Page 4 - Italian American Herald - December 2019

4 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | DECEMBER 2019 ITALIAN-AMERICANHERALD TRAVEL: BOLOGNA
could be found everywhere. Dishes with sage and butter sauce were so filling that you just could not possibly get through your secondo piatto, let alone dessert. You would be wise to eat slowly and digest. Every type of egg noodle is mastered in this city. Tagliatelli and even lasagna in light cream sauces follow a close second to tortellini.
My good friend Massimo and his lovely wife Simona welcomed me into their home and cooked a wonderful dinner featuring Bolognese sauce. This was the first time I experienced the technique, and saw how much care goes into making this sauce.
I, probably like many others, assumed it was a meat sauce. Massimo instructed me step by step, the authentic way of adding the wine, vegetables, and milk. It is not complicated at all but adhering to the right technique is what makes all the difference.
The Red
During World War II, Italy was one of the most important strategic nations to Allied forces because of its geography. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the all-important movement known as The Resistance or La Resistenza. The movement centered mainly in Northern and Central Italy and was famous for having many active participants in left-leaning politics. Also known as the Red Flags, those part
of the Resistance, were fighting Fascists, German Occupation, and the elite class. Many of the members were communists but the movement supported the allied troops and even took matters into their own hands by capturing enemy troops.
Many women received accolades for making large contributions in many forms. One of the dark moments of the war was the infamous Marzabotto Massacre, which took place in the Regional Park of Monte Sole outside of Bologna. Partisans retreated into the mountains including women, children, and the elderly. Enemy forces closed in sparing no one in their path.
Over 770 victims perished during this atrocity. I recommend making a stop at The Monument to Fallen Partisans in Palazzo d’Accursio to get a better understanding of the names and faces who have sacrificed their lives and changed the course of history.
Sights to see in Bologna
What to see in Bologna? I highly recommend Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. The Portico of San Luca is a long stretch of arcades or arches that lead from
the city center to the hilltop of the sanctuary. Looking through the porticos you’ll find a magnificent view of the city center as well
as mesmerizing views of the frescoes above. The porticos are 666 steps and 3.5 kilometers
(roughly 2.17 miles).
The residents are health-conscious and
you will see joggers and bikers climbing and biking up the steps and surrounding hills. Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno are adjoining piazzas where you will find the statue of Neptune looming overhead.
to the piazza just to experience that echo. Via Zamboni is the student district. I
recommend strolling the area and a visit to the Library of the University of Bologna. Reviewing the antique scripts as well as the beauty of the structure itself will leave you in awe of the art and science of the
Benedectines.
What makes this basilica unique is that
it contains a beautiful courtyard, and the church is home to the ancient graves of Saints Vitale and Agricola. Check out the museum gallery with remarkable art works from different historical ages.
Now time for shopping! Via dell’Independenza is for the casual and local specialty items. You’ll find the local artisan pastas, cheeses, and wines along this avenue. Via Rizzoli is the fashion
row with quaint shops selling the highest quality Italian apparel for men and women plus leather goods. For high-end designers found on Fifth Avenue and the like, Galleria Cavour is the place to go. Another plus for Bologna is that although you may pay for high quality material, prices are reasonable in comparison to its northern counterpart, Milan.
Getting around
The Italian rail system is easy and affordable with rates depending on class anywhere from $50 to $100. Kiosks are located all over the stations even if you
are not on a set itinerary. A car in Bologna generally is not needed, but if renting to travel outside the region, many major rental car agencies are found right in
city center. Bologna is a very walkable
city and has an affordable and efficient public transport system. TPER is the bus company and they offer single tickets for the equivalent of about $2 each way. If you feel comfortable with a day pass, most are sold in news and tobacco stands that offer round-trip excursions for a few euros more. Of course, taxis are available but remember it’s worth finding out ahead of time about street closures due to holidays
The Portico of San Lucia.
On the north side of Piazza Maggiore is the Torre dell’Arengo, a tower dating from 1259. Here is a neat trick that my friends taught me: Have you and your traveling partner go to opposite ends and tap into the wall and you will hear it on the other side. I found this so intriguing, I made a couple trips
ancient world.
Where you will find students, you can
find trendy pubs serving pints and snack fare. St. Stephen’s Basilica on via Santo Stefano
is actually a complex made of buildings
from the 10th and 13th centuries by the
or bike and pedestrian hours.
Go ahead and discover the hidden gem
known as Bologna. You will come away amazed the variety of art and culture past and present, that is found just steps away from each other. IAH