Bologna Archives | Page 7 of 14

Bologna to Cinque Terre: How to Get There and 5 Hidden Gems Along the Way That No Guide Will Tell You About

Embark on a journey of enchantment and discovery from Bologna to Cinque Terre, and uncover the hidden gems that this spectacular region of Italy has to offer. From charming medieval towns to breathtaking landscapes, this lesser-known route is a treasure trove for the adventurous traveler. With the in-depth expertise of Lonely Planet, we invite you to explore the wonders that await you between these two iconic destinations.

By train:

While there isn’t a direct train from Bologna to La Spezia, the most efficient option with only one transfer is to change trains in Parma. This route offers a convenient and relatively quick way to reach Cinque Terre from Bologna.

To embark on this journey, head to Bologna Centrale and board a Regionale (RE) train towards Parma. The ride to Parma will take approximately 58 minutes. Upon arrival in Parma, you will have a short transfer time of around 13 minutes. From Parma, board another Regionale train, which will take you directly to La Spezia Centrale in approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes. In total, this option has a travel time of about 3 hours and 23 minutes with only one change.

It is always a good idea to book your train tickets in advance to secure the best prices and seat availability. You can purchase tickets online through the Trenitalia website, or at the train station ticket counters or self-service machines.

Once you reach La Spezia Centrale, you can easily access the five villages of Cinque Terre—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—by boarding the Cinque Terre Express. This local train service runs frequently throughout the day, connecting all five villages in a scenic and convenient manner. Tickets for the Cinque Terre Express can be purchased at La Spezia Centrale, and it’s worth considering the Cinque Terre Card, which offers unlimited train travel between the villages and additional benefits such as access to hiking trails and Wi-Fi hotspots.

By Car:

Getting to Cinque Terre by car allows you the freedom to explore the picturesque countryside at your own pace. One of the most convenient routes to reach Cinque Terre from Bologna is via the Cisa Motorway (A15). Here’s a step-by-step guide to driving from Bologna to Cinque Terre using this route:

Start your journey by heading northwest on the A1/E35 motorway from Bologna.

After driving for about 60 km, take exit 8 towards A15/Cisa/Parma Ovest/La Spezia. This will lead you to the A15/Cisa Motorway.

Continue on the A15 for approximately 120 km, enjoying the scenic views of the Apennine Mountains as you drive through the region.

Take exit La Spezia/Santo Stefano di Magra to merge onto the SS1/Aurelia road. From here, follow the signs to La Spezia, which is the gateway to Cinque Terre.

Once you reach La Spezia, follow the road signs to Cinque Terre. Keep in mind that the villages of Cinque Terre have limited car access and parking facilities, so it is recommended to park your car in La Spezia or nearby Levanto and then use the local train service, Cinque Terre Express, to visit the individual villages.

Please note that driving in Italy requires a valid driver’s license, and it is essential to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and regulations. Additionally, some sections of the motorways are tolled, so make sure to have some cash or a credit card handy for the toll booths.

Remember that the roads in Cinque Terre can be narrow, steep, and winding, making driving conditions challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. It’s essential to exercise caution and patience while navigating these roads. Also, consider checking the availability of parking spaces in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Hidden gems along the route:

Hidden Gem 1: Varese Ligure Venture further off the beaten path to discover the enchanting village of Varese Ligure, nestled in the verdant Val di Vara. Known as the first “bio village” in Italy, Varese Ligure is committed to sustainable living and boasts a vibrant organic farming community. Wander through its charming streets, lined with pastel-colored houses and intricate trompe-l’oeil frescoes. While you’re there, don’t miss the unique circular layout of the town’s historic center, a striking testament to its medieval origins. Treat your taste buds to the locally produced organic delicacies, such as honey, cheese, and wine, which showcase the region’s commitment to sustainability and quality.

Hidden Gem 2: Fosdinovo
Journey onwards to the hilltop town of Fosdinovo, a place steeped in history and legends. This captivating village is dominated by the imposing Malaspina Castle, which offers panoramic views over the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan coastline. Let your imagination run wild as you uncover the mysteries and stories that surround this centuries-old fortress.

Hidden Gem 3: Pontremoli
Next, venture to Pontremoli, a charming medieval town nestled along the banks of the Magra River. This hidden gem is known for its vibrant cultural scene and rich culinary traditions. Be sure to visit the beautiful Romanesque-style Duomo and immerse yourself in the town’s history at the Museum of the Lunigiana Stele Statues.

Hidden Gem 4: Equi Terme
Escape to the picturesque village of Equi Terme, a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. Here, you’ll discover thermal springs that have been cherished since Roman times, offering the perfect respite for weary travelers. Indulge in the rejuvenating waters and explore the fascinating geological formations at the nearby caves.

Hidden Gem 5: Portovenere
Before reaching the dazzling shores of Cinque Terre, make a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Portovenere. This picturesque coastal village is renowned for its colorful houses, dramatic cliffs, and the enchanting Church of St. Peter. Take a leisurely stroll along the harbor and savor the delicious seafood dishes at a local trattoria.

Parmesan Cheese Tour From Milan? Yes Please! Stazione AV MEDIO PADANA.

Stazione Medio Padana Reggio Emilia, trains from Milan in 45 minutes

Foodie’s Delight 3 Food Tour: Experience the Culinary Gems of Italy

Are you a food lover and looking for an authentic Italian food experience? Look no further than the Foodie’s Delight 3 Food Tour departing from Modena or Bologna. But did you know that you can also take this tour starting from Milan, Parma or Reggio Emilia, Venice and Verona or Turin? By taking the Italo train or Freccie high-speed trains, you can arrive at Stazione Medio Padana, which is conveniently located near the starting point of the tour.

Stazione Medio Padana is a modern train station that offers various services to travelers, including a food court, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. Once you arrive at the station, We can pick up from there!

The Foodie’s Delight 3 Food Tour offers an unforgettable culinary experience that includes three stops: Parmesan cheese production, balsamic vinegar producer, and Villani’s Salami, famous for its Parma ham, mortadella, and prosciutto San Daniele. You’ll have the opportunity to taste and purchase these delicious products at bargain prices.

On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, the tour is automatically upgraded to include a visit to the prosciutto factory, where you can see the full production process of this famous Italian cured meat. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, you can upgrade your tour to include a visit to Prosciuttificio Leonardi or Guerzoni instead of MUSA, for a full prosciutto production tour.

Additionally, you can add on a winery brunch or cooking class at an organic winery to extend your foodie adventure. The tour ends at around 13.00 hours, but with the add-ons, it can last until 15.30 or 16.00.

The Foodie’s Delight 3 Food Tour is available 7 days a week and is conducted in English only. Private tours are not available, but the groups are small, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

If you’re coming from Milan, Parma, or Reggio Emilia, take advantage of the Italo or Freccie high-speed trains to arrive at Stazione Medio Padana, and then join this fantastic food tour.

If you’re coming from Milan, you can take the Italo train, which takes about 40 minutes to reach Stazione Medio Padana. From Parma or Reggio Emilia, the train ride takes around 15-40 minutes.

Stazione Medio Padana is a modern and stylish train station located in the northeastern part of the city of Reggio Emilia, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is an important transportation hub that connects various cities in Italy, including Milan, Bologna, Verona, Venice, and more.

The station was designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, who is known for his innovative and futuristic designs. The station building features a large and airy atrium with a glass roof, which allows plenty of natural light to filter in. There are also several shops, restaurants, and cafes within the station, making it a convenient place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping while waiting for your train.

Stazione Medio Padana is well-equipped with modern facilities and amenities, including free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, ticket offices, and information desks. It is also fully accessible to people with disabilities, with elevators and ramps available throughout the station.

If you’re planning to take the Foodie’s Delight 3 Food Tour departing from Modena, Bologna, or any other nearby city, Stazione Medio Padana is an excellent place to start your journey. The station is well-connected to the rest of the city and the region, with several public transportation options available, including buses and taxis.

Timetables available form The Trainline.

How To Get From Bologna Airport to Bologna Centrale. Check out the new Shuttle train but…

By Bus: The ATB bus company operates a direct bus service between the airport and Bologna Central Station. The journey time is approximately 20 minutes and tickets can be purchased from the ATB ticket office in the arrivals hall or from the ticket machine in the arrivals hall. Rides can be hot, bumpy and crowded.

By Taxi: Taxis are available from outside the arrivals hall and the journey time to Bologna Central Station is approximately 15 minutes. It is the fastest but most expensive of all rides.

By The New Marconi Express

The Marconi express makes your journey easier and faster from bologna airport to bologna centrale. It is a monorail line in Bologna which links these two points in just 7 minutes and 20 seconds. The trains are operated by Intamin Transportation and they are capable of carrying up to 48 passengers per train.
Since 2022, the Marconi Express has been disrupted by several issues, culminating in its suspension between November 2021 and February 2022. These issues caused a substitution with normal buses, despite oblivious customers paying the full fare for a service they never received. As of February 2022, the issues persist and normal buses are still integrating the service.

Monorail trains offer a fast and efficient way to travel between destinations. They are also relatively quiet and smooth, making them a comfortable option for tourists, and they are often step free from street level to platform, which can make them accessible for those with mobility impairments. In addition, monorails typically offer panoramic views, which can be a great way for tourists to take in the sights of a new city or country.

Despite the several distruptions that the service encountered it is probably the best way to get into the city. More recent articles on the newpapers claim that the service has been scaled to provide more trains due to the increase demand.

The Stations of Marconi Express are:

Bologna Airport

Bologna Centrale

Lazzaretto

Service.

The service runs daily from 5:30am to 11:30pm and leaves every 7-8 minutes. Tickets can be bought at the ticket machines in the stations or online on the ATB website. The fare is €8 for a one-way ticket and €14 for a return ticket.

Coronavirus situation in Bologna? March 2020 update

None saw it coming. When the infections started in China, it sounded worrisome, but, still, not a lot of people paid attention to this new virus, as everything was happening “far away”, and it did not seem that severe anyways. But then, all of a sudden, almost out of the blue, Italy found itself being one of the countries most hit by the Coronavirus. Even then, with the first positive cases being uncovered in the country, neither the population or the government made a big deal out of it. Everybody kept repeating “it’s just a cold, nothing to worry about”. And while it is true that the Coronavirus is harshest on the elderly, it soon became clear that the main problem with this virus is the facility and speed at which it spreads.

Italy had to be quick at taking action, which is why the government, decided to lock down the entire country, with the hope that it would help to contain the infections. While the measures the government took to try to reduce the contagion sound strict or exaggerated at first, now many more countries in Europe are following the example. But that doesn’t make it any easier to adapt to this new lifestyle that Italians and inhabitants of this beautiful country are obliged to follow, at least for a couple of weeks. Being confined at home is surely a situation that none would have imagined.

Today, the news make their main focus the “Coronavirus”, but sometimes getting accurate information can be hard, especially when most of the media seem to have decided to spread “terror” over the covid19. But what is the situation in Bologna? How is the capital of Emilia-Romagna dealing with the disease and what is it doing to stop it? Is everything suspended in the city? And for how long? If you are interested to learn more about it, here is some updated information over the Coronavirus situation in Bologna.

How Is Bologna Dealing With Coronavirus?

Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, that counts 2263 positive cases, has become some kind of ghost city over the past day. Parks, restaurants, museums, and bars are all closed. Supermarkets and pharmacies are open, with people queuing up outside the stores, as only a limited number of people are allowed to enter the building at once. On the streets, police controls’ get stricter and fees higher for those who leave their homes without a valid reason to do so. This is not a joke anymore.

In terms of tourist attractions, all visitors Centers and museums will be closed until the 3rd of April. That includes Bologna Welcome in Piazza Maggiore and the center at the arrivals in the Bologna’s international airport, as well as the eXtraBo in Piazza Nettuno.

Also, all the events that were supposed to take place in the city are suspended, as well as the guided tours by Discover Bologna. As mentioned earlier, restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes will stay closed, as well as shops selling everything not considered as a necessity.

Events are suspended, both open-air and indoors. That includes religious events (no mass sessions are allowed), sports events (including football matches and training sessions) and cultural events. FICO Eataly World is suspended until the 3rd of April. Furthermore, libraries are also closed to the public.

If you are interested to learn more about the situation in Bologna as a tourist, Bologna Welcome has created a number specifically for foreigners and local tourists looking for information about their stay in Bologna, you can find the number or the email address on their website.

The Bottomline

Italy is tacking the situation by taking harsh decisions, that require some sacrifices by both citizens and tourists. While it is important to follow the right precautions and measures suggested by the government, it is also essential, in moments like that, not to panic. When the news and media spread terror, it is easy to start worrying too much. And while the situation is not as light as most of us would have expected or hope, by tackling the situation, following the guidelines and taking good care of ourselves, we will soon be able to come back to normal.

Coronavirus situation in Emilia Romagna March 2020

Nowadays, the news seems to be overwhelmed with information about the “dreaded” coronavirus. What is most striking, however, is not the speed at which this virus seems to strike, but rather, the vast amount of misinformation surrounding the subject.

Because of that, many have started to panic and are currently taking inappropriate measures for the fear of being infected. And social media, news channels, and online information do not help to put a halt to this wave of fear that is shocking almost the whole world.

Indeed, while precautions are necessary, the WHO is warning against misuse and hoarding of masks and goggles, that are running out but should only be used by those that are infected to avoid spreading the virus further.

But this seems to be only the beginning. As the coronavirus hits Italy, the country’s inhabitants seemed to have panicked at the fear of contracting the disease and have been emptying supermarkets at impressive rates to be prepared to live in quarantine. Of course, all of these measures are extreme as in Italy the situation is getting under control. But what is the reality of coronavirus? What is the situation in the north of Italy and especially in Emilia-Romagna? Is it still safe to visit?

You’ll find all of these answers in the next sections, and don’t worry, the situation is much better than you think.

What Is the Situation In Italy and What Are the Restricted Zones

The Italian government has declared a state emergency for the coronavirus as soon as the first cases had been identified in late January. Online and in the news, however, it is common to hear about Milano being “locked down” and many people living confined in their houses in Northern Italy, but how severe is it?

The truth is that, while the toll of people tested positive to coronavirus in Italy is pretty high (1,577 cases), it is not as bad as many media portray it. And no, neither Bologna nor Modena are locked down or restricted zones. Even in Milano, the capital of one of the most hit regions, everything continues as usual. Of course, some measures have been taken by the government, that has decided to suspend big gatherings involving many people and schools and some offices have decided to make their employees work from home.

For safety reasons, the government has decided to create a so-called red zone for the areas most at risk for the disease, but this area only covers respectively 0,2 % and 0,5% of Veneto and Lombardia’s territory. The Italian population in isolation is less than the 0,1% of the whole country’s population, to keep the cases at minimum.

In terms of cities being locked down, as for today, Codogno is the only city that is entirely in quarantine. Located in Lombardia, it has been identified as the place where the infection started to spread in Italy. This small north Italian town is, in fact, the home of the infamous patient zero. Measures are taken to avoid the virus to spread further into the country, and the Italian medical care is known to be one of the best in Europe, if not in the world.

In total, as for today, there have been almost 1700 cases of coronavirus in the country and 34 deaths. 83 have been successfully recovered.

In Emilia Romagna, the situation is far from being extreme: there have been 285 cases, more than half of which labeled as “mild” and not needing intensive medical care.

What Is the Situation In Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is dealing with its toll of coronavirus cases, with the most affected province being Piacenza.

However, the majority of the cases are mild and, just as with normal flu, have been advised to stay at home until recovery.

In the region, all the restaurants and museums are still open and visitors as safety measures have been secured and guaranteed. Indeed, by taking the right precautions, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face and mouth, there is virtually no risk of getting infected.

What needs to stop is the irrational wave of fear preventing some tourists or even locals from visiting Italy. Indeed, Italy is a completely safe country to visit and there is no need to panic or to cancel your trips in case you planned any.

Even if it is true that schools have been closed for a week, and manifestations and gatherings have been suspended, there is no need to transform the coronavirus into the deadly outbreak than many media decide to portray. You can still visit museums and enjoy a meal and your favorite drinks at the many delicious Italian restaurants.

Is It Safe To Visit Emilia-Romagna?

As said before, bars, restaurants, and pubs are open to the public, as well as museums. The fear of coronavirus should not stop you from appreciating the beauty of Italy and its arts, culture, and food. Indeed, the country is giving a good example of the exceptional levels of healthcare offered by the government and there is no need to worry too much about it.

It is important to remember that the use of masks or goggles should be restricted to nurses, doctors, infected individuals and those suffering from severe immuno-deficiencies, which are more at risk of contracting the virus and suffering negative consequences from it. Because there is currently a shortage of masks, you should not deprive those who need them.

Instead, take the right precautions, as advised by the government and the World Health Organization: wash your hands, don’t touch your eyes, mouth, and face and if you show the symptoms of coronavirus, try to recover at home or call medical authorities for help.

With an adequately informed population and tourists, this outbreak can easily be contained without causing too much damage.

Italy is a beautiful country, still safe to visit despite the coronavirus outbreak. Remember that, take the right precautions and keep enjoying the country and especially the wonderful region of Emilia-Romagna and its numerous attractions and rich culture.

Food Tours From Bologna

Italy is well-known around the world for its delicious food. But maybe you didn’t know that for food lovers, Bologna is a must Italian destination! For something the city has three popular nicknames: “la dotta” (which means the educated), “la rossa” (meaning the red, referring to the color of its roofs) and “la grassa” (as the fat one, because of the delicious culinary tradition that this city offers).

Bologna is home to several traditional foods such as the beloved tortellini or mortadella as well as lasagne. When in Bologna, taking a food tour is the best way to explore the regional and local cuisine of Bologna. Their several food tours you can take around the city. This article will introduce three food tours where you’ll be able to visit food factories and not only taste the food but also see with your own eyes the entire production process until it arrives on the table of consumers.

Let’s dive in!

Visiting a Parmesan Cheese Production Factory

Ok, Parmesan (or Parmigiano in Italian) seems to be pretty much in every traditional meal in Bologna. Let’s be honest who doesn’t love Parmesan? (Or cheese in general, but this is another story…)

The home of Parmigiano Reggiano, however, is not Bologna but, as the name suggests, it is Parma. You can easily join a food tour to Parma from Bologna and you’ll be able to add a unique experience to your trip.

You’ll arrive at a factory where the cheese is made from raw milk and then molded into the characteristic “wheels”. Learning how the delicious Parmigiano arrives on our table is fascinating and you’ll be able to taste different types of aged Parmesan cheese and try to identify the difference during the tour. The tour will also make you appreciate the value of the “original” Parmigiano Reggiano against the many imitators around the world.

Discovering How Balsamic Vinegar is Traditionally Produced

Balsamic Vinegar (or Aceto Balsamico in Italian) is native of Modena, a city that can be easily reached from Bologna. The “real” and traditional DOP balsamic vinegar (DOP stands for “of protected origin) can only be produced in private houses in Modena. During the food tour, you’ll learn and recognize the big difference between traditional balsamic vinegar and the industrial version of it. The vinegar itself is made from grape juice but it is a lengthy process that takes at least 12 years to age. The food tour is a fantastic exploration in the details of this traditional method of production. Tastings are included, and if you’re interested in purchasing some products, you’ll be able to receive bargain prices for most of the traditional balsamic vinegar qualities.

Learning How Mortadella, Parma Ham and San Daniele’s Ham are Produced

covering ham with sugna – a protective layer of Fat

Bologna is famous and proud of its Mortadella. But once you’re there why not learn about how the famous Prosciutto di Parma (Parma Ham) and Prosciutto San Daniele are produced? They all come from the same region and by joining a food tour, you’ll be able to discover the secrets of the production of all three types of ham. During the tour, you’ll visit the “MUSA”, the first charcuterie museum in Italy. The museum is located in Modena, but the price of the tour includes transportation from Bologna to the museum. You’ll not only discover the long history of cured meat, the tools, and techniques used to produce them and the traditional uses but also will be able to taste a variety of them. The visit offers a very complete understanding of the production of different types of cured meats and the various steps needed to come to the final process.

You’ll learn how technique and precision are essential even in the food industry and what makes Italian cured meats so special and unique.

So here you are, three types of food tours you can join as a day-tour from the city of Bologna. Could you ask for more? Learn about regional products, their taste, their production methods and appreciate their taste even more thanks to amazing tastings that are designed to enhance the flavors of some of the regional foods that make Italy so important in the food industry. What are you waiting for? Get your taste buds ready, it will be a fantastic experience!

Some of the Most Delicious Italian Christmas Desserts

December means, for many, that Christmas is coming. It means family get-togethers, delicious food, and (sometimes) overeating. Now, we all know that Italy is famous for its delicacies, but maybe you might not be aware that Italian traditions for Christmas time are also very interesting, and yummy! The most amazing thing is that despite being such a small country, Italy’s regional differences in terms of traditional food are apparent even for these kinds of traditional meals.

Every region, sometimes even every specific city has something traditional that is different from other parts of the country when it comes to setting the Christmas menu. This article is about three of the traditional Christmas cakes in Italy, if those sounds delicious to you, they are just the beginning!

Emilia-Romagna: Il Certosino Di Bologna

The typical Christmas dessert of the city of Bologna is called “Certosino”. It is part of those types of desserts that in Italy are known as “panforte”, literally “strong bread” because they can be enjoyed only after a long preparation time and some “resting periods”. Those resting periods are essential for the dessert, that needs to be prepared before the middle of November to be eaten at Christmas.

This dessert is a long tradition, dating back to Medieval times. The Certosino is a dessert that is made out of flour, honey, raisins, and almonds. Despite the ingredients sound quite simple, the preparation is quite difficult. However, you can buy Certosino in Bologna in almost every bakery in the city, do not forget to try it out!

Tuscany: Ricciarelli Di Siena

Tuscany, or better, the city of Siena has a different dessert that cannot be missing on local Christmas dinners. This dessert is called “ricciarelli”, a sort of biscuits (but calling them like that is rather diminishing) made or almond flour, eggs, and sugar. They are eaten at the end of the meal, usually accompanies by some vin santo (sweet wine) or amaretto.

The preparation of this dessert is quite long and tedious, but the final result is so yummy, you will never get enough of this wonderful dessert! The origin of this dessert can be found in the 15th century, where almond paste in the form of marzipan was very popular. If you are in Tuscany around Christmas time, you’ll easily find ricciarelli in every bakery or food-related shop. Just give them a try and you’ll quickly fall in love with this delicacy!

Veneto: Il Pandoro Di Verona

This is the king of Italian desserts when it comes to Christmas. I know we said that each region has its specialty, but Pandoro is just so yummy that it is the dessert that really will be present in every Italian house for Christmas dinners and family meals. Soft and simple, it is loved by everyone. The secret of its delicious taste lies behind the apparent simplicity of this dessert. Its dough is very soft and golden-colored because of the eggs, and biting on it, not only you’ll love the texture, but also, you’ll discover a wonderful flavor of vanilla.

The shape of Pandoro is traditionally conical, with edges that resemble a star, usually with eight points.

It is really hard to make a good Pandoro at home, but the good news is that Pandoro is so popular you will be able to find it everywhere! Traditional brands are making them industrially, such as “Bauli” or “Melegatti”, or you can also find artisanal pandoro in many bakeries. No matter what you choose to buy, trust me, you’ll love it!

The origins of this Italian traditional Christmas dessert do not come from the country, In reality, it seems that Pandoro was first originated in Austria, where it was called “Vienna’s Bread”. Today, the name Pandoro means “Golden Bread”, and it will probably be one of the tastiest desserts you’ll ever try for Christmas.

Here was a brief list of some of the most popular Italian desserts for Christmas time. As we’ve already mentioned, Italy is a very interesting country, not only for its amazing and strong culture but also for its diversity. With that, it means that wherever you are in Italy, you might find some different traditions. In any case, you should try everything you can, as Italian food is rarely not satisfying!

What to do in December in Bologna, Modena and Parma

December is a month filled with festive activities. Many cities get lighten up, Christmas trees start to populate squares and markets or other types of events are organized. If you find your self in Italy and more specifically in the region of Emilia-Romagna, there are some events and activities you really shouldn’t miss out in December. This article is specifically about what to do in December in Bologna, Modena, and Parma. Let’s dig in!

Visit Bologna’s Fiera Di Santa Lucia

“Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia, Bologna” by sdhaddow is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

In Bologna, many events are organized during December. Starting from the first days of the month, the whole atmosphere in the city gets festive every day more. From Christmas markets, choir singing and open-air concerts, Bologna offers events and activities for different tastes and preferences.

One of the most traditional things to do in the city is to visit the popular Fiera di Santa Lucia. From late November until Christmas, the portico of The Servi’s Church (Chiesa Dei Servi) is filled with small stalls, displaying sweets, gifts, Christmas decorations, and Crib items. The atmosphere of the market is very “Christmassy” and joyous but it is worth to see Bologna under a different light during December. The Fiera di Santa Lucia is one of the most loved Christmas Markets in Bologna. For this reason, you should not miss the chance to visit it and maybe try some of the local sweets.

Eat The Traditional Zampone in Modena’s Famous Restaurant “Oreste”

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A post shared by Ristorante Oreste (@ristoranteoreste) on Jul 12, 2019 at 12:21pm PDT

Christmas is synonymous with rich dinners and family meals in many parts of the world. Christmas is commonly associated with the feeling of getting together, sharing time and yummy food. That couldn’t be truer in Italy, where Christmas family dinners are traditionally known for being very delicious (and quite heavy too, but hey, it’s Christmas). A popular dish that is commonly eaten in the Emilia-Romagna region during this period is “zampone”. Zampone is pig’s trotter stuffed with ground pork which is usually dried and cured and traditionally served with lentils. It is typical of the city of Modena and eaten for Christmas or New Year’s Eve by many Italian Families.

If you want to try a good, well made and loved zampone, you should pay a visit to the famous restaurant “Oreste”. The restaurant has been hugely popular among the Modenese and it is famously known as Luciano Pavarotti’s favorite restaurant and offers not only great service in the perfect location, close to Modena’s Duomo but also yummy traditional food. It is not a restaurant for fancy surroundings or a quick meal. Rather, it is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience real, classic Italian food. The place was recently renovated, but it has still kept the magnificent familiar and warm atmosphere that has always characterized the place.

Participate at Parma’s New Year’s Eve Gala

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A post shared by Teatro Regio (@regioparma) on Sep 27, 2019 at 8:48am PDT

Sometimes knowing what to do for New Year’s Eve and how to celebrate the welcoming of the new year might be a bit stressful. If you are in doubt, think about the opportunity of spending such night in Parma!

If you like good food and fancy locations, there is no better way to conclude the year with the famous New Year’s Eve Gala Of Teatro Regio di Parma (or Gala Di Capodanno in Italian). The evening includes a wonderful concert and complete dinner with drinks and amazing entertainment, to properly welcome 2020 in the beautiful location the Regio Theater.

As previously mentioned, these are just some of the many activities you can enjoy and take part in during December in the major cities of Emilia-Romagna. Smaller cities also organize events that are worth checking out. Not many consider visiting the northern part of Italy during December, but in reality, it is a great way to have a different taste of Italian traditions. Go, explore and have fun, you might be surprised at how different some cities might look like during Christmas time!

The Best Food Museums in Bologna, Modena and Parma.

There are a few places in the world where the food culture is as strong as it is in Italy. It is not only about pizza and pasta and whoever has visited Italy knows it very well.

There is something about Italians’ love for their cuisine which makes it special. It is an attention to the raw materials and the regional high-quality products. After all, Italian cuisine is one of the best in the world for something, no?

It is hard not to get overwhelmed by the great passion for tradition, quality, and regional flavors when visiting the country. Every region and every city has something to offer in terms of traditional cuisine which is specific to that area.

Emilia-Romagna is an Italian region full of culture, rich in traditions and historical landmarks. Not many know that is also the home of some of the Italian foods that have gained an important name around the world such as Parmesan Cheese, Parma Ham or Balsamic Vinegar, to mention only a few.

When in the region, you should make the best out of your experience and try out as many traditional foods as you want!

If you want to go deeper and learn something more about real Italian food culture and its ingredients you should make sure you visit these food museums in Emilia-Romagna. They focus on regional specialties and will make you appreciate Italian food traditions even more.

Carpigiani Gelato Museum

Who doesn’t love gelato? Italian summers would just not be the same without the classic (and delicious) cones or cups of artisanal gelato, that in Italy seems to be so easy to find. Loving gelato is one thing, but knowing its history and production techniques is another, and it can be quite fascinating too.

For all gelato-lovers, Bologna hosts the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to the history of artisanal gelato. It is the Carpigiani Gelato Museum.

From food classes to tasting, to the teaching of the technology behind the perfect gelato, the museum is a very interesting experience, recommended to everyone, especially those that wonder why is Italian gelato so much better than any other gelato in the world.

The main exposition is highly interactive and it is organized around four main themes: the evolution of gelato from the origins to what we know as gelato today; the history of its production, the consumption of gelato today; and the Italian artisanal gelato industry around the world.

During your visit, you’ll be able to admire many ancient machines used to produce gelato and learn about the evolutions of artisanal gelato. To visit even better, you’ll have some gelato tasting at the end. Not bad for a museum, right?

The Museum itself is located at Carpigiani’s headquarters. If you don’t know what Carpigiani is, you should, since it is the company behind most of the machines producing your favorite artisanal gelato. Located in Anzola Emilia, just 40 minutes from Bologna, the museum is easily accessible by car or public transport.

Keep in mind that before getting there, you should book a tour on the Carpigiani Gelato Museum’s website. Make sure to check also the upcoming events, you might find something interesting to enrich your visit!

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Museum

In Italian referred to as “Museo del Balsamico Tradizionale Spilamberto, the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar museum is centered around the production of balsamic vinegar. It is an interesting door to the sometimes hidden world of the ancient methods of production of this tasty dressing that is still used nowadays and make balsamic vinegar a premium Italian product that has built an important name around the world.

The museum is located in Modena, where real balsamic vinegar is from.

Visiting the museum is a great way to learn about the techniques, the tools and the traditions of balsamic vinegar and its uses. You’ll discover the different flavors, aging method, and combinations so you’ll learn how to use it at its best. A visit to a food museum will not be complete without a tasting, and this museum does it very well.

The love and passion for the “black nectar” from the guides and the traditional production methods which will make you travel in the past, make the visit particularly interesting. You’ll go through all the steps needed to produce balsamic vinegar and learn more about the possible food combinations to enhance its flavors.

In the end, you will have the opportunity to shop for some of the awesome balsamic vinegar you tasted during your tour. You can also opt for having a tour without tasting, but the additional 2 euros for the tasting experience are worth it and will make your visit much better.

To visit the museum, you should book a guided tour of the museum’s website. They organize four visits per day every day, apart from Monday, when the museum is closed.

Parma Ham Museum: Museo Del Prosciutto Di Parma

This wonderful museum is focussing on one of Parma’s main specialty: Prosciutto di Parma or Parma Ham. It is located in Langhirano, a small town about 90 kilometers from Bologna and 20 kilometers from Parma.

The building of the museum is called “Foro Boario”, dating back from the early 20th century. The museum is focused on the importance of the Emilia-Romagna region and its local ingredients and how they fostered the production of Parma Ham. The museum is organized into eight sections all centered around the history of the ham and its production methods over the years.

For example, there is an interesting section entirely dedicated to salt, a staple food that was essential in the conservation of foods in the past and that turned out to be the basis of the industry of cured meat and its “art”. You’ll also learn about the uses of Prosciutto di Parma in traditional Italian dishes and the most recent techniques of production.

At the end of your visit, you can choose to shop for some Parma Ham or also go for a tasting or a meal at the Museum’s restaurant, along with a selection of the best wines of the region.

So, here was a list of some of the food museums you shouldn’t miss when in Emilia-Romagna. Make sure you visit them and enjoy your experience!

MAST: The Coolest Museum in Bologna

Bologna is a great Italian destination. It’s a lot less touristic that more popular places such as Florence, Venice, and Rome, and it offers a variety of cultural landmarks, high-quality museums, and great food. What more would you ask for?

Within the many museums that you can visit in Bologna, there is one which you might not have heard about but that is most definitely one of the coolest museums in the city. It’s the MAST. Sounds interesting? Keep reading as this article is all about it.

What is MAST Bologna?

MAST Foundation (standing for Arts, Experimentation and Technology Manufactury) is an international institution created in Bologna where Innovation, Art and Technology are at the core. The main aim of the organization is to incentivize development and creativity within enterprises among the youngest generations, but it introduces concepts that are relevant to all of us.

MAST can be considered as a city within a city. Located in the neighborhood of Reno, it is an exposition in a building of exquisite architecture and it is the perfect place for industries to meet in an environment of open communication, growth, and learning.

MAST Bologna is characterized by several buildings, terraces, porticos, gardens, and a central auditorium. There are restaurants and even a wellness center. The building itself can host various events in different areas such as conferences and companies’ presentations as well as educational activities or cocktails.

But the important sections of the MAST are the galleries. The two main galleries are the Innovation Gallery and the Photo Gallery. The interactive expositions, the possibility to be guided by experts and the focus on industrial innovation and the industry world make the museum very interesting and relevant.

The Photo Gallery hosts temporary expositions of photographs in the work industry, renovating usually every four months. The Innovation Gallery is an experience in itself thanks to the great technical support and the level of interactivity reached through the use of videos and panels. The entretainment that a visit to the MAST gives is uncomparable to other museums. The expositions are characterized by various hands-on and are meant to make the visitors discover the reality of innovation in the world of industry.

MAST Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM, but according to the different events, the exposition might be open until 10 PM. Make sure you check the calendar on MAST’s website to organize your visit accordingly and have a better idea of the different activities that the museum proposes to its visitors.

The entrance to the expositions is free.

Anthropocene 2019: The Coolest Exposition in Bologna

Among the exhibitions that the MAST offers, the most recent one is Anthropocene. It is a great exhibition that because of the popularity has been extended until the 5th of January 2020 (so if you’re planning a visit to Bologna within this date, make sure not to miss it!).

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch is a reflection of the massive intervention of humans on our planet’s configuration. It is an art project delivered in the form of a movie that investigates and highlights the human footprint that has shaped the looks of Earth. As the name suggests, (Anthropocene can be translated as “humans at the center”) it is a study on the “era where humans have become the main cause of permanent planetary change”.

Describing Anthropocene as a simple movie would be very limiting on the project which is a unique and very informative experience. It combines great and stunning photography, film, scientific research and augmented reality in an exploration of how humans have contributed to change the planet irreversibly to a point where humans are not only active participants of life on the planet but the dominant force.

The spectacular quality of the images as well as the relevancy of the subject and the great narrative, all make this exposition a must. Not only it is very informative and mind-breaking, but it is also a project art with a purpose that will leave a mark on you.

MAST Bologna organizes several projections during the day, usually at 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM or 4:00 PM. To be sure, check the schedule that you can find on MAST’s website. The entrance is free and doesn’t require booking.

If you find yourself in Bologna, pay a visit to this cool exhibition and make sure to experience the Anthropocene project: you won’t regret it.