands of Matilde di Canossa
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!
Walking in Bologna: The Portico and the Sanctuary of San Luca
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.
Day Trip from Bologna: Visit Ferrara
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.
My Favorite Mountain Villages of the Bologna Apennines
An itinerary through beautiful mountain villages in the Bologna Apennines, better discovered on foot!
Climbing Bologna’s Asinelli Tower
For gorgeous views of Bologna, and a quintessential Bologna experience, climb the 97-meter-high Torre degli Asinelli!
Top Three Walks in the Bologna Hills
Get those walking shoes on and explore the beautiful hills surrounding Bologna! Read my suggestions for three top walks.
What to See In (and Around) Bologna in One/Two/Three Days
A handy guide on how to plan one, two or three days in and around Bologna!
Tagliatelle alla Bolognese: Recipe and Rules
How do you make tagliatelle alla bolognese? And more fun bits about one of Bologna's quintessential dishes.
Learning How to Make Fresh Pasta with Le Cesarine
I'm not exactly a skilled cook, but I've finally learned how to make tortelloni, a typical fresh pasta dish from Bologna, thanks to Le Cesarine.
Where to Get the Best Panoramic Views of Bologna
The best lookouts over Bologna, all in this handy list!
Visiting the Museum of the History of Bologna
The Museum of the History of Bologna gives a great overview of 3,000 years of Bologna history and could be the starting point of a visit to the city. Plus, there's a really cool temporary exhibit which you shouldn't miss!
Rocchetta Mattei: The Most Unusual Building in Emilia-Romagna
'What you see is not what you get' at the striking Rocchetta Mattei, a fortress built in the 19th century in the Apennines near Bologna.
Brisighella: Medieval Charm in the Heart of Romagna
Brisighella is a delightful medieval village about an hour from Bologna, renowned for the production of an excellent olive oil. Perfect for a day trip!
Via degli Dei: From Bologna to Florence on Foot
How about walking from Bologna to Florence? Here's my account of the beautiful Via degli Dei trek, which I highly recommend doing if you love an active vacation!
Formaggio di Fossa: The Cheese from Romagna You Must Try
Ever heard of Formaggio di Fossa? It's quite the delicacy and it hails from Romagna. Plus, its method of production is quite unique...
Snowshoeing Adventures in Emilia-Romagna
Get active and explore Emilia-Romagna beyond its art cities! Here are my suggestions for snowshoeing hikes in the Corno alle Scale Regional Park, near Bologna.
Three Notable Women Artists from Bologna
In honor of upcoming International Women’s Day, learn about three remarkable Bolognese women who made a name for themselves as talented artists at a time when it was very difficult for a woman to emerge.
The Foodie Guide to Carnival in Emilia-Romagna
Carnival is a time to indulge...here are the most popular treats to feast on in Emilia-Romagna!
Top Romantic Places in Bologna & Emilia-Romagna
Valentine’s Day is coming up, so in the spirit of romance, here's a list of some of my favorite romantic places in Bologna and Emilia-Romagna...
Politics and Power: Visiting Bologna’s Palazzo D’Accursio
Here's what to look out for when visiting Palazzo D'Accursio, the seat and symbol of Bologna's political power since medieval times.
Carnival in Emilia-Romagna: Where to Go (Updated for 2018)
Bologna and Emilia-Romagna do not have famous Carnivals as those of Venice or Viareggio, but we hold our own. So if you happen to be in the area during this time, here are some of the top Carnival celebrations you should check out in the region.
The Story Behind Bologna’s Fountain of Neptune
Bologna's Fountain of Neptune is a must-see. Learn about its history and why the Bolognesi love it so much.
What To Do on New Year’s Eve In and Around Bologna
If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Bologna or around Emilia-Romagna, here are a few ideas. Buon Anno!
Tortellini Recipe (And a Bit of Tortellino History)
Discover the history and get the official recipe of tortellini, a cherished dish that has become a symbol of Bolognese cuisine.
Bologna’s Christmas Market: Fiera di Santa Lucia
If you're in town for the holidays, don't miss 'la Fiera di Santa Lucia', Bologna's Christmas market.
The Christmas Lunch Menu in Bologna
Spend Christmas at the home of any Bolognese family and this is the food you'll be sure to find...
Bologna Celebrates Chocolate At Cioccoshow Festival
The Cioccoshow festival is a celebration of chocolate and the artisans who make it - the five-day event takes place November 16-20 in Bologna's historic center.
