The master of architecture Le Corbusier visited Italy 16 times. He made 3 projects for Italian clients that never saw the light. But if you want to feel his spirit, you can go to Bologna. From his first trip in the city when he was 20 to the Esprit Nouveau Pavilion in the Fiera district, here's the story of Le Corbusier in Bologna.

Le Corbusier in Bologna

There are many ways to visit a place. With a Lonely Planet on your hand, with an expat friend showing you around, or following a list of places marked on Google Maps. Any way you choose, for me the most important thing is the spirit to learn something new. Here you find my list of must-do things to do in Bologna.

1. Walk day and night under the porticoes

Giorgio Morandi is the painter of Bologna. But he didn't paint the butchers of Quadrilatero market, the colours of the porticoes or the characters of the shops. He prefers daily objects like bottles, funnels, cactus you could find in all the houses. From his house in Via Fondazza to his beloved Grizzana, his traces are still here.

Giorgio Morandi: a life with the easel

It's not the best time to travel to Bologna, that's sure. But if you visit Bologna during the Covid pandemic there are a few things that you can still do. In safety. I'll keep this post updated following Italian government rules and restrictions.

When and how to cross Italy state border

Set in a Piazza that is not a Piazza, Santo Stefano Basilica is a century-old jigsaw full of symbols and myths. The so-called 7 churches Basilica (but where are the 7?) is the most enigmatic church in Bologna. No doubts.To tell its story we need to travel from the Holy Land to Dante's hell, meeting relics, roosters and Magi.So sit down and relax: the gate is opening.

1. From Jerusalem to Bologna: La Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro