After some more work, we headed downtown to breethe in some of that Bologna city air, watch the vespas wiz by, and most importantly, for the thousandth time, observe our very own leaning tower. The history behind this tower is very simple. Unlike Pisa, where the tower started leaning after some time that it was built, this tower began leaning immediately before it was even finished. Thus, in an effort to avert causing damage to the surrounding buildings, the workers that had just finished building it raced to dismantle it to a safe height. And at this height it still rests today, next to it's big sister, Torre Asignelli.
More of the Bologna city center
This fan is actually blowing cool mist on top of us. We are seated below it enjoying an afternoon drink. Also notice the Portico. The bologna city center (which is the area within the medieval city wall - some of the wall is still visible today in some parts) is full of these porticos that cover nearly all the sidewalks in the city. This architectural element allows pedestrians to be able to walk nearly everywhere in the city without being too affected by the weather. Genius!
Here is an apartment building entrance typical in Bologna. Currently under some construction but if you look closely you can see the fresco in the back. Enough said.
No comments:
Post a Comment