I only had about two hours in Bologna, as it was basically just a lunch break, with a quick tour of some of the highlights.
Following are some photos I took of the main square, the university, and the market district sections of the city centre.
I did not have time to visit the medieval towers.
Anyway enjoy this very quick look at Bologna. The city centre is full of arcaded streets, as it was a city bylaw to have arcaded sidewalks for pedestrian comfort.
Bologna University. The oldest university in Europe.
Family crests of students who graduated from university.
At one time the only place to study medicine was in Bologna, due to the Catholic Church not agreeing with using dead bodies for teaching, etc.
On the right is a part of Bologna's main church. The Pope had the building on the left built, to stop the expansion of the church, as it was going to pass St. Peters as the largest church. This church is under extreme security due to a painting inside which has Mohammed of Islam rotting in hell. Really interesting.
Arcaded streets.
Generations of arcades can be seen on this street. You will notice some buildings have higher floors jutting out. That is due to the arcade bylaw and buildings deciding to add arcades after they were built.
I always thought Bologna was one of the most interesting Italian cities, and wonder why it's so underrated. Maybe because it's in the rich north, and so not the "real" Italy, in terms of people's stereotypes.
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