Bologna - City Of Secrets
Travel+Leisure India|October 2019
With a weekend to kill and no particular place to go, Simon Clays finds that Bologna has surprises beyond his imagination.
Simon Clays
Bologna - City Of Secrets

It was said that all roads lead to Rome. That also means that all roads lead away from the Eternal City, too. In my case, it’s rails. A fast train whipping through Titian countryside like a comet with a cappuccino. Bright morning light, a baguette, and the flash of green Stone Pines on crumpled hills.

Travelling by train in Italy is a joy. High-speed electrification, sumptuous landscape, and the smell of fresh coffee as my train arrows up the Roman coastline and teases the border of Tuscany.

I’m headed for Bologna. Like many, I’ve skirted it previously, chosen brighter Italian baubles. I think, maybe, she’s Italy’s unloved daughter: nestled to the left of Sienna and Florence, and often overlooked, when packed itineraries demand the Uffizi and a march on to Venice. It’s regarded largely as a Mecca for petrol heads—home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Ducati. It’s a gasoline wet dream.

As I approach its outskirts, dimpled hills give way to industry and the chaos of modern living. Unloved residential blocks and washing lines usher me in. I wonder if this was such a good idea for a pit stop after all.

The station is unremarkable with all the hallmarks of provincial, small-town living. It has none of the grand façades one sees at Milan’s Central Station or the hustle of Rome’s Termini. Outside, the taxi stand is pedestrian. For a while, I wonder if anyone wants to take me anywhere. Can they be bothered? Maybe it’s raucous Rome still looming over me. Maybe it’s because it’s late August and half of Italy is in vacanza and missing in action.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2019-Ausgabe von Travel+Leisure India.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2019-Ausgabe von Travel+Leisure India.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS TRAVEL+LEISURE INDIAAlle anzeigen
Retro: Timeless & Trending
Travel+Leisure India

Retro: Timeless & Trending

As AI dominates the tech world, Nikhil Chawla introduces devices and apps that evoke nostalgia with their retro charm and timeless appeal.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
Celebrating Timeless Austin
Travel+Leisure India

Celebrating Timeless Austin

Austin is a melting pot of culture and style, and a personification of the great American lifestyle,

time-read
5 Minuten  |
October 2024
A Legacy of Art and Activism
Travel+Leisure India

A Legacy of Art and Activism

Mallika Sarabhai reflects on her rich heritage as she discusses her unique approach to blending tradition with modernity, the power of arts in activism and her commitment to bringing about social change, in this conversation with Dipali Patwa.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
October 2024
Second Course
Travel+Leisure India

Second Course

Noma chef René Redezpi found fame with ingredient-focused fine dining. His new TV show goes even further.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
The Safari Sanctuary
Travel+Leisure India

The Safari Sanctuary

Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore’s latest opening, offers the finest facilities and accommodation in the district and has the park embedded deep inside its soul.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
October 2024
THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS
Travel+Leisure India

THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS

India's most-loved restaurants have all stood the test of time, especially in an era when food ventures open with vast market research and modern aesthetics but fail to make a lasting impression. This is what makes our favourites timeless.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
October 2024
LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana
Travel+Leisure India

LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana

A film with a social message, a deeply inspiring couplet, a music tour that lets him explore his alter ego of sorts—what makes Ayushmann Khurrana the right fit in everything he chooses to do?

time-read
4 Minuten  |
October 2024
Luxury Legacy
Travel+Leisure India

Luxury Legacy

Meet Tikka Shatrujit Singh, the visionary who paved the way for luxury brands to thrive in India. One of the most iconic figures in India's fashion and luxury industry, the former head representative of LVMH in Asia tells Samreen Tungekar about his journey, what today's consumer wants, and how Indian tourism can turn the world on its head.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
October 2024
Global Glamour
Travel+Leisure India

Global Glamour

Attention shopaholics, we've got you covered! From Copenhagen to Cape Town, Marrakech to Melbourne, here are 20 cities across the world where you can indulge in retail therapy. Follow our guide to get your hands on traditional, bespoke, sustainable, slow fashion, and innovative, kitschy must-haves.

time-read
10 Minuten  |
October 2024
ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR
Travel+Leisure India

ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR

Architect Simran Boparai's skilled designs blend modernity with heritage, while striving for spatial excellence.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024