Prosecco Number 2!!

With temperatures set to climb to 34°C, first stop of the day was the medieval Asinelli Tower (the tallest tower on the far right of extra photo 3), the traditional symbol of Bologna, while it was still cool enough to make the trek to the top. Built between 1109-19, the watch tower is 97.20 metres (319 feet)  high with an inner wooden staircase of 498 steps completed in 1684. The climb to the top was hard work, but the descent was even worse! The 331 year old steep open-tread wooden stairs weren't a good idea for a vertigo sufferer!! Nevertheless, it was all worth it for the stunning views over the terracotta city (extra photo 1).

With very wobbly legs, we made our way to the wonderful food market for a sit down and lunch before heading to the Archiginnasio, one of the most important buildings in the city and once the main building of the University of Bologna (main photo). Dating back to the 16th century, the walls of the inner courtyard are decorated with seven thousand colourful coats of arms of former students.

Beautifully decorated colonnades and arches seem to dominate Bologna, even the shops make the most of the cool shelter that they provide. Extra photo 2 shows book shopping Bolognese style!!

After a busy and hot day's sightseeing, the rooftop bar of our hotel (extra photos 3, 4 and 5) made a sublime spot to sit back, enjoy the evening breeze and relax with a glass of Prosecco, watching the sun go down over the city... Perfection...


(So sorry for the lack of comments and replies. Since coming home on Wednesday, life has gone kind of haywire... Will hopefully catch up with  myself and all your wonderful journals very soon...)