A Stopover in Bologna

Most guidebooks say little about Bologna. But it made a good stopover on our way to Florence, and I wanted to see the colonnades that the city is known for. What's more, Kevin and I enjoy seeing real cities where people are simply engaged in living their lives and are not primarily catering to tourists.

We settled into a pleasant little hotel, the Hotel Atlantic, that was about half-way from the train station and the central piazza. It had been recently updated and offered a comfortable bed,  friendly staff, a good location, and a tasty breakfast--all in all, a good budget find. I also liked the corridor outside our room with an indoor terrace.

We strolled under the colonnades, which are so sensible, keeping people out of the sun or rain. They add a graceful element to the city too. I wish we had them in Seattle!

This store had a striking video loop that flashed beneath the steps.

But the most fascinating style for us was Bologna's old architecture. The two medieval towers pictured below serve as the traditional symbols of Bologna. They are the remnants of 100 towers that stood in the city in the 12th Century, but today there are only 20 left, with these the most  important pair. Construction took something away from the view, however.

Nonetheless, we were glad we had visited Bologna.

T