“Show and Tell”: Bologna, Emilia Romagna

Italy “Show and Tell” is a weekly series published on Sundays where invited guests share 6 of their favorite photos from their trip to Italy or life in Italy, along with a short description.

We’re excited to feature our first guest Kathryn Burrington who recently visited Bologna. Kathryn is a travel photographer and writer who has worked in the industry for over 17 years. In her blog Travel With Kat she shares her joy of discovering new countries, cultures and cuisines. Follow Kathryn on Twitter @TravelWithKat.

6 Favorite Photos from Bologna, Emilia Romagna

Bologna, in the heart of Emilia Romagna region, is one of my favorite Italian towns. The architecture is simply stunning and I can’t imagine ever tiring of exploring her streets and alleyways. Here is just a glimpse of why I find Bologna so special.

1. In the late 12th Century there were over one hundred towers in Bologna but today only twenty have survived the ravages of fire, warfare and lightning. The tallest is the impressive Asinelli Tower which has 498 steps. You can see more photos of the view and the tower itself in my post Overcoming my fear of heights in Bologna.

The view from the top of the Asinelli Tower, Bologna

2. There are a number of unique and very special historic shops in Bologna, a relatively more recent one being this beautiful Art Deco shop front which is close to the main square, Piazza Maggiore. It is hidden away behind a newspaper stall and I didn’t spot it on my first visit.

Art Deco shop front

3. Just around the corner, walk along via Drapperie and via Pescherie and you’ll still find shops and stalls selling food and wine just as you would have done when these alleys were the medieval market.

The Old Market

4. We stumbled across this building, off piazza Galvanzi, quite by chance and were immediately intrigued by the wonderful murals that covered the walls and ceilings. It turned out to house the local library, as well as the wood paneled anatomy theatre, which dated back to 1637. It contains the statues of twelve renowned physicians and on the ceiling, the twelve signs of the zodiac, all carved in wood.

Biblioteca Comunale dell’ Archiginnasio

5. Everyone who visits Bologna admires the cities porticoes, the oldest of which are wooden and date back to the medieval period. Throughout the city there are some 53km of porticoes offering shelter to locals and tourists alike from the sun and the rain.

The Porticoes of Bologna

6. I discovered the hidden canals of Bologna on my first visit and I was completely charmed by them, returning on a number of occasions to photograph them in different lights. You can read more about them in my post Uncovering the Secrets of Bologna.

Hidden canals of Bologna

A big thank-you goes out Kathryn for sharing these beautiful photos of Bologna and her wonderful experience there.

Have you been to Bologna? Share your experience with us in the comments below.