đŽđš A Whirlwind in Bologna: From Love at First Sight to... Meh
My emotions swayed like ocean waves during this tripâday one was magical, like destiny brought me here; day two left me strangely underwhelmed. ⨠Old Town Highlights (All Free!) Bolognaâs charm is concentrated around Piazza Maggiore: Neptune Fountain Ⲡâ The muscular sea godâs side-eye is meme-worthy. Basilica di San Petronio ⪠â A Gothic giant (with an unfinished façade). Archiginnasio Palace đď¸ â Home to the worldâs first anatomy theater (âŹ3 ticket). Even if science isnât your thing, the heraldic crests covering its walls are chefâs kiss. Le Due Torri đź â Climb the taller one (Asinelli) if you dareâit leans on purpose. Santo Stefano Basilica âď¸ â A maze of seven churches in one. ⨠San Luca Sanctuary: The Pilgrimâs Payoff A 3km hike up the 666-arched portico sounds epic⌠unless itâs raining â. I cheated and took Bus 58 (20 mins up, 10 mins down). The view? Worth every lazy second. Tip: Bolognaâs buses accept contactless paymentsâno ticket stress! ⨠August 8th Market: Bolognaâs Gritty Underbelly Forget postcard-perfect Europeâthis flea market is a chaotic mix of secondhand clothes and "Made in Yiwu" knickknacks. Only go if youâre passing by the train station. Silver lining: Scored a âŹ1.99 camisole in the Old Town sales! đď¸ Final Thoughts: Bologna is like a rich tiramisuâbest in small bites. Day one dazzled; day two⌠maybe I just overdosed on arcades. #BolognaBlues #ItalyTravel #MixedFeelings #BudgetFinds #SanLucaOrBust