Hi

We leave for Italy on Wednesday, and I have just decided on a day trip to Bologna. I don't have much information though.

I am not as much interested in dining tips as I am in information on which days the food stores are open, and when, and information on art and churches.

Cany anyone please help? I'm out of time and can't really go guidebook shoppping at the this point.

I have no idea about food store hours, but the San Stefano complex of churches (quite close to the Duomo) is not to be missed. The Duomo itself I found less interesting.

There is an art gallery in Bologna, but I didn't go there (I'm not fond of the Bolognese school).

The food stores, and most shops as well as San Petronio, break for lunch and reopen about 4pm or so. The food stores are closed on Sundays.

Try asking this question on the slow travel website if you can't find the answer doing google searches.

Most food shops in Bologna are closed Thursday afternoons, as well as Sunday, according to Fred Plotkin whose word on these things is the gold standard.

ekscrunchy...

I knew I'd read that somewhere, but couldn't draw up the information. I really appreciate it.

I see that Pinoteca Nazionale is closed on Mondays, and they list some interesting works, so I think I will plan the trip for Tuesday or Wednesday.

Thank you all.

Eloise,

I forgot to thank you for the rec of the San Stefano churches. I am going to take a couple of pages on Bologna from one of my many old Italy guidebooks, but I usually do so much more reading and research. Bologna will sort of be a "winging it" thing for us. As I said, I just decided on it.

I crack me up: my idea of spontaneity is going to Bologna for a day with Fodor recs, Plotkin pages, and a some guide book pages. This is as opposed to months of reading every available piece of information. ;-) I feel so loose and fancy free!

You and me both!!