After a farewell day of churches in Verona, it was on to Bologna, a city known by three nicknames: La Rossa (the red), La Dotta (the learned), and La Grassa (the fat).

The Three Faces of Bologna

We departed Verona mid-morning and took the high-speed train direct to Bologna — about a 50-minute journey. We walked to Hotel Metropolitan, checked in, and were ready to explore.

The learned is the easiest to explain, with the first and oldest university in Italy located here. The red is for all the buildings and rooftops — a view we had right from our hotel room. And the fat, well, we had to try one of the local specialties of Bologna to understand that one.

Mortadella Lab: Living Up to “La Grassa”

That specialty was mortadella, and we had to have some, in a very tasty sandwich from Mortadella Lab. It happened to be right around the corner from our hotel — great sandwiches, take-away, and popular enough that lines were forming.

Piazza Maggiore and the Neptune Statue

We hit up Piazza Maggiore, with the iconic Neptune Statue.

Basilica di San Petronio

And the Basilica di San Petronio, just off the Piazza.

Cathedral Metropolitana di San Pietro

As well as the Cathedral Metropolitana di San Pietro, right near our hotel.

Aperitivo and Dinner at Trattoria Del Tempo Buono

After a day of travel and wandering, it was time for an aperitivo, then dinner. First night here, and so far this city is living up to its claim of being the food capital of Italy. The green lasagna bolognese was fantastic, and the veal cotoletto was an eye-opening experience. Trattoria Del Tempo Buono is a super small, local trattoria, where I was able to practice some of my Italian — not well, mind you, but I am trying.