STOCK PHOTOGRAPHS of BOLOGNA

BOLOGNA - A delight to explore on foot

The compact centre of Bologna is a delight to explore on foot and the Grand Hotel is only a short walk to the heart of the ancient city marked by a pair of tall brick medieval towers the Torri Pendenti, the last two remaining from a period when about 200 rose above the city... Torre Asinelli ... Santa Stefano, San Domenico, the most important Dominican church in Italy with the Arca di San Domenico featuring work by Pisano and early figures by Michelangelo...Palazzo Poggi, an attractive part of town featuring endless porticoes crammed with restaurants and bars.

Along Via delle Belle Arti is the Pinacoteca Nazionale with an impressive collection of Emilian painters ... twin spacious squares, Piazza Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. The first is home to the impressive Neptune's Fountain by Giambologna and in the adjacent Piazza Maggiore is San Petronio, Bologna's Gothic duomo with art and interior ornamentation that befits the city's wealthy history.

Opposite is the imposing Palazzo Podesta, the former Governor's Palace, with cafe tables out front making it a pleasant place to sit in the sun and enjoy a Campari while beholding one of the most impressive city squares in Italy.

© John Heseltine