Flags raised in the air for guided tours, visitors with maps and suitcases in tow, and the very long queues to enter San Petronio or get on the open-top ‘red buses’ with a view of the city. This is the scenario of Piazza Maggiore, which is welcoming tourists who have arrived under the Two Towers to spend the May 1st long weekend, among food and wine excellences, history and culture.
Such a varied offer, that of Bologna, which brings together and attracts both local and foreign tourists.
“We are coming from Great Britain and we will stay here for a couple of days – says Andrew Fryer, in the company of two friends –. The flight ticket cost only 50 euros. In addition to the price, a work colleague who was visiting convinced us in Bologna some time ago: he told us about the Liberation Day, the local and homely atmosphere that you can feel despite the large crowd of visitors. It’s beautiful.” Emilian cuisine is so appreciated that “we will take a cooking and fresh pasta making course with zdaure – continues the boy –. We will stay here for three days”. University student Natalia, who arrived from Poland, is also in love with traditional food. “I’m traveling with an organized holiday group, so I can get to know the city better – says Natalia –, in an orderly manner. Among other things, I have to choose my Erasmus destination, and I would really like Bologna. The squares and porticoes have enchanted me , as well as the food: the pasta is good in every way, it’s a dream.”
With her gaze focused on Neptune, there is Maria, also Polish. “I find the prices quite accessible for such a tourist city – Maria highlights –. There are people in every corner. I didn’t expect Bologna to be so beautiful. I will stay here for another three days”. For some, Bologna is “a film set – confesses Dalila Rosa Speziga, who arrived from Sardinia –. It is a city with which you immediately fall in love, and it is then impossible to break the spell”. An effective spell thanks to “the art and historical culture that the city offers – continues Speziga –, such as Piazza Maggiore and in general the historic center and the quadrilateral, well connected to the suburbs by public transport”.
There are also some Venetian tourists in the square. “We chose Bologna for the food – admits Massimo Casonato –. In fact, we have already had a feast of passatelli, tagliatelle and tortellini. Now we want to enjoy the city on a cultural and landscape level: it’s my first time here, Bologna is beautiful”. Regarding prices, “they are not high figures, but average”. Also being under the Two Towers for the first time is Anna Carsetti, who comes from Rome. “I joined my friends here, seeing as there is a bridge in between – she says –. I took a nice walk from the station to Piazza Maggiore. I enjoyed the moment, alone, admiring the beauty of the Portici, which gave me they left us speechless. I will stay just one day and try the local delicacies.”
Mariateresa Mastromarino
