A trip to Bologna was never part of my plans. But everything changed because of a Roger Waters concert. The Pink Floyd legend, a musician whose music shaped entire generations, was giving two concerts in Bologna. I simply could not miss the opportunity to see one of my favorite musicians and bass players live.
But together with the concert, I got much more. I discovered an entire city that left me with warm memories and stayed with me long after the trip.
The Famous Porticoes of Bologna
This is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a true symbol of Bologna. At some point I came across the total length of Bologna’s porticoes, and the number was impressive. But reading about it and seeing it with your own eyes are two very different things.
At first, I thought this architectural feature existed only in the city center. But it quickly became clear that the porticoes stretch across almost the entire historic part of Bologna. Wherever we went, they were there. Even the monastery on the hill, which offers a beautiful view of the city, can be reached almost entirely under the porticoes.
They do have one unpleasant feature. The air underneath them barely circulates. And unfortunately, the smell of urine followed me in many places. This was in April, far from the hottest month of the year. I can only imagine what it is like during the summer Even so, the porticoes remain one of the most memorable and recognizable symbols of Bologna, despite this noticeable drawback.
The Towers of Bologna
The city has another iconic feature — its medieval towers, which can be found throughout the old part of town.
The towers themselves did not impress me that much. They are simply tall buildings without any remarkable architectural decoration. But together, across the city skyline, they create a unique and recognizable character.
The most famous are Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda. They stand in the very center of Bologna. Tall, slightly leaning, and visible from many parts of the city. You can buy a ticket and climb one of them. Normally I enjoy climbing towers and similar structures, but this time, for some reason, I decided to admire them from below. Still, their location and presence make them especially memorable.
A City Through Time
Although this was not a full vacation and was closer to a short city trip, I still spent an entire week in Bologna. I wanted to see more than just the tourist side of the city. I wanted to experience a little of its everyday life.
The first thing I noticed was that Bologna felt cleaner than some other Italian cities, where waste management problems have long become part of the urban landscape. And although the issue with the porticoes remains, the city as a whole leaves a very positive impression.
On April 25, Italy’s Liberation Day, we were returning from a walk when we reached the main square. Hundreds of Italians had gathered there and were singing Bella Ciao, the famous song of the Italian resistance movement. And I have to admit — Italians really know how to sing.
It is also worth mentioning that Bologna is a university city. It is home to the oldest continuously operating university in Europe, and there are so many students that their presence can be felt everywhere. The contrast is especially striking: among the historic buildings, squares, and medieval towers, there are always young people with bright and curious minds.
Roger Waters
On the last day of my stay in Bologna, the event that started this entire journey finally arrived.
To be honest, I had almost accepted the idea that I would never attend a Roger Waters concert. After all, he was already 79 years old at the time. Because of his age, I expected something closer to a tribute show, where the supporting musicians would do most of the work while the star simply appeared on stage. I was completely wrong. At 79, Waters performed with an energy that many younger musicians could only dream of. The concert was powerful, emotional, and incredibly alive.
For me, it remains one of my strongest musical memories. After all, the music of Pink Floyd and Roger Waters has been part of my life for a very long time.
More Than a Concert
And yet, despite the unforgettable experience of the concert, music is not the only thing I remember.
I remember the porticoes, the towers, the squares, and the rhythm of the city itself. And although, as a bass player, the concert was the main reason for this trip, Bologna became much more than just a place where the concert happened.