I love Sundays in Bologna! With the streets in the historic centre empty of traffic, pedestrians and cyclists reign supreme on the ancient cobblestones. Locals come out in full force to shop, eat and wander around the markets. The Piazza Maggiore and the adjacent Piazza del Nettuno (with its famous Fountain of Neptune) are the focal points, where tourists and locals alike gather – there’s always something going on here, from cooking demonstrations and exhibitions to festivals and concerts.
The Piazza Maggiore is the central point in the city. In the summer, the square forms the decor of the Cinema Ritrovato, a terrific programming of vintage movies where audiences can watch a movie under the stars.
When I visited in early-October, the square was buzzing with people attending the Mortadella BO Festival, a tribute to this famous salami. There were contests, mortadella-tastings and cooking shows. I volunteered for the mortadella pasta (Sorpresine di Mortadella) workshop!
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Around the square, street performers entertained the crowds with mini-concerts. The bubble-makers were a big hit with the kids!
There’s more to do on Sundays in Bologna. Locals cram into Via Pescherie Vecchie in the Quadrilatero district, just off Piazza Maggiore, for street food and a glass of wine.
Another hotspot is the Piazza Santo Stefano – its Sunday flea and antique market draws large crowds!
And if you’d like to treat yourself to some divine gelato, head over to Cremeria Santo Stefano (Via Santo Stefano 70) or Cremeria Funivia at Piazza Cavour, two of my favourite gelaterias in Bologna!
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If you’re looking for something more thrilling, climb the Asinelli Tower, Italy’s tallest leaning tower. The views of Bologna are spectacular!
If you’re visiting the Emilia Romagna region, plan on spending a Sunday in Bologna and immerse yourself in this vibrant city.
Read more about things to do in Emilia Romagna or other things to do in Bologna on Velvet Escape.
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Thanks Rob! Me too! 🙂
I LOVE that pic of the Fountain of Neptune Plaza, so beautiful!!
From events to food and architecture, life is just so beautiful in Italy! 🙂
Hi Janice,
I keep telling ya… you’ll love Bologna! 🙂
Hugs,
Keith
Making pasta. Licking gelato. Browsing for fun antiques. Looks like a great way to spend a Sunday! Now if only we were in Bologna :-). Hopefully some day we’ll get there…
It really is Emma! 🙂
Hi Lyn,
Bologna is one of my favourite cities in Italy. Just love its buzz, the stunning porticoes and historic buildings and yes, the FOOD! 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
Bologna looks fabulous. I hope to visit one day. Eat at Pescherie Vecchie and enjoy the antique market at Piazza Santo Stefano. Love the historical buildings.
That gelato looks delicious!