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
By: Kathryn McCullough on October 29, 2013
at 8:51 pm
Bologna is full of gorgeous old buildings.
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.
By: mulino dominillo on October 29, 2013
at 9:08 pm
I have been to Bologna many times and it always delights me.
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.
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.
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. 🙂
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.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:24 pm
The colonades are such a feature of Bologna…we love it as well.
By: Jim & Kerry on October 29, 2013
at 9:43 pm
It is a great city to be in if it rains.
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.
By: Colin on October 29, 2013
at 11:14 pm
I have seen that arrow too. I think it is real.
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.
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.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:25 pm
inspiring photos!….begging me to return!
By: Sue on October 30, 2013
at 2:48 am
Bologna requires many visits.
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!!
By: Kendall on October 30, 2013
at 5:04 am
There will be one waiting for you at Il Monaco when you return.
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.
By: Jan on October 30, 2013
at 7:09 am
Your week away sounds lovely. I hope you find a good coffee.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:29 pm
Old on the outside, new on the inside is a popular look.
By: aFrankAngle on October 30, 2013
at 11:22 am
Bologna does it very well.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:29 pm
Beautiful indeed!
By: maru clavier on October 30, 2013
at 11:58 am
Bologna is a fascinating city. I love going there.
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!
By: Catherine on October 30, 2013
at 4:12 pm
I missed the Apple store. I will have to return.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:30 pm
Yet another city I didn’t quite get to. Looks gorgeous.
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.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:31 pm
Bologna won my heart on my first visit!
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.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2013
at 3:32 pm
We do so love Bologna…always a treasure to be found.
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!
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. 🙂
By: italyproject365 on November 14, 2013
at 10:52 pm