More Bella, no Mortadella

This, our last full day in the lovely city of Bologna started at the Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano (Basilica and Sanctuary of Saint Stefano). The history in this place is just amazing, it is made up from the joining of seven Churches on the site. Even though it does not look it the complex is huge.

  

From here we headed for some lunch, we ventured on our own little banquet sampling from different shops.  First course was a plate of cold cuts, consisting of Parma Ham, Prosciutto, Salami, Pecorino Romano Cheese, and some flat bread. Next was some fried Calamari and Gamberetto (small prawns), once again lovely. Next and final course was Tortellini al Ragù (beef sauce) cooked to perfection.  These little tasting plates even though from more of a take away type shop were well prepared by staff who were passionate about their job and their food.

Bread - abstract form

Meat

Borlotti Beans

Tomatoes

We just looked.

Next was time for a little window shopping but this didn't last long, as from 13:00 most shops pull down the shutters till 15:00 for a break, so it was off for some Gelato.

1435 Euro - Around $AUD2000 for a pen

After walking about 10 minutes the first place we were recommended was closed, and thought another 15 minutes wouldn't be a bad idea to the second recommendation. Even though the road was uphill and the traffic was noisy it was well worth it and we felt like we earnt the treat.

As we were now closer to the edge of town rather than the centre the map was indicating we were only another 10 minutes from Giardini Margherita (Margherita Garden) a large garden on the edge of town with lake. So back on when the hiking boots and again we were impressed with the park and Katie especially loved the turtles in the lake.

Look closely, there is a turtle.

Lovely park

This time we caught the bus back to our B&B and rested for the afternoon before having a lovely dinner at Osteria la Traviata. This was a medium family restaurant and was in no way a tourist mecca, which is what we like. The menu was very small in selection and all in Italian, a little hard to understand so the owner helped us make selections and made many recommendations. It is a lovely place and rates as one of the best meals we have had on the trip so far.

Tip - Click on the photos to see in full screen

Tomorrow - Back on the rails.