The Italian Adventure

Follow me on an express Italian adventure, as I explore Verona and Bologna...

Exploring the streets of Bologna, Italy

With an early morning flight to Verona, I had some time to check out the city before catching a train in the evening to visit Bologna. Let's go!

VERONA

Hidden away in the north of Italy, Verona is a city often overlooked in favour of the nearby lakes or Venice. But for those looking for history, romance or even just a great city to explore, a visit to Verona is a must! Verona is famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet; a 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard is said be Juliet’s House. The courtyard is completely free to enter, it is open Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-19:00. If you wish to actually enter Casa Di Giulietta you can check out more information here at their website: Casa di Giulietta.

(Left) Juliet's Balcony, (Centre) Bronze statue of Juliet, (Right) Heart shaped locks in the courtyard at Juliet's House

Next stop in Verona would have to be the Arena, a huge 1st-century Roman amphitheatre built in 30AD. It is one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind. In ancient times, the arena's capacity could hold up to nearly 30,000 people. A smaller version of the Colosseum in Rome.

If you've got time, cross the Adige River and head up to Castel San Pietro, a hilltop Romanesque fortress with terraces offering panoramic views over the city. Before making your way up the hill visit the Roman Theatre, then either walk up or take the funicular. Loved by tourists but most of all by Veronese people, it is a place not to be missed to learn the city's full history and charm, and enjoy the magnificent views.

BOLOGNA

Bologna: With its Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the Two Towers, leaning Asinelli and Garisenda.

For me one of the highlights of this city was the Seven Churches (or Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano - Complesso delle Sette Chiese). Once upon a time there were 7 churches here, but the city has suffered earthquakes, fire, wars and so now only 4 remain.

Of course, the most popular attractions in Bologna include the Two Towers and Neptune's Fountain. The Two Towers, (or Twin Towers of Garisenda and Asinelli) make up the city's skyline. Nowadays only a few towers remain but years ago there used to be hundreds of these towers dominating the city. Another strong symbol for the city of Bologna is the statue of Neptune: one of the lesser-known facts about the Neptune Fountain is the optical illusion ingeniously designed by Giambologna. From a specific angle, Neptune's thumb aligns perfectly with his groin, creating the illusion of an erect penis.

(Left) The Two Towers, (Right) Neptune's Fountain

Whilst you're here in Bologna, I recommend you visit three other places: Bologna Cathedral, Piazza Maggiore and the University (one of the oldest in the world). The cathedral, Basilica di San Petronio, interestingly enough is not complete. As you can see in the picture below, the original plan was to cover the cathedral in marble. It's shape is designed to be like a cross and originally it was supposed to be much bigger than it is now. However the Pope didn't like that there was going to be a cathedral bigger than his so he told them to stop building hence its unfinished look.