A TRIP ROUTE
IT IS WORTH KNOWING
Bologna is the seat of the oldest university in the world (next to the Sorbonne in Paris), which was famous for its high level of law studies. It was here that the revival of Roman law took place on the basis of copies of Justinian's Code brought from the dilapidated Ravenna. Bolognese the university called by its pupils Alma Mater (Nursing Mother) was a model for many younger universities, including Cracow Academy, founded by Casimir the Great in 1364. Over the centuries, the Bologna General Study has been visited by many well-known Poles: Wincenty Kadłubek (bishop of Kraków and chronicler), Iwo Odrowąż (bishop of Kraków), Andrzej Krzycki (humanist, poet, Primate of Poland), Bernard Wapowski (astronomer, historian, cartographer, secretary of King Sigismund the Old), Wojciech Oczko (father of Polish medicine) and many other. Separately, it is necessary to mention Nicolaus Copernicus, whose studies were commemorated with a bust in Archiginnasio and a commemorative plaque on the wall of the house at 65 Via Galliera where the young Copernicus made observations of the moon to solve a problem with Ptolemy's theory.INTERESTING STORIES
On April 21, 1945, the Polish 2nd Corps occupied Bologna. The battle for this city is mentioned next to the battles for Monte Cassino or Ancona as one of the largest in the West with the participation of the Polish Army. It was also the last battle of General Władysław Anders' 2nd Corps. In fights 300 Polish soldiers were killed and 600 wounded. The entire battle took its name from the capture of Bologna, but the main combat actions took place much earlier. General Clark planned this operation to circumvent the German forces bilaterally. it was for the destruction of the 10th German Army and the establishment of pincers. The right wing was the British Eighth Army and the left was the US Fifth Army. Branches The 2nd Corps came across elite German units. In front of the Poles stood, among others, the same 1st Parachute Rifle Division, which participated in the main combat operations at Monte Casino, the 4th Parachute Division and the 26th Armored Division. The Poles broke up with German troops and entered the city, greeted enthusiastically by the population. The 9th Carpathian Rifle Battalion received the name "Bologna", and 17 of its commanders received honorary citizenship of the city. The Senate of Bologna presented Polish soldiers with 215 specially minted commemorative coins medals (www.dzieje.pl).June 2023
I planned a trip to Emilia Romagna two months in advance. Imagine my horror when two weeks before my leaving, I heard on TV about the catastrophic floods in the region. Well, once again man turns out to be small compared to power nature. Fortunately, the element let go, and the Italians dealt with removing the damage quite quickly.
It was a fantastic, emotional week filled with sightseeing, taking photos and enjoying the Italian vibe. Unfortunately, the weather did not spoil me, although I caught a few sunny days. But it wasn't warm enough for me to take a bath, although the beach in Rimini tempted with golden sand, and in the Adriatic Sea a few daredevils were tempered. It wasn't without either unnecessary emotions. I inadvertently got on a train going in the opposite direction to what I had intended, luckily I figured it out quickly and got out. I ended up losing a few euros and learning, which will certainly be useful in my next trips.ITALY
Bologna
Bologna is a beautiful city that I definitely underestimated. Its showcase is one of the oldest in Europe universities and an almost 4 km long portico leading to the sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, which is on the Unesco World Heritage List. However, the medieval tower Torre Asinelli made the biggest impression on me, measuring 97 meters high.
Rimini
In Riminia I had the opportunity to relax a bit and laze around on the beach. Contrary to appearances, this popular holiday resort hides numerous remains of the ancient city of Ariminium such as the ruins of the amphitheater, the Arch of Augustus and the impressive stone Tiberius Bridge from the 1st century AD However, the most interesting monument is the church of St. Francis, in which condottiere Sigismondo Malatesta arranged a mausoleum for himself.
Ravenna
Ravenna is one of those places that you remember for life. This is due to Byzantine mosaics, decorating churches, chapels and baptisteries, inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List. The most beautiful ones are in the basilica San Vitale, but I was equally impressed by the mosaics decorating the mausoleum of Gaul Placidia, the Arian baptistery and the Basilica of St. Apollinaris in Classe.
Ferrara
Wandering the cobbled streets of Ferrara, shaded by brick houses, churches and palaces, is a real pleasure forsenses. That's probably why the entire historic center of the city has been inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List. Was quite a disappointment for me, the fact of maintenance work in the cathedral of St. Jerzy, but I quickly forgot about this inconvenience while admiring the impressive gallery of painting in Palazzo dei Diamanti.
Modena
I visited Modena in the rain, which always detracts from the attractiveness of a given place. Unfortunately, it was also Monday a day when most museums and galleries are closed. I came here to see the World Heritage Site Unesco Romanesque cathedral, famous for one of the greatest rood screens that have survived to our times. I have to admit that I was not disappointed.
SAN MARINO
San Marino
San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world located on the slopes of Monte Titano. The buildings look a bit like a city Gibraltar, but on a much smaller scale. According to guidebooks, in the capital, apart from fabulous views of the area and shops with cheap alcohol and perfumes there are not many attractions. One of them is the medieval fortress Rocca Guaita, surrounded by an impressive triple ring of walls.