A few nights in York has been swiftly followed by four nights in Bologna; we are back after an absence of thirteen years. I feel a great affinity with this working university city of the Italian north and last night I worked out why.
It has been raining for much of the last two days, the roads and piazzas shine.There is constant movement, a chaotic rush towards the future. The dimly lit streets bustle, umbrellas in the dark queue in long lines for over-full buses or wander across empty squares overlooked by architectural monsters – Basilica di San Petronio’s façade is deliberately unfinished. The buildings wear the dust of age, they are purposeful, lived-in and not prettified, The view upwards towards the twin peaks of Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda is obscured by trolley-bus wires.
Rain, the dirt of ages, dimly lit streets, continuous movement, this is Manchester in the 1950s – rough around the edges but safe, solid, secure.
Today we did the Ducati Factory tour at Borgo Panigale – you can guess what is coming next 🙂
northumbrian : light 
Nice recreation of the city’s vibe. You write with a really nice energy and at a good pace. Reminds me of some of the old school writers. You don’t see that much anymore. Cool post. I also miss Bologna!
Many thanks for your generous words – this morning the sun is shining in Bologna – at last 🙂
Oh that second shot, just love it. It really is all about the Ducati Factory….isn’t it?
You got it, Cate! A wonderful afternoon in motorcycle heaven – only two complaints – no photography allowed in the factory and no free samples 😀
I might skip the next post, but that middle photo is worth looking at a time or two. 🙂
Thanks Jo – there might be more than bikes on the next post – Pam tells me the shops are good too (how would I know) – all the best, R
More grand squares and arches, please 🙂 Have fun shopping!
Love the shadow on the first shot. I can sense your giddiness about the Ducati Factory. 🙂
Thanks Julie – like a kid in a sweet shop 🙂
I love Bologna, good photos
Many thanks, much appreciated.
Wonderful trio!
Thanks Harrie – Bologna is a wonderful subject
Looks wonderfully drenched in atmosphere✨💕✨
Many thanks – Drenched in atmosphere and drenched in rain but none the worse for it.☔
Amazing images, Robin. I love them all.
Many thanks, Malin – sometimes it pays to go out in the rain 😉
These are stunning. Thank you for giving me a strong lens to see Bologna through. I love the way there is so much contrast in the black and white images. The pictures are unforgettable with the level of clarity you achieve!
Many thanks Lita – I cannot recommend Bologna highly enough even if you skip the Ducati factory tour 😉