There are some amazing old houses in Via Marsala, Bologna. A few date from the 14th century.
It is a delight to wander under the ancient porticoes and discover unexpected things. On one side of these wood and brick pillars is the cafe where I had breakfast.
…and on the other side…
…all you can eat sushi.
As I walked on towards the city centre I passed ancient frescoes with brand new motor bikes casually parked nearby…
…an ancient doorway with bicycles chained up in front.
This is the view when I looked up.
Bologna is a city that blends old and new very well.
Simply gorgeous, Debra! I LOVE old architecture. Hope your week is going well!
Blogging from Ecuador,
Kathy
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By: Kathryn McCullough on October 29, 2013
at 8:51 pm
Bologna is full of gorgeous old buildings.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:21 pm
Bologna is such a wonderful city! And I love those contrasts that you have captured in your beautiful photos.
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By: mulino dominillo on October 29, 2013
at 9:08 pm
I have been to Bologna many times and it always delights me.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:22 pm
We love Bologna and like you love the old and new. So not touristy….you really feel like a local when you’re there.
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By: Doreen on October 29, 2013
at 9:15 pm
It is not really on the tourist trail and it does feel like a traditional Italian city.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:22 pm
Beautiful city, Debra. Love the pic with the frescoes smiling at the motor bikes. 🙂
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By: adinparadise on October 29, 2013
at 9:25 pm
Bologna is fascinating. I love the mix of old and new, it works very well here.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:24 pm
The colonades are such a feature of Bologna…we love it as well.
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By: Jim & Kerry on October 29, 2013
at 9:43 pm
It is a great city to be in if it rains.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:24 pm
I remember looking up under an old portico there and seeing an arrow stuck high up in the timber. It looked very old but maybe it was put there for tourists.
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By: Colin on October 29, 2013
at 11:14 pm
I have seen that arrow too. I think it is real.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:24 pm
Loved Bologna, it’s one place I will definitely return to. A character all of its own.
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By: Jan Fabretti on October 30, 2013
at 2:30 am
I love the city. It is very stylish and the people are polite and friendly.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:25 pm
inspiring photos!….begging me to return!
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By: Sue on October 30, 2013
at 2:48 am
Bologna requires many visits.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:25 pm
Where is that expresso – could do with one right NOW!!! Missing it all over there and wanting to be back there. Getting closer to the Turrett!!
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By: Kendall on October 30, 2013
at 5:04 am
There will be one waiting for you at Il Monaco when you return.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:28 pm
The ancient and modern make such a contrast. Your breakfast, though, takes my fancy, the coffee looks very good. Peter and I are away for a week in Port Stephens just north of Newcastle, some very beautiful coastline but badly in need of a good coffee cafe.
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By: Jan on October 30, 2013
at 7:09 am
Your week away sounds lovely. I hope you find a good coffee.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:29 pm
Old on the outside, new on the inside is a popular look.
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By: aFrankAngle on October 30, 2013
at 11:22 am
Bologna does it very well.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:29 pm
Beautiful indeed!
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By: maru clavier on October 30, 2013
at 11:58 am
Bologna is a fascinating city. I love going there.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:30 pm
I LOVE Bologna! The food and wine are great and there are fantastic galleries. It’s lovely to wander through on foggy nights when you’ve had a plate of tortellini and some red wine.
There is also a fab Apple store – the old and the new!
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By: Catherine on October 30, 2013
at 4:12 pm
I missed the Apple store. I will have to return.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:30 pm
Yet another city I didn’t quite get to. Looks gorgeous.
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By: cityhippyfarmgirl on October 31, 2013
at 12:17 am
I hope you get to Bologna. It is one of the most interesting cities in Italy.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:31 pm
Bologna won my heart on my first visit!
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By: paninigirl on October 31, 2013
at 1:37 pm
Me too. It took me a while to get there, but I loved it immediately.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:32 pm
We do so love Bologna…always a treasure to be found.
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By: Our Kitchen Inventions on October 31, 2013
at 5:03 pm
Bologna’s just brilliant and that’s just how you’ve captured it!
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By: Suzanne Courtney on November 2, 2013
at 12:47 pm
I like this look too – and I think it says something about the way some Italians have found a way to make the best “the old” in a modern society. If you like the old-mixed-with-the-new look, you should visit the Roche Bobois store on Strada Maggiore in Bologna – contemporary furniture sitting on an ancient Roman road. 🙂
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By: italyproject365 on November 14, 2013
at 10:52 pm