The city centre is definitely a student hub. It has a very similar vibe to Stokes Croft in Bristol. Graffiti, protests, occupations and plenty of indignant young people.
It is appropriately nicknamed "La Cittá Rossa", the Red City because the majority of the buildings are made of brick and the red hue is present on every street. One of my favourite, and most convenient, things about Bologna is that almost every street has undercover promenades to walk through. Pretty and fantastic when it's raining! Genius!
As for the food...WELL. Simply amazing. I tried the classic Ragú bolognese which was heaven.
I got to eat at my friends house a couple of times. Her mum prepared a great dish of puréed pumpkin infused with some herbs, and topped with crushed hazelnuts and pine nuts then baked in the oven.
I was extremely happy to finally visit Luca's parent's wine factory! Near Imola, half an hour from Bologna by train.
We went there at night as he was leaving for Bristol the next day and extremely busy. I wish I had taken photos but my camera was broken. We sampled some different wines...however the best was one that was just ready to drink. A red fruity but full-bodied wine that was sweet. It was soooo delicious and drinkable. Usually I am not a fan of sweet wine, however it was the best of both as it tasted like a good red but with a gentle sweetness that wasn't too overpowering. I have never had anything like it.
Fortunately/unfortunately, he gave me FIVE LITRES of it. I tried to drink as much as possible in the remaining 24 hours with all the lovely people in Imola, but it just wasn't possible.
Afterwards we visited a Bruscetteria. The highlight was a Bruscetta with a soft creamy cheese and truffle oil.
At around 03:00 we went to the "House of Pain" as they called it, AKA a night bakery. I now have a new favourite smell in the world. Holy mother it was incredible. The pizza was fresh, light and fluffy. However, what really got me was the smell. Aaaaaah. Heaven.
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