We disembarked the train from Florence several levels underground, climbing what seemed like endless escalators until we emerged into Bologna’s bustling station. This surprising grand entrance set the tone for our time in Emilia-Romagna’s capital – a city brimming with delicious discoveries waiting to be uncovered by intrepid food lovers.
As our food tour guide enthusiastically explained, Bologna sits at the heart of a region renowned for some of Italy’s most iconic foods and drinks. Parmesan and prosciutto from Parma, balsamic vinegar of Modena, sparking red Lambrusco wines – all hailing from the villages surrounding this unassuming city. But Bologna has its own celebrated claims to fame – mortadella, the original velvety smooth pork sausage, and tagliatelle al ragù, a plate of thin pasta draped in a meaty, slow-cooked tomato sauce.
Our morning tasting tour took us on a tantalizing journey through Bologna’s culinary heritage. We sampled parmigiano-reggiano aged 24 and 48 months, the older variety drizzled with thick, syrupy balsamic that was so complex. Slices of mortadella revealed an incredible delicacy, a far cry from its American counterpart named after the city.
In the homes of local nonnas, recipes, and techniques vary minutely from neighborhood to neighborhood. Our guide shared how growing up, her grandmothers, one from Bologa and the other from Florence, disagreed passionately on even the smallest details – a charming glimpse into Italian life.
At a tiny pasta workshop, we watched as the women behind the counter expertly twisted and folded gossamer sheets of dough into perfect, diminutive tortellini, demonstrating a skill honed over generations. We ended with hearty tagliatelle al ragù in a rustic enoteca, washing it down with glasses of fresh, light Sangiovese – a delightful counterpoint to Tuscany’s brooding, tannic expressions of the grape.
While food is certainly the star attraction, Bologna offers other fascinating glimpses into history. The city’s famed “two towers” soar above the terra-cotta rooftops, while underground lies an eerie anatomical theater where students once observed human dissections. The kilometers of arched porticos lining Bologna’s streets are most unique, sheltering pedestrians rain or shine. Strolling these covered sidewalks, popping into enticing delis, bakeries, and enotecas, you can’t help but be seduced by Bologna’s low-key charms.
If you dream of diving deep into a destination’s culinary soul and uncovering authentic flavors that can never be recreated elsewhere, add Bologna to your itinerary. This delectable city will convince you that la dolce vita is very much alive and well in Italy.
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about our Italian Adventure, check out our La Dolce Vita Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
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