Reflections on My 40 Years in Umbria

Bentivoglio Family's crest

Surprisingly, Maurizio and I had never visited Bologna. Countless times we rushed by on our way somewhere further north and countless times we hoped to stop on our way back after visits farther north...but never did. In a sense, we felt like we knew Bologna from its fame, its culinary reputation, its commercial importance, from the many fairs attended...from its general prominence in Italy's cultural fabric. We had long desired to visit at leisure, to acquaint ourselves with Bologna La Rossa, Bologna La Dotta, Bologna La Grassa!

Knowing that after we open Genius Loci next week, getting away for four days of leisure will be highly improbable, we took advantage last week of bright, sunny, albeit crisp weather. We traveled by train on the new Eurostar AV and stayed in the very central and well-managed Hotel Orologio, one of the four very central Art Hotels, just steps off the Piazza Maggiore by the Clock Tower. It was a perfect location. Like Genius Loci, Hotel Orologio is represented by Secret Places, an outstanding association with invaluable picks for hotels with unique atmosphere and charm.

Giambologna's Neptune in Piazza Maggiore and Palazzo Accursio

the central portal of San Petronio - decorated by Jacopo della Quercia