but about the architecture, and more specifically, how the old - some very, very old - and the new blend so well together. Bologna suffered a lot of damage from WWII bombing so there is a lot that is relatively new, and some that is very new. The oldest structures, some back to 11th & 12th centuries, are the most dense in the central part of the city. But even here, newer buildings can be seen side by side with the old, and in many cases it is difficult to tell their age. Most of the buildings...old and new...are 3-5 or 6 stories high. On the main streets some of the commercial buildings are higher, but in general there is s significant cohesiveness throughout the city. Contributing to this cohesiveness are the colors and the porticoes. Bologna is a city of earth colors...sienna, rust, yellow-orange, and occasional muted grays and blues (in the newer structures). Every rooftop that is visible is of red-orange tiles.
The city is not boring to look at. On the contrary, every street and every piazza, small or large, has its own uniqueness and its own charm. The textures and the patina vary from building to building as do the columns supporting all the porticoes. Behind every turn and through every arch there are surprise...colors, gardens, court yards, and more.
Because of the narrow streets is has been difficult to get good frontal photos of the buildings, so you will have to let your eyes and imagination aid you.
Next time...what is under those porticoes?
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