Think Bologna, and picture that perfect Christmas getaway you’ve been dreaming about all your life. It’s a magical city home to endless history and some of the finest Italian foods known to man.

Bologna has over 40km of arches throughout the relatively small city. The best way to see these is by completing the Portico of San Luca walk, which takes you through 666 arches from the centre of Bologna to a stunning church that overlooks the city.

At the top you reach the mysterious ‘Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita’.

Simoni Laboratorio

Parmesan, arguably the worlds most famous and loved cheese, can only be produced in certain areas of Italy and one of these is Bologna. Here the narrow cobbled streets are lined with endless cheese, ham and wine shops, which your eyes can feast on while your arteries weep.

Adesso Pasta

Pasta is absolutely everywhere in Bologna and I can confirm it’s bloody good. Here is the seafood dish I had @adessopasta_official and yes, this was just for me.

Christmas Market

Christmas markets laced with spices.

Text and photographs by The Undercover Food Critic, 21st November, 2018. More Information:  @the_undercover_food_critic