Green oasis in the soul of Bologna
February 01 2024
BOLOGNA 
Green oasis in the soul of Bologna
Bologna, a city of history and warm-colored architectures hidden behind its ancient walls, also offers an unexpected and peaceful side: the urban gardens. For those who feel the need to escape from the rush of the city center, the green parks and botanical gardens of the city provide a rejuvenating refuge, and the Hotel Commercianti, located in the heart of the city, it’s close to everything. You can enjoy these green city oases with a nice walk or a bike ride, forgetting about your car, thanks to our Hotel with private parking in Bologna .
Public parks: the oasis of peace in the city
Only a few steps away from our boutique hotel in the city center, you will find a park, Giardini Margherita, immersed in the heart of Bologna.These green lumgs of the city welcome numerous tourists and are inspired by the enchanting English romantic parks. The ‘’Giardini Margherita’’ offer tourists and locals charming avenues nestled among lush trees, a majestic lake bordered by fake plaster rocks, large picnic-perfect lawns, and green oak groves. The natural environment is enriched by a great treasure of mainly exotic tree specimens, completing the landscape of this true Bolognese jewel. It is an oasis of peace surrounded by the city's green, where you can relax, engage in sports, or simply enjoy an aperitif by the lake.
But it is not the only public park in the city: the ‘’Parco della Montagnola’’, near the station, is the oldest green area in the city. It has been open to the public since 1662, after being reclaimed from a place filled with debris and waste. Its current appearance dates back to the 19th century, after Napoleon's arrival, but the real transformation took place towards the end of the century, in 1896, when the Pincio staircase was added to the Parco della Montagnola, becoming one of its distinctive elements. This staircase offers a spectacular view of Porta Galliera. Under the shade of its centuries-old plane trees, it hosts numerous outdoor events, and for vintage lovers, we recommend visiting it on Friday and Saturday mornings, when the park turns into a large flea market.
The Parco di Villa Spada is one of the most enjoyable "hillside" areas for those who decide to take a beautiful walk amidst nature and history. The neoclassical villa is surrounded by an elegant Italian garden. As you climb the hill, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Bologna! Other noteworthy parks are the Parco di Villa Angeletti and the Giardini del Guasto, lesser-known destinations in the center but equally beautiful and romantic. It takes little to discover Bologna through its parks, which can be reached by foot or by bike from our hotel with bycicle rental .
The wonders of private gardens
Walking through the twisting streets of the city center, it’s impossible not to notice the houses with seemingly normal facades, which instead hide enchanting glimpses of private gardens. The FAI Association organizes spring and autumn events every year that allow these hidden gems to be opened to the public. A walk through the most beautiful private courtyards of the city is an unforgettable experience, as it allows you to explore the city from a different perspective; it is a unique opportunity that allows you to venture into alternative paths and admire breathtaking views, fascinating corners of the city, and lush tree specimens. You can appreciate the abundance of different plant species, the wonderful blossoms in all their splendor, and admire the historical or modern design of the numerous green spaces.
The flora of Bologna at the botanical garden
The botanical garden and herbarium of the University of Bologna originated in the 16th century primarily for educational purposes and is currently considered the fourth oldest among gardens in Europe, preceded only by those in Pisa, Padua, and Florence. Spanning 2 hectares with 5,000 plants including greenhouses and gardens, it is a must-visit for nature lovers. Upon entering, you first encounter the Front Garden, abundant with tree species. Continuing on, you arrive at the Back Garden, famous for its broadleaf forest, a unique characteristic of Bologna. The four greenhouses of the Botanical Garden are each dedicated to different types of plants: succulents, tropical plants, and carnivorous plants. But that's not all! In the next section of the garden, there is the Herb Garden, where medicinal plants can be found, the wood of Golenal, representing a typical area of the Emilian plain, a pond, and a rock garden, featuring a wide variety of rocks. The green of the "Red City" is an unmissable destination for every traveler in search of a rejuvenating break.
Take a walk in Bologna
Bologna is not just a city with a red, elegant architecture and a rich history, but it also hides a multitude of public and private parks that offer a moment of tranquility in the lushest greenery. These magical and rejuvenating places allow you to escape from the daily grind and enjoy the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves, the colors of the flowers, and the splendor of natural surroundings. Whether you are a nature lover or simply looking for a walk among the city's oldest trees, Bologna will surprise you with its beauty. The Hotel dei Commercianti awaits you in Piazza Maggiore, just 10 minutes from Bologna’s central train station to take you on a walk on the greenery and the story of the city.
Return
Bologna, a city of history and warm-colored architectures hidden behind its ancient walls, also offers an unexpected and peaceful side: the urban gardens. For those who feel the need to escape from the rush of the city center, the green parks and botanical gardens of the city provide a rejuvenating refuge, and the Hotel Commercianti, located in the heart of the city, it’s close to everything. You can enjoy these green city oases with a nice walk or a bike ride, forgetting about your car, thanks to our Hotel with private parking in Bologna .
Public parks: the oasis of peace in the city
Only a few steps away from our boutique hotel in the city center, you will find a park, Giardini Margherita, immersed in the heart of Bologna.These green lumgs of the city welcome numerous tourists and are inspired by the enchanting English romantic parks. The ‘’Giardini Margherita’’ offer tourists and locals charming avenues nestled among lush trees, a majestic lake bordered by fake plaster rocks, large picnic-perfect lawns, and green oak groves. The natural environment is enriched by a great treasure of mainly exotic tree specimens, completing the landscape of this true Bolognese jewel. It is an oasis of peace surrounded by the city's green, where you can relax, engage in sports, or simply enjoy an aperitif by the lake.
But it is not the only public park in the city: the ‘’Parco della Montagnola’’, near the station, is the oldest green area in the city. It has been open to the public since 1662, after being reclaimed from a place filled with debris and waste. Its current appearance dates back to the 19th century, after Napoleon's arrival, but the real transformation took place towards the end of the century, in 1896, when the Pincio staircase was added to the Parco della Montagnola, becoming one of its distinctive elements. This staircase offers a spectacular view of Porta Galliera. Under the shade of its centuries-old plane trees, it hosts numerous outdoor events, and for vintage lovers, we recommend visiting it on Friday and Saturday mornings, when the park turns into a large flea market.
The Parco di Villa Spada is one of the most enjoyable "hillside" areas for those who decide to take a beautiful walk amidst nature and history. The neoclassical villa is surrounded by an elegant Italian garden. As you climb the hill, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Bologna! Other noteworthy parks are the Parco di Villa Angeletti and the Giardini del Guasto, lesser-known destinations in the center but equally beautiful and romantic. It takes little to discover Bologna through its parks, which can be reached by foot or by bike from our hotel with bycicle rental .
The wonders of private gardens
Walking through the twisting streets of the city center, it’s impossible not to notice the houses with seemingly normal facades, which instead hide enchanting glimpses of private gardens. The FAI Association organizes spring and autumn events every year that allow these hidden gems to be opened to the public. A walk through the most beautiful private courtyards of the city is an unforgettable experience, as it allows you to explore the city from a different perspective; it is a unique opportunity that allows you to venture into alternative paths and admire breathtaking views, fascinating corners of the city, and lush tree specimens. You can appreciate the abundance of different plant species, the wonderful blossoms in all their splendor, and admire the historical or modern design of the numerous green spaces.
The flora of Bologna at the botanical garden
The botanical garden and herbarium of the University of Bologna originated in the 16th century primarily for educational purposes and is currently considered the fourth oldest among gardens in Europe, preceded only by those in Pisa, Padua, and Florence. Spanning 2 hectares with 5,000 plants including greenhouses and gardens, it is a must-visit for nature lovers. Upon entering, you first encounter the Front Garden, abundant with tree species. Continuing on, you arrive at the Back Garden, famous for its broadleaf forest, a unique characteristic of Bologna. The four greenhouses of the Botanical Garden are each dedicated to different types of plants: succulents, tropical plants, and carnivorous plants. But that's not all! In the next section of the garden, there is the Herb Garden, where medicinal plants can be found, the wood of Golenal, representing a typical area of the Emilian plain, a pond, and a rock garden, featuring a wide variety of rocks. The green of the "Red City" is an unmissable destination for every traveler in search of a rejuvenating break.
Take a walk in Bologna
Bologna is not just a city with a red, elegant architecture and a rich history, but it also hides a multitude of public and private parks that offer a moment of tranquility in the lushest greenery. These magical and rejuvenating places allow you to escape from the daily grind and enjoy the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves, the colors of the flowers, and the splendor of natural surroundings. Whether you are a nature lover or simply looking for a walk among the city's oldest trees, Bologna will surprise you with its beauty. The Hotel dei Commercianti awaits you in Piazza Maggiore, just 10 minutes from Bologna’s central train station to take you on a walk on the greenery and the story of the city.