Tom, Marion and I met in the lobby and headed out to find breakfast. We found a nice little cafe where I had the Italian version of a chocolatine and a cappuccino. It was a nice breakfast.

We then did a walking tour around part of Bologna. Tom had read about the Santo Stefano complex and wanted to see it so we chose the walking tour from the Enjoy Bologna Guide. We saw lots of churches which varied in design and style.

The Santo Stefano complex is made of various churches and courtyards that were supposed to replicate the pilgrimage sites in the holy lands so there is the Church of the Crucifix, the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, and Pilates’ Courtyard. In addition there is the Basilica of Saints Vitale and Agricola – the first Christian martyrs in Bologna. There is the Benedictine Cloister and the Church of the Holy Veil. These were build and rebuilt at different times but are all in the same complex and accessed through the Church of the Crucifix.

In the museum of the Santo Stefano complex there was a painting of Herod Slaying the Innocent. I love the portrayal of Herod on the left – the scowl on his face and his pointing finger.

After a brief stop for refreshment. Mine being a lovely thick hot chocolate, we did some shopping for gifts for Tom and Marion’s family.

For lunch, we stopped at the La Prosciutteria. Tom and Marion had found one in Florence and liked it. We had a nice cheese and charcuterie board with local wine. The best part was the wine was poured into a bottle from a tap. I think the wine is made by the company.

We took a little siesta in the afternoon and then headed out to do some more shopping for Marion’s sister. While wandering to the shop we were looking for,we came across this church. It was evening so the light was beautiful in it.

We found a nice little wine bar for our evening drink before dinner. It was definitely very local and fun, Vineria Favalli. We had a glass of wine recommended by the barman.

For dinner, we went to a restaurant recommended by the hotel. It was very small and definitely local character. It was also very relaxed with not a large or fancy menu. I had one of my childhood favorites, tortellini con brodo. For starters we shared eggplant parmigiana and sausage with beans. We had insalata mista as a side. I needed my crème caramel fix so that as dessert. I convinced Tom to have Grappa as a disgestif. It was a lovely meal and fun place – Osteria Broccaindos.

Bologna is renowned for its colonnades and towers. It lives up to its reputation. I am definitely glad I came and met Tom and Marion in Bologna. It has been a fun couple of days and has been really nice to spend time with Tom and Marion.