When it comes to vacationing in Italy, many travelers will visit its most popular cities, such as Rome, Milan and Florence. While these cities should be visited during your trip to Italy, you are recommended to go farther to the northern part of Italy to spend a couple of days in Bologna, a city that is both full of history and is dynamic at the same time. Spend half a day strolling around the Piazza Maggiore, a popular square that is loaded with a number of classic buildings, along with shops and cafes. Also, stop by the Basilica di San Petronio, a gothic church famous for its 22 chapels. While you are exploring as many attractions as possible, be sure to go hunting for souvenirs before going back to your hometown. Don’t know what to buy? Read on to learn more about the top things to buy in Bologna, Italy.
1. Garganelli comb
Since Bologna, and the whole of Italy, is known for its pasta dishes, you may want to challenge yourself by preparing your own Italian dishes once you get home. To roll Italian dough perfectly, you need what is called a Garganelli comb. This comb, made of wood, is particularly useful if you want to whip up traditional egg pasta.
2. Pasta
Of course, why buy a Garganelli comb when you can buy the pasta already made? In Italy, there are numerous pasta types and you may be tempted to buy all the shapes if you are truly fond of the food. But this is nearly impossible and buying only a few types is alright, too. The most famous pasta types to try include tortellini, macaroni, penne, spaghetti, vermicelli and fusilli.
3. Cheese
Italy is a food paradise, you may already know this fact. Other than pasta, it is also well-known for its cheese. Similar to its pasta, the country boasts a wide variety of Italian cheeses. Among these cheeses, the most popular and loved by locals include parmesan, pecorino, grana Padano and asiago. You do not have to buy too many, just grab some of your favorites.
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4. Leather tortellini
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One of the most unique souvenirs from Bologna that you will not want to miss buying is some leather tortellini. Resembling the shape of the well-known pasta, leather tortellini is made by the real hands of artists with real leather. Since this is a unique souvenir, it is highly recommended to buy a lot of them and hang them wherever you like. It makes a perfect souvenir for all of your loved ones, too.
5. Truffle products
When you are having your adventure in Bologna, it would be impossibly difficult not to be tempted by a wide selection of dishes available. You may be wondering why every dish that you sample has an exquisite taste. One of the key factors is the use of truffles. Northern Italian dishes, like the ones in Bologna, are known for using truffles, not just the black ones but also the white ones.
In Italy alone, you can expect to find at least eight varieties of truffle. Of course, with all the varieties comes a variety of truffle products, too. From truffle-infused olive oil and truffle pasta to truffle sea salt and truffle bread – all these amazing truffle products can be found across Bologna.
6. FIAT Cremino chocolate
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Good news for you, Bologna is also a great place for you to buy chocolate, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth later on. If the usual type of chocolate does not appeal to you anymore, you should go for Cremino chocolate.
Originating in Northern Italy, Cremino chocolate is made with three layers. The two outer layers are made from gianduja chocolate, while the layer in the middle is made from different flavors of paste, most commonly hazelnut, lemon and coffee. One of the highly popular versions of Cremino chocolate in this region is a collaboration with the car company FIAT, which is why you need to look for FIAT Cremino chocolates.
7. Pellegrino Artusi cookbook
Food lovers are going to love traveling in Bologna because there are many options for souvenirs related to food. A Pellegrino Artusi cookbook is another souvenir for a foodie like you. Pellegrino Artusi was a renowned Italian pilgrim, writer and businessman. His most famous cookbooks are “Science in the Kitchen”, “The Art of Eating Well” and “Italian Cookbook”.
What makes his cookbooks unique is that they contain more than 790 recipes, but also ideas and proposals. From appetizers and desserts to soups and side dishes, he covers them all.
8. Italian perfume
Let’s not talk about food for a moment because, while Italy is famous for its delectable cuisine, the country is also known for its perfume. Many world-class brands come from Italy. The top perfume brands include Giorgio Armani, Prada, Gucci, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana. Italian perfumes are excellent gifts for those who are dearest to you, considering that they can be quite costly, but they make the perfect, exclusive souvenir for someone you love.
9. Bolognese tarots
Last but not least, Bolognese tarots complete the list of the top things to buy in Bologna, Italy. You may not be aware that one of the traditions in Bologna, as well as across Italy, is playing card games. The local people, especially older men, are fond of playing card games while drinking a glass of wine.
The most popular card game in Bologna is a tarot game. That is why you need to buy yourself a pack of Bolognese tarots. Even though you may not understand how to play the game, what is most important is the unique design of each tarot card that will remind you of your trip in Bologna.
Do not leave Bologna without bringing home some souvenirs
As you can see, now that you have come to the end of the article, Bologna is full of not only wonderful attractions, but also interesting things to buy. Which souvenirs are your favorite? Buy them and bring them home with you. Don’t just buy for yourself – also remember your loved ones! These souvenirs can help you remember the good vacation you had in Bologna.
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