← Maratona del Lamone·1 night

Bologna: Arcades, Towers and a Proper Dinner

One night in Bologna gives a flat arcaded walk, the market streets of the Quadrilatero and a late dinner before a flight from Bologna airport.

Duration1 night
TransitTrenitalia regional train with one change, about 1 h 30 to 2 h 15
DepartsRussi

After the Maratona del Lamone: Bologna

The Route: Russi → Bologna Centrale → Bologna Marconi Airport (BLQ) Logistics: Regional train with one change. Journey planners give roughly 1 hour 30 to 2 hours 15. Marathon Month: April Duration: 1 night

Russi ──(about 1h30-2h15, one change)──> Bologna Centrale ──(airport link or taxi)──> Bologna Marconi (BLQ)

Bologna sits 65 km from Russi by road, and the Maratona del Lamone finishes on a Sunday morning, which leaves the afternoon for the trip. Journey planners show no direct train from Russi and one change, with a journey time from about an hour and a half to over two hours, and only a few departures. Check Trenitalia for the day, and treat a taxi to a faster station as the fallback.

April in Bologna is mild and rain is common, which suits a city built for walking under cover. The porticoes, which line long stretches of the central streets, give shelter and level ground. Weekends in spring tend to be busy, so book a room near the station or Piazza Maggiore before the race, when more rooms are available.

The walk

The flat circuit is Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, the Two Towers and the market lanes of the Quadrilatero. The distance is under two kilometres and there are benches in the squares. Skip the long climb to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. The covered portico that leads up to it is roughly four kilometres long, and it is steep enough to be a poor idea on marathon legs. Keep it for another trip.

Food

Bologna's food is the reason for the night. Expect tagliatelle with ragù, tortellini in broth and mortadella from the delicatessens of the Quadrilatero. The city's restaurants fill early on Saturday and Sunday evenings, so book a table. Ask the hotel for current recommendations, because opening days change.

Where to stay

Stay near Piazza Maggiore or the Centrale station. Both are flat and have the quickest access to the airport link. Bologna airport is the departure point for this trip.

Getting Home

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is connected to Bologna Centrale by a direct people-mover, which takes about seven minutes, or by taxi. Check the current operating hours and fare before relying on it for an early flight.