My City My Palette of colors and emotions…

One of the most enigmatic and powerful places in Bologna is the Basilica di San Petronio. It’s the main church of Bologna, and it is the tenth-largest church in the world by volume. Its construction began in 1390 and was never fully completed, which adds to its enigma. The church is dedicated to Saint Petronius, who was the bishop of Bologna in the fifth century. Its facade remains unfinished, lending it a mysterious and imposing aura. Inside, it is home to a wealth of religious art and a sundial that was used to discover the irregularity of the solar year.

The hills surrounding Bologna are full of intriguing places. One such place is the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. Located atop the Colle della Guardia, this historic sanctuary is connected to the city center by the world’s longest portico, with 666 arches, a fascinating journey surrounded by nature and history.

Another place is the Eremo di Tizzano, a monastery turned restaurant perched high on the hills offering stunning views of Bologna and the countryside. It’s said to be on a ley line, a straight alignment drawn between various historical and sacred sites.

The Villa delle Rose is also noteworthy. It’s an 18th-century villa located in the Bolognese hills that is now owned by the Galleria d’Arte Moderna di Bologna and used for contemporary art exhibitions.

Lastly, the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa is a nature park that is home to unusual karst formations and deep ravines (calanchi). The park is a great place for hiking and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It’s a place where the power of nature is evident, adding to the enigmatic atmosphere.