We’ve been through Bologna many times before on trains and buses but never stopped there so it will be interesting today.

The train is chock full, we’re sort of in our seats, negotiations go on all through the carriage about who owns what seat. It’s a bit frustrating, but the train cracks 300km/ hr, through a tunnel, boy that is quick.

Bologna station is underground, after some hustling we find the Burger King meeting point for the Ferrari tour for the Mechanic and Simone. We then use Google maps to find our way to Piaza Maggiore which is the centre of Bologna. We walk via a market ( the N is not impressed – cheap Chinese stuff) and a Cafe with a loo is a priority. We purchase our return tickets to Florence before we leave the station.

We eventually find the nice centre of Bologna, a far cry from the dog shit and vomit covered footpath, graffiti walls etc on the walk from the train station. The “good” starts with a jewellery shop ( Vestopazzo) that sells recycled aluminium jewellery. The Navigator finds some stuff and the pretty shop attendant separates her from some Euros.

The Basilica San Pietro is large, beautiful and more austere than a lot of Catholic churches we’ve been in. The Navigator lights a candle for Tim, cheap at €2.

The lane ways are beautiful, lovely shops, 2nd hand watches, bags and shoes made of old carpet, food markets (fashion, veggies, fruit, pasta etc) and restaurants, you could wander these narrow streets for days and not get bored.

We eat in a lovely little restaurant, the food is great, the Navigator likes the food so it’s a win win.

The library is a treat, Roman ruins below the glass floor, a well. Its quiet, there is a toilet, a lovely refuge for a shirt break

The Seven Churches of St Stefano complex is a short walk from the main area, we sit and rest our feet and backs. It’s very old, built between the 10th and 13th centuries combining seven churches into one.  It’s run by the Franciscans who are also tied to the Franciscans in Bethlehem.

We wander back to Bologna Centrale, checking the odd shop and market out. The train station is heaving with people, and we wait for The Mechanic and Simone to return from the tour they have been on to Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani.

A 45 minute train journey back to Florence, dinner and bed.

Tomorrow, my favourite place in Tuscany, Cortonal

Ciao

Paulo