Farmer’s map: a weekly tour of Bologna’s farmers markets

Living in Bologna’s historical center offers many advantages, from the cozy feeling provided by the porticoes to the possibility to go on foot practically everywhere (plus, well, the thrill to have a front-row view of a slowly collapsing Garisenda). And if you are, like me, a collector of home-made, ancient grains bread, ugly-but-tasty seasonal fruits … More Farmer’s map: a weekly tour of Bologna’s farmers markets

Long before Greta Gerwig, Barbie was celebrated by this hair salon in Bologna

In the lively evenings of Bologna’s university life, Via Mascarella stands out as one of the most vibrant streets, featuring attractions such as the small-scale multiplex cinema Odeon and landmarks of nightlife and culture like Modo bookshop and bar, Ortica, and Mustache, to name a few. However, during the day, it transforms into a much … More Long before Greta Gerwig, Barbie was celebrated by this hair salon in Bologna

Bologna has its own pizza district, and it’s all around Via Oberdan

Yes, another post about pizza. Sorry guys, I meant to cut on the carbs parade but I’m just back from the presentation to the local press of brand new Pizzium restaurant on Via Oberdan, and realized that the concentration of old and new pizzerie on that area created what can easily be described as Bologna’s … More Bologna has its own pizza district, and it’s all around Via Oberdan

A FREE day in Bologna: 5 things you can do (and have) at zero cost

Yes, Bologna has become a touristic destination, with all the consequent increase in costs, and yes, life can sometimes be a bit pricey here, especially for students. Nevertheless, we are still in Italy, which means tons of artistic and architectonic beauty literally thrown at you at no cost, and with a little bit of research … More A FREE day in Bologna: 5 things you can do (and have) at zero cost

Elephant and Castle of Via San Vitale: that link between Bologna and London

“Back in my days”, when I was a graduate in London, I took a summer course of journalism at London College of Printing (now London College of Communication). The University was and still is in Elephant and Castle, quite an interesting place with its Caribbean flair, its traffic, its not so chic (at least that how … More Elephant and Castle of Via San Vitale: that link between Bologna and London

Small city, big heart: the story of Piazza Grande

When they launched Piazza Grande twenty-five years ago, 6000 copies got sold on the first week. This paper wasn’t just a normal one: if was co-written with perspective of, and sold by, homeless people. And it still is. About half of the office where this monthly magazine about Bologna is produced is composed of homeless … More Small city, big heart: the story of Piazza Grande

Move away Speaker’s Corner: Bologna has “Lo Sgabellino”

The young woman, she doesn’t look any older than 28, is standing on the stool, “the guy” has just wrapped an Italian flag around her neck and this smooth present gently brushes against her hijab. Standing still on her skinny jeans on skinny legs, she is telling a boy about half her age that, whether … More Move away Speaker’s Corner: Bologna has “Lo Sgabellino”

Keeping Bologna authentic? It’s up to you

Yesterday afternoon I was passing by Via Pescherie Vecchie. With its little bars with open air tables, serving lunch and dinner at any hour, it became the main hub for tourists and (improvised) foodies. I distinctly remember walking through it two summers ago, when tourism in Bologna was just starting to take off, the whole … More Keeping Bologna authentic? It’s up to you