467
»perfumes are just some of the things on offer. I’d
recommend: grocery-confectioners Drogheria dalla
Pioggia and hat shop Antica Cappelleria Malaguti
(both on Via Galliera).Where do you like to escape to?
One of my favourite places in the city is San Luca
Sanctuary. I get there by walking under the ancient
Portico di San Luca, a long, covered walkway. A day
trip I always enjoy is to Dozza Imolese, a little town
about 35km from Bologna. It’s like an open-air gallery- the houses are painted with permanent artworks.
It’s a fairytale place that you can’t help but fall for.
What’s been your best discovery?
Ascending one of Bologna’s medieval towers, the
Torre Prendiparte (Piazzetta Prendiparte). This private
property has an amazing view of the city and makes
you feel like you’re living in medieval times. It’s open
for special tours and is also a B&B which can be rented
for a romantic night away.What do you miss the most if you’ve been away?
I miss the good vibes of the city and the warm hug
it seems to give you when you’re under its porticos.
Bologna is a city that always welcomes you back,
making you feel like you’ve never been away.What would surprise a newcomer?
You can’t fail to be amazed by Bologna’s history
and culture. Everywhere, you’re surrounded by
old buildings, incredible churches, monuments
and porticos decorated with intricate frescoes.
There are also many museums where you can
explore the city’s history and art. During summer,
you might be surprised to find that the main
square, Piazza Maggiore, becomes an open-air
movie theatre, showing free films every night.Where would you recommend staying?
Opt for a hotel in the city centre, so that you can
get around easily. My favourite is Hotel Touring
(hoteltouring.it) for the smart-but-homely atmosphere
and the spectacular roof terrace. If you prefer
apartment-style accommodation, I adore L’8Boutique
(l8boutiqueapartments.it), a restored family house
with a vintage feel split into self-catering apartments.What keeps you in Bologna, and if you couldn’t
live here, where would you go?
Bologna has a blend of characteristics that, for me,
make it the best city to live in in all of Italy. It’s a
manageable size, well connected by train and air
and, most importantly, I like its open-mindedness.
If I had to choose another country to live in, it
would be Spain: Barcelona during the winter
months and Mallorca for the rest of the year.(^1) The sweet spot:
confectionery
heaven at Drogheria
della Piagga.
(^2) For a room with
a view, check in
to Hotel Touring.
(^3) The city springs
into life around now.
4 Possibly the ideal
place to enjoy some
San Pellegrino? It’s
Parco San Pellegrino.
(^5) Tortellini, authentic
trattoria style.
(^6) Escape to San Luca
Sanctuary for peace.
(^7) Rain or shine,
Bologna’s porticos
offer great strolling
5
MY CITY
4
6
7
»
perfumes are just some of the things on offer. I’d
recommend: grocery-confectioners Drogheria dalla
Pioggia and hat shop Antica Cappelleria Malaguti
(both on Via Galliera).
Where do you like to escape to?
One of my favourite places in the city is San Luca
Sanctuary. I get there by walking under the ancient
Portico di San Luca, a long, covered walkway. A day
trip I always enjoy is to Dozza Imolese, a little town
about 35km from Bologna. It’s like an open-air gallery
- the houses are painted with permanent artworks.
It’s a fairytale place that you can’t help but fall for.
What’s been your best discovery?
Ascending one of Bologna’s medieval towers, the
Torre Prendiparte (Piazzetta Prendiparte). This private
property has an amazing view of the city and makes
you feel like you’re living in medieval times. It’s open
for special tours and is also a B&B which can be rented
for a romantic night away.
What do you miss the most if you’ve been away?
I miss the good vibes of the city and the warm hug
it seems to give you when you’re under its porticos.
Bologna is a city that always welcomes you back,
making you feel like you’ve never been away.
What would surprise a newcomer?
You can’t fail to be amazed by Bologna’s history
and culture. Everywhere, you’re surrounded by
old buildings, incredible churches, monuments
and porticos decorated with intricate frescoes.
There are also many museums where you can
explore the city’s history and art. During summer,
you might be surprised to find that the main
square, Piazza Maggiore, becomes an open-air
movie theatre, showing free films every night.
Where would you recommend staying?
Opt for a hotel in the city centre, so that you can
get around easily. My favourite is Hotel Touring
(hoteltouring.it) for the smart-but-homely atmosphere
and the spectacular roof terrace. If you prefer
apartment-style accommodation, I adore L’8Boutique
(l8boutiqueapartments.it), a restored family house
with a vintage feel split into self-catering apartments.
What keeps you in Bologna, and if you couldn’t
live here, where would you go?
Bologna has a blend of characteristics that, for me,
make it the best city to live in in all of Italy. It’s a
manageable size, well connected by train and air
and, most importantly, I like its open-mindedness.
If I had to choose another country to live in, it
would be Spain: Barcelona during the winter
months and Mallorca for the rest of the year.
(^1) Thesweetspot:
confectionery
heavenat Drogheria
dellaPiagga.
(^2) Fora roomwith
a view,checkin
toHotelTouring.
(^3) Thecitysprings
intolifearoundnow.
4 Possiblytheideal
placetoenjoysome
SanPellegrino?It’s
ParcoSanPellegrino.
(^5) Tortellini,authentic
trattoriastyle.
(^6) EscapetoSanLuca
Sanctuaryforpeace.
(^7) Rainorshine,
Bologna’sporticos
offergreatstrolling
5
MY CITY