Bologna Favorite Tips by Tijavi

Fabulous Bologna

Favorite thing: True, Florence and Milan are home to some of the world's most celebrated artworks as well as fashion houses, but in my view, Bologna exudes a far stronger sense of refinement, elegance, and a more vibrant ambiance. Bologna may not be home to Michelangelo or Prada, but the sum of the city's fabulous parts make the place stand out. The city's handsome porticoes are just a part of it, so are the beautiful architecture, the numerous good restaurants, excellent jazz bars and pubs, the goodlooking Bolognese and the vibrant youthful atmosphere, thanks to the city's 90,000-strong student population. Even the graffiti are more colorful and artistic than those in Rome and Milan!

More pictures from fabulous Bologna in this travelogue.

Eyesore or urban art?

Favorite thing: In addition to La Grassa (The Fat One), Bologna also enjoys the monicker La Rossa (The Red) for its colorful buildings (and some say for its leftist political leanings), and perhaps extending it a bit, to its graffiti - plenty of them around the city. I think it's easy to understand why considering the presence of some 90,000 university students - imagine all the pent-up emotions needing an outlet!

So what do I think of these graffiti? I'm no art expert, but some are actually done so well, they even liven up the city and are a refreshing contrast to the ancient medieval buildings, but others are just downright hideous.