Towns and Cities
Bologna has long been one of the most important towns of Northern Italy . The capital city of Emilia Romagna, it was a thriving commune in the Middle ages of which two of its great buildings offer many memories – the Palazzo del Podesta nd the Palazzo Cumunale, which houses an excellent collection of pictures. Near the towers
Established as an important seat of learning, the University of Bologna was officially founded in the 13th Century and is the oldest in Europe . Architecturally, the city has a lot to offer visitors. In the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, which is at the junction of Via Rizzoli and Via Zanboni, two leaning towers make for a good focal point. Near the towers is the Palazzo della Mercanzia which is 14th Century building and three tiny Churches. These buildings are all that remain of the group of seven known as the Basilica di Santo Stefano in Via Santo Stefano.
The Gothic Church of San Petronio faces the Piazza Maggiore where the artist Michelangelo worked on a bronze statue of Pope Julius II. Unfortnately this was destroyed but in one of the Chapels off the North aisle there is a wonderful statue by Manzu which is well worth a visit.
Strolling through the porticoed streets of Bologna, you cannot avoid being tempted by the delicacies being consumed – the simple ‘granita' which is frozen black coffee, chipped and piled into a dish then topped with thick whipped cream, strings of sausages – mortadella salami and cheeses of every variety tempt even the most determined of dieters.
Paintings by Raphael, Titian, Giotto, Tintoretto and many others can be found in the Picture Gallery (Pincoteca) near to the University and there are many other Churches of interest.
Visit Neptune's fountain, or the Strada Maggiore in the medieval town centre or just take advantage of Bologna' s 38 museums – one for every km of portico. And if that doesn't quench your appetite how about a visit to it's many shops for that extra special treat!
Think Parma and think of ham! You could be forgiven for not realising that Parma , not only famous for it's perfume, ( parma violets) ham and cheese, is also a medieval city surrounded by wonderful countryside. One of Parma 's glory is the Romanesque Cathedral and Baptistry which is the work of Benedetto Antelami who was not only the architect but also the sculpture of the reliefs both inside and outside the building. Visit the famous opera theatre – Teatro Regio and the museum dedicated to Atruro Toscanini the famous orchestra conductor which is in his former house.
In Parma one can expect to eat very well in it's many restaurants.
Pisa
Florence
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