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Italy |
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Bologna |
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 Bologna
came to worldwide attention with the founding of the university in 1088,
when 2,000 students from all over Europe poured into the medieval commune.
Porticoes supporting additional lodgings sprung up all over the city, to
house the influx of newcomers and Bologna's leitmotif was born. Today, 40km
of ochre-hued arcades still shadow the streets - covered walkways that give
Bologna its unique style.
The heart of Bologna is around the twin piazzas, Maggiore and Nettuno - a
handsome public space sealed on all sides by medieval palazzi and the hulk
of San Petronio. Here, amid the pigeons, the Bolognese come to shop, to
pray, to chat and, of course, to demonstrate.
The well-educated citizens of Bologna have never been afraid to voice their
opinions and immerse themselves in all things cultural - a feature of civic
life recognised in 2000, when the city was named a European City of Culture.
The former local stock exchange has been converted into Italy's largest
multimedia library, in keeping with a city that well deserves its tag of La
Dotta (‘The Learned').
In Bologna, however, a social conscience and cultural knowledge go hand in
hand with a hearty appetite, with the city fully justifying its other
moniker, La Grassa (which translates literally as ‘The Fat'), a reference to
the seriousness with which the locals take Epicurean pursuits. It is
something of a favourite joke among the Milanese and the Romans that only at
mealtimes do the Bolognese fall silent.
The local cuisine goes far beyond the world famous spaghetti Bolognese
(something the locals never eat - they call the sauce ragu and would never
mix it with spaghetti, but with tagliatelle), with a wide range of culinary
delights culled from the surrounding countryside, as well as some robust and
interesting local wines.
Bologna Website:
www.comune.bologna.it
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Milan |
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 Milan
has been at the forefront of intellectual innovation for the past two
millennia (think Leonardo da Vinci, Saint Ambrose and the early Church
Fathers). As a result, the city offers plenty of historical and intellectual
heritage, plus some great places to eat. And, yes, one or two shops.
The first stop for most tourists is to pay
their respects to the breathtaking Duomo. Some 3,500 statues adorn the
exterior of this vast cathedral – the third largest in Christendom – which
was started in 1386 and finished in 1805 because Napoleon wanted to be
crowned King of Italy there. If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear
day, the view from the roof reaches as far as the Alps, over 60 miles away.
From the Duomo, it’s a short walk to La Scala, via the exquisite Galleria
Vittorio Emanuele II. Completed in 1867, this glass-roofed arcade with
marble flooring was built to accommodate shopping, strolling,
people-watching and coffee-drinking. The opera itself is only in season from
7 December to the end of June; but you can always visit the theatre’s
museum.
North of the Duomo in Brera is the Pinacoteca Brera, Milan’s best art
collection, covering 700 years of Italian art. Treasures include Raphael’s
Marriage of the Virgin, Piero della Francesca’s Brera Altarpiece, and works
by Titian, Canaletto and Caravaggio.
Further art is on view at the Castello Sforzesco, including the Rondanini
Pietà by Michelangelo, and works by Mantegna, Bellotto and Canaletto.
Behind the Castello is the Parco Sempione, one of the few green areas in
central Milan. The Triennale building is an obvious mecca for all design
fans. Apart from the exhibitions, the café is a big draw: the chairs are all
copies of famous modern designs.
The defining intellectual and moral figure in Milanese history is Saint
Ambrose, bishop from 374 to 397AD. At the time, Milan was the capital of the
western Roman Empire, although the current Lombard Romanesque design of the
Sant’Ambrogio church complex dates from the 11th century.
Another famous adopted son was Leonardo da Vinci. He spent 24 years away
from Vinci working for the ruling Sforza family. You’ll need to book four
weeks in advance if you want to see his Last Supper.
Leonardo, being the supreme multi-tasker that he was, also helped design the
locks and canals (navigli) that served as Milan’s commercial lifeline. Only
the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese remain. The Navigli district, where
they converge, is now a focus for trendy boutiques, bars and restaurants
Milan Website:
www.comune.milano.it
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Riva del Garda |
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 Riva
del Garda is a town in the province of Trento. It is located at the
north-western corner of Lake Garda also called Benaco. Mount Rocchetta rises
steeply to the west, with Mount Baldo to the east. This location makes Riva
del Garda one of the most spectacular spots around Lake Garda.
Blessed with a climate which is mild in winter and temperate in summer, Riva
is an esteemed resort which was also popular centre of European tourism
during the 19th century. With many hotels and first rate service, it is a
fashionable stop. The town is distinguished by its ancient centre which
faces the Lake, and its modern half which extends to the Sarca Plain.
Not only does the microclimate allow such non Alpine crops as olive, Cyprus
and even lemon trees to grow, the Lake is also blessed with a wind called
the “Ora” which has encouraged the growth of sailing and windsurfing
centres.
Tourism is the most important activity of the town; however the town is also
home to industrial activities such as paper manufacturing.
Riva del Garda Website:
www.comune.rivadelgarda.tn.it
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