February 8, 2026

Bologna, Italia

Mary & I both had breakfast in the breakfast room at the hotel. V and Ali came by to say goodbye as they are returning to Milano and Roma, respectively. We got dressed to go outside and take a walk. We walked down Via della’indipendenza all the way to Piazza XX Settembre. We could see the train station in Piazza Madaglie D’Oro from Piazza XX Settembre.

The 20th of September is the anniversary of the Capture of Roma in 1870. La Presa di Roma, the 20th, is the event that marked the final unification of Italy and the end of the Papal States. This is when Roma became the capital of the unified Kingdom of Italy. April 25 is another day which is plastered on a number of streets and plaza’s. This is known as Festa dell Liberazione, Liberation Day, and is a major national holiday recognizing the end of Nazi occupation and the fall of Mussolini in 1945. Mussolini was killed April 28th.  

There is evidence of the once extensive canal system in Bologna in Piazza XX settembre. Near by you can all see the Galliera Castle (or Rocca di Galliera, Ròca ed Galîra in Bolognese). It is an ancient fortification built by members of the papal government before the unification of Italy. It was destroyed five times by the population protesting against the papal legates. Today, its ruins remain clearly visible next to the steps of Montagnola Park, at the beginning of Via della’Indipendenza and across from Piazza XX Settembre.

Walk on just a little further and you see tha magnificent steps leading up too Montagnola Park. It is one of the oldest and greenest public parks in the center of Bologna. It was first opened in the 17th century. In the 19th century it was commemorated the victory of the Italians over the Austrians in the First Italian war for independence. Although we didn’t climb the stairs up to the park, we understand it has several 19th and 20th century sculptures.

On the way back we walked by Piazza dell’8 Agosto. The 8th of August is known as the “Day of the Sacrifice of Italian Labor in the World”. It was established as a national holiday in 2001 to honor the dangerous work of Italian emigrants worldwide. Right near the piazza are several nice looking hotels. We will have to try one of these next time. They are close to the train station yet not too far from the historical center.

There were two of them right next to each other. One is the Zanhotel Regina (3 stars) and the other is Zanhotel Tre Vecchi (4 stars). The run between €100 and €150 a night. Price is not bad and the location is good. The looked good on the outside, we aren’t vouching for the inside.

We continued on back to the Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Bologna, significantly more expensive, a relaxed for a bit. At noon we decided it was time for lunch so we walked back to Ristorante Diana, Via Volturno, 5, which we saw on the way down to Piazza XX settembre. This is our big meal of the day. We shared a Caprese bufala, pomodoro e basilico salad. I had the Guancia maiale brasata (Braised pork cheek) e polenta fritti. Mary ordered the Lasagna verde. We shared a bottle of Sangiovese Diana.

After we finished the lunch, we saw a dessert being served on a near by table. Asked what it was. It was a Torta di mele. It looked really good. After establishing it didn’t have raisins, we ordered one. Then at another table they were serving vanilla gelato con crema cioccolato. That looked really good, so we got one of them. Mary ordered a caffè, I got the bill.

Then it was back to the hotel to pass out for several hours. Mary had a phone call with Sandi at 17:00 to discuss Alan’s and her wedding plans. Afterwards we decided that we should go for at a little walk. So, we walked to Piazza Maggiore but this time hung a right. In this direction the street is called Via Rizzoli. Grace and I had an apartment here in 2019.

We walked as far as Piazza della Mercanzia hung a right and walk through the Quadrilatero. There were lots of people out on a Sunday night. This is the quarter that has a lot of restaurants and bars, and it was dinner time. We walked back towards the Piazza Maggiore follow how knows what route. Afterwards we stopped at McDonalds for a fish sandwich, fries and a sold which we shared. The it was back to the hotel and to bed.

Buonanotte e Ciao

Enrico e Maria