On arriving in Bologna we had no accommodation booked so we were following hotel street signs trying to find one we could afford and we followed on to a brand new four-star hotel. It was so new that when we went to dinner the menu was hand written and the waiter wasn’t sure what they could cook. One bathroom was still missing it taps but we got a good rate and the bed was wonderful.

Bologna, location of Europe’s first university founded in 1088A.D. and now home to the European Union University, so another university town. Throughout central Bologna all the walkways adjacent to the buildings are covered, great for all weather, rain or shine, over 40kms in length throughout the city. Beside the walkways Bologna itself is a wonderful old city like many in Italy to wander round, and also seem to be taking security to an extra length with not even letting small bags into the cathedral to the annoyance of many visitor’s, Lisa and I took turns going in as Isabella was in the stroller and it wasn’t allowed in either. When I went inside with Isabella to have a look, I decided to light a candle with her, as she loves candles. I guess like all children, of course I light it and go to place it with the others and Isabella decides, I want that and grabs the lit candle straight away!! So I’m trying to get out of her hand, while holding her and stopping it breaking, all was good in the end. But she did enjoy playing on the floor and trying to work out why she couldn’t feel the different colour patterns in the marble floor.

To get the best view over the city Lisa and I climbed the Asinelli Tower (97m) tallest tower in the city, there were once about 180 towers dominating the Bologna skyline during the 12th and 13th centuries, with most being built by rich families for offensive and defensive use, similar to San Gimigano in Tuscany. You’ll see from the photos there is a tower adjacent to it and yes it’s on a great lean. We didn’t climb that one.
And in the main square definitely a water fountain designed by a man ☺ have a look for it in the gallery and you’ll know what we mean.

Bologna Web gallery