Report on the TASA trip to Bologna

May 2022

The Arts Society Alton had an extremely enjoyable visit to Bologna in early May. Apart from a slight delay leaving Gatwick our travelling was trouble-free, and we found ourselves staying in a delightful small hotel near the centre of Bologna, with a wonderful roof terrace where we could have a drink (or two) and look in all directions over the famed terracotta roofs of the city.

Our visits to various sites had been carefully planned as Italy is trying hard to make up for lost revenue over the last two years, and timed entries to buildings are rigidly observed, but our lovely guide Anna (and driver) always got us to places on time. We had four full days of visits, to Ravenna, Padua and (fleetingly) Ferrara, Bologna, and Mantua. We all (28 of us) had our different high spots in these lovely towns, whether it was the wonderful mosaics in Ravenna, the glorious Giotto frescoes in Padua, or the amazing Mantegna and Giulio Romano frescoes in the palaces in Mantua. And, of course, Bologna itself is a great delight. As well as being a convenient base for getting around the area, there is so much to see in the city, and it was a joy wandering around under the lovely arcades. As the whole of the Bologna region is renowned for its food, finding excellent lunches and suppers was never a problem. Our thanks go to Tailored Travel and John Harrap for organising these really good few days.

Vanessa MacMahon

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