La Grassa. La Rossa. La Dotta.
The Fat. The Red. The Learned.
Capital of the region of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is known by Italians for its culinary excellence, the red bricks of its buildings (and some say for the passion of its people), and its prestigious university. Hence the nickname.
As a dedicated gelato aficionado, I’ve long wanted to visit the Carpigiani Gelato Museum and when FICO Eataly opened its doors last fall, I needed little else to convince me that this was the year to learn more about this foodie heaven firsthand!
However, it’s not only its reputation as the gastronomic heart of Italy that I have been wanting to visit.
Testimonials and photos have enticed and teased me… and now I can personally confirm that they did not exaggerate!
Majestic medieval architecture characterized by red tile roofs…
Elegant porticos, piazzas, towers, and cathedrals, all in and around the heart of Bologna’s historic center, Piazza Maggiore…
The tremendous Basilica di San Petronio and magnificent Neptune among the Bologna’s many treasures…
And, of course, the fabulous cuisine and shopping it’s famous for…
Bologna’s reputation is no exaggeration!
My visit was all the more special thanks to Alice and Bologna Welcome who graciously arranged a personal visit and tour of FICOEATALY WORLD with Sylvia. 
FICOEATALY WORLD is the world’s largest agri-food park. FICO is an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana COntadina (Italian Farmer Factory) and EATALY WORLD.
FICO also means “fig” and is slang for “cool”! And I think it’s pretty cool that they present Italy’s rich and proud “farm to table ” culinary heritage.
A variety of workshops and activities, including tastings and dining, are offered for all ages. They even have tricycles you can borrow to cruise around in and tote your purchases!
I also enjoyed a personal guided walking tour courtesy of Bologna Welcome which was a fabulous introduction to and overview of Bologna. (Doubtless, I wouldn’t have seen so much on my own.)
Another highlight of my visit was something I have long wanted to do.
As a huge gelato fan, visiting the Carpigiani Gelato Museum was a little dream come true…
I was treated to a personal tour of the Museum and to a Gelato University Masterclass!
Thanks to the excellent instruction by Carlotta, we made fresh lime sorbetto and it was yummy!
A very special grazie to Michela, Carlotta, Edoardo, and the entire staff of Carpigiani for your generous hospitality and wonderful memories! 
It’s impossible to encapsulate so many rich experiences and connections… impossible to express my gratitude…but I can say “grazie di cuore, Bologna!”
There is more of you to explore and I look forward to returning …
I will definitely be sharing more about my time in Bologna in future posts but now it’s time for more tortellini and vino!
Wish You Were Here!?!
A special grazie to:
Where Do I Stay When I Visit Bologna?
I Stay with ♥ Friends of Victoria ♥!
Francesca & Federica’s charming apartments, L’8 Boutique Apartments, are conveniently located minutes from Piazza Maggiore!
And, when you mention “victoria” when you book your apartment, you’ll receive a special discount!
Ready to indulge in the rich cuisine and culture of Bologna? Let’s plan YOUR visit!
3 thoughts on “♦ Finding My Muse…in Bologna ♦”
Lovely…had a very interesting and delicious gelato yesterday in Firenze…honey and sesame! Wanting to go back into Bologna later today…fingers crossed, we leave tomorrow morning for home! Here’s hoping we see each other before too long! Can Hardly wait to see the photo’s Joe took in Bologna “done up” so I can post some and we can have a trip down memory lane together!
Looking forward to photos and your trip down memory lane! LOVED finally meeting both of you!!
Comments are closed.