Many of the streets were for food shopping or eating and there were many exclusive clothing shops. We were much more interested in the food shops than the clothing shops!
Bikes and scooters are very popular
There are some very flash footpaths with porticos ...
... but the city has not escaped graffiti
A rare bit of green in Bologna:
One thing we notice in Bologna is the almost total lack of green. The old, narrow streets leave no room for planting anything. A few plants in boxes aren’t watered and they’re all dying or dead. There are none of the famous Australian nature strips; none of the treed avenues of Paris. And since all the roads and footpaths are stone, they hold the heat and radiate it during the night. The city is certainly a “heat sink” or hot spot. It traps the heat and holds it in. Ah, the advantages of modern cities like Melbourne, or old cities like Paris where buildings have been torn down to make tree-lined, wide avenues.
One discovery today was San Dominico
And here is Saint Dominic
Some of the sculptures were done by the young 19 year old Michelangelo. Today, there was old Italian man there who had to 'shoosh' people and make sure they didn't go behind any barriers. However, he took us behind the barrier and into the chapel to point out the pieces done by Michelangelo. Clearly, he was very proud -- and we were very grateful.
When Mozart studied at the University in Bologna, he played this organ at St Dominic's! I couldn't believe it. It was played by one of the greatest composers ever. I wanted to go up and touch the keys too, but I don't think my old Italian friend would have been impressed.
The choristry. (Members of the choir sat behind the alter. I guess it sounded like the music was coming from heaven!)
The cardinals and bishops and priests wore elaborate clothing, so they need very large wardrobes:
Again, a rare sight: a street lined with trees (in this case, ginko biloba).
And the food shops, oh, they made mouths water!
We've never seen so many hams hanging up.
More hams! (It's a bit gruesome really, but the 'nob' in the middle is the end of the bone.)
Daryl could just look!
We've never learned so much about balsamic vinegar. Here's Daryl trying one. Another was 800 euro per litre!!! The older they are, the more expensive they are. Daryl bought a small bottle of one which cost 216 euro per litre. He bought 100 ml for 21.60 euro. Something special to take home. He just announced that it will NEVER be used on fish and chips!
Never knew there were so many different kinds!
We finally started to walk in the general direction of our apartment.
Somehow, we managed to go a very long way around, but that was all part of the experience.
We stopped for cold drinks and dinner
At last, we found gluten-free spaghetti. Daryl was very happy.
Well, it's our last day in Bologna. Tomorrow morning, I'll go to pick up the hire car and bring it to the apartment. We'll pack the car and head off for Fiorino in the region called Tuscany. Chat again soon.
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