In Bologna, there is a geographically defined area in which the historical center of the city is bordered by a wall and often referred to when giving or receiving directions. However, the wall doesn't actually exist anymore. There are scattered remnants of this communist artifact at various ports surrounding the historical center of the city, but to a person unfamiliar with Bologna, it would be possible to wander in and outside of the historical center without knowing it ever existed.
Two days after my first trip to Parma, I went on another day trip to Ravenna - but this time it was organized by my program, and everyone in BCSP was along for the ride. Ravenna is about an hour and a half away by train and located South-east of Bologna on the eastern coast of the Italian peninsula. We were blessed with great weather, and it was beautiful. We were greeted by Palm Trees and cobble-stones (which are literally everywhere) and accompanied by a BCSP professor who would be our mini-tour guide as we were led in and out of various churches and buildings throughout the city. Ravenna is known for its mosaics - which are historically significant in that they represent a mesh of cultural influences on art during the Renaissance period. I may not be much of an art-history buff, but they were unlike anything I have ever seen before. They covered the ceilings, the walls, and the floors depicting biblical scenes and intricate designs with almost every color imaginable. The specks of gold dotted throughout made them appear as if they were endlessly shimmering like a million tiny little rhinestones.
La Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Inside La Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Inside La Basilica di San Vitale
Close-up of some of the mosaics, however the pictures don't even begin to do them justice...
La Basilica di San Vitale
In addition to the mosaics we were also able to visit the tomb of the founder of the Italian language himself - the notable Dante Alghieri. After learning so much about how he influenced Italian, it was a bit surreal knowing that I was standing in the place of his burial. And as is to be expected from every BCSP outing, we were treated to a delicious two-course Italian lunch followed by hot chocolate at a nearby caffe. And let me tell you, the Italians don't mess around when it comes to hot chocolate. It is wonderfully thick, rich, and creamy, and is more melted chocolate than an actual drink. Afterwards, we wandered around a bit by ourselves before meeting back at the train station to head back to Bologna. In May, BCSP is taking us on an overnight trip to Toscana (Tuscany) and after a great day spent in Ravenna, I can't wait to see what is in store for us!
La Tomba di Dante
Il Centro in Ravenna
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