La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa: Bologna

The weekend started when I arrived in Milan Friday afternoon to meet up with my parents for their last night here. It was so great to see them before they left but feel as if they should still be here! Walking around the center it was great to catch up. We took a quick stop in a vespa showroom where I saw my dream Vespa! However, my mom quickly vetoed any grand ideas my dad and I were having...

Last night in Milan

My parents flew home Saturday morning so after we said goodbye I took a day trip to Bologna.

Bologna is known known as "La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa:"

• The educated: The University of Bologna is the oldest university in the Western World
• The fat: due to the amazing food
• The red: which refers to the red roofs covering the city (It also refers to the communist ties the city once had)

Thanks to my friend Ben, who studied abroad in Bologna, I had my entire day planned out. He provided me with a personalized walking tour, complete with the sites I had to see, the things I had to do, and the specialty food and drink I had to try.

Upon arrival, I headed straight to Piazza Maggiore, where I was able to visit the Basilica di San Petronio and climb my way to the top. I was a little disappointed at the status of the Basilica as it is undergoing severe restoration. Therefore, the entire church was covered in scaffolding and I couldn't see the intricate detail work on the outside. However, leave it to the Italians to allow us to climb the scaffolding to reach the top to enjoy the view.

From there I headed to the University's original building, the Archiginnasio di Bologna. It housed an anatomical theater, where human dissections were performed for anatomy class. The theater was beautifully decorated, with intricate woodwork. Walking into the theater everyone was quietly sitting on the student benches and looking around at the operating table and the lecturer's chair, as if they were awaiting lecture. I quickly and quietly took my own seat to take it all in.

The lecturer's chair

Built in the Medieval times, the Towers of Bologna are slightly slanted and have become the city's landmark. Upon Ben's suggestion I began my climb up the highest tower, il torre di Asinelli. Little did I know that this climb would consist of around 500 steep, tiny, old, wooden steps. At a few points I was really questioning why I was sent on this excursion. When I reached the top, the view made my somewhat treacherous ascent and descent more than worth it. The views were spectacular, making it the highlight of my trip!

At the top

The amazing view

Heading back down

Lunch, consisted of tagliatelle Bolognese and Llambrusco, a local carbonated red wine. I then went in search of La Cremeria Funivia, the gelateria Ben told me about, and had some of the best gelato I have ever had. Sun shining and gelato in hand I began to meander my way to the University of Bologna and Il Teatro Communale. After a long day, it was then time to return to Milan for the night.

Sunday morning, I woke up early to head to mass at il Duomo. I had never been to mass in Italy before and decided that it was the perfect place to start. Mass was held behind the main altar, away from the early bird tourists, making it more private. Although it was difficult to understand everything I was able to follow along (sans pamphlet with the day's readings) recognizing the gospel and understanding the gist of the homily. This made me realize I may know a little more Italian than I thought! After mass, which ended a little before 9, I needed my caffeine fix so I headed over to the galleria to get a cappuccino and sit and enjoy an almost empty piazza del duomo and galleria! It was the perfect ending to a great Italian weekend!