Where the loft is

The entrance is on Vicolo Viazzolo, a small dead-end lane off Via Castiglione, a few steps from Porta Castiglione, one of the old gates in Bologna's medieval city wall. Via Castiglione is one of the city's most elegant historic streets: it runs from the gate, under porticoes and past noble palazzi, up to the area of the Two Towers.

It's a rare combination: you're inside the historic centre, on a quiet street, with the locals' favourite park two minutes away and the hills just outside the gate.

Giardini Margherita (2-minute walk)

Just outside Porta Castiglione you enter Giardini Margherita, the largest park in central Bologna. Tree-lined avenues, a small lake, lawns for a picnic and space to run: perfect for a morning walk or an open-air aperitivo on summer evenings.

A walking itinerary through the old town

You can reach the whole centre without transport. A classic half-day route:

  1. Via Castiglione — walk up the street under the porticoes, past senatorial palazzi and small shops.
  2. Basilica of Santo Stefano — the "Seven Churches" complex and its square, one of the most atmospheric places in the city.
  3. The Two Towers — Asinelli and Garisenda, Bologna's symbol. Access may be restricted during safety works, so check before you go.
  4. The Quadrilatero — the lanes of the old market, with delis, cheese shops, fresh pasta and osterie.
  5. Piazza Maggiore — with the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo d'Accursio and the Fountain of Neptune.
  6. Archiginnasio — the old seat of the University, with its wooden Anatomical Theatre.

Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers are less than a 15-minute walk from the loft.

The porticoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Since 2021 the porticoes of Bologna have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk the city dry even in the rain, and Via Castiglione is a fine example. For a different morning, climb to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca along the world's longest portico, which starts at Porta Saragozza.

The hills on your doorstep

From Porta Castiglione you can walk up into the first hills: heading towards San Michele in Bosco you get one of the best views over the city's red rooftops. A perfect sunset alternative — if you're not already on the terrace.

What to eat

Bologna is nicknamed "la Grassa" (the fat one) for a reason. Don't miss tortellini in brodo, tagliatelle al ragù (the real "bolognese"), green lasagne, mortadella and a board of crescentine and tigelle. Via Castiglione and the nearby streets have trattorias, gelato shops, a bakery and breakfast bars a minute from the door — and Barbara is happy to share her favourite addresses.

Practical tips

  • The centre is best explored on foot: comfortable shoes, no car needed.
  • Groceries and breakfast are all on Via Castiglione, one minute away.
  • After a day out, the loft's terrace is the best spot for a sunset aperitivo.

To plan your arrival, read our guide How to get to Attico Castiglione.