Bologna At Night

European cities have a nice aura at night, all dark alleys, hush cafes, dappled cobblestone streets. Time to head out into the darkness of Bologna.

The full moon is out over the Neptune fountain in the Piazza Maggiore area.

Sparkly tree. Civic drinking fountain.

"The rave is that way." Monument of the priest, Ugo Bassi.

Street light illumination.

Back at the Piazza Maggiore, the moon as strong backlight.

Wandering Basilica Of San Stefano In Bologna

Otherwise known as the Complex of Seven Churches, San Stefano is a group of Catholic buildings in Bologna. One can drift between churches and intimate courtyards, finding Jesus whenever the mood strikes.

View from the front piazza.

Impressive marble pulpit. Impressive painted wood carved statue of the classic Pieta.

Getting grotto in the Basilica San Vitale.

Good artwork. Virgin Mary in an alcove and Jesus holding up some sort of goat horse animal thingy.

Valuable. Baby in a gold case.

Curious Things At Museo di Palazzo Poggi

The Palazzo Poggi museum in Bologna, Italy is either a classic, historic collection related to the early years of science, anatomy, research or it's a Ripley's Believe It Or Not-like rabbit hole of curiosities. Maybe both views are true.

An anatomy gallery. Humans in tanks.

The unique and unusual, worth saving. A two-headed calf and a one-eyed infant.

Welcome to the gallery of obstetrics. From where do babies come? So many options!

Self portrait wax model of Anna Morandi Manzollini. She did breakthrough work in anatomical modeling back in the 18th century. The eyes have it. At least several ailments.

Painting of a frog dissection. In the style of a rococo, Sunday luncheon garden party. "Who's ready for an appetizer?"

Moody Santa Maria dei Servi

The church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Bologna is filled with all sorts of eerie, moody displays of art, icons, artifacts. Sure, a grand altar may be impressive. Small details can also be rewarding.

Front exterior. A nice courtyard, framed with an arcade of columns.

Inside, accept the mysteries. Double painting and a baby (Jesus? Who else?) in a box.

Christ on the cross with crazy, horror film shadows surrounding the painting.

Important, framed priest. Bearded, old man sculpture as usher. "You have a password for me, to go through the red, velvet curtain?" Uhm, no.

Back in the center of the church, overflow seating has become a random scatter.

Graffiti In Bologna

Most cities in Europe have graffiti and Bologna is no exception. Time to check out some good squiggles and frank statements.

Typical alley, all wall space defaced. Or embraced.

Stick on work seems to be the way to spray these days. Create in the safety of a printer, slap and run. Virtual reality is coming for you and little boys. Rosie the Riveter. Fewer muscles, more love.

High fashion animals. Panda in white, Crow in red.

Loving embrace and loving some bikini time.

Definitely not a McDonald's sanctioned advertisement. Eat up, pig!

Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio

A classic, old library and a wood-paneled anatomical theater in Bologna. Time to hit the books and the body.

The exterior courtyard of the Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio, all glass and columned arcade.

In the corridor near the anatomical theater, old medallions cover the walls. Awards for best vascular system?

Inside the anatomical theater. Comfortable seating for spectators, a Cold Stone Creamery-like marble slab for the star attraction.

The wood paneling of the theater is no joke. Carving, sculptures, filigree. If you can't stomach looking at the cadaver, plenty of details to draw the eye on the surrounding walls. In the library, more medallions of importance and victory.

About that library. Iconic, classic, old world woody. And no browsing.

Basilica di San Petronio In Bologna

The biggest church on the most prominent piazza in Bologna is the Basilica di San Petronio. It was started in 1390 and work continued off and on (mostly off) into the 1500s. And, still, the front facade is unfinished. What's the rush?

The impressive front entrance. Lovely marble at the bottom, "We'll get to the other part later" up top.

Inside altar, Jesus strapped to gold. Post-death diorama. High theater.

Trophy case. The basilica won a lot of loaves and fishes tournaments in their day.

At the beginning. Such proud animals in that manger. Finely painted, the impressive Chapel of the Magi.

More Jesus, this time in a box, bathed in golden light. Stuffy.

Around Bologna

Bologna, Italy, is famous for being a university town and for its tortellini. Food for the brain and the tummy. What else is notable?

How about twin towers, Garisenda e degli Asinelli? Looking good in the stark daylight.

Art is always welcome. A fun frieze at the San Pietro cathedral. "Young Christians, study your bible." Saint Sebastian with his usual arrows and unusually prominent codpiece. Someone is mesmerized.

Sometimes it rains at Hello Talalay. The famous Neptune fountain in the Piazza Maggiore.

Ooh, fabulous colors of fabulous things. Mortadella, the other famous food of Bologna. Ridiculous inlaid marble at a church.

A full moon is out over the most important landmark of the city, Basilica di San Petronio. Glowing.