En inspirerande helgresa till Italien - Florens och Bologna

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Guest writer: Miss Lopez

This weekend I finally got to return to Italy, a country that is always close to my heart. This time I visited two of my absolute favourite cities - Florence and Bologna.

For lovers of culture and art, these places are like a dream. Every street corner, every building, breathes history and beauty.

Florence - a city for art lovers

Florence is one of the most iconic destinations for those who want to experience the heart of the Italian Renaissance. Walking through its narrow streets, surrounded by majestic buildings, artworks and squares, is like wandering in a living museum. Watching the sun slowly set over the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River is an experience I never tire of. Art is everywhere, and it is impossible not to be deeply moved.

The impressive cathedral of Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore, famous for its huge dome designed by Brunelleschi.

**Wine Windows in Florence** - Small windows where wine was sold directly to Florentine citizens during the Renaissance. A unique part of the city's history.

Bologna - a gem for food lovers

After Florence, I took the train to Bologna, a city known for its rich food culture. Here you can enjoy authentic Italian pasta, great wines and the best of what Italy has to offer in terms of food.

A dish worth trying in Bologna is Tagliatelle al Ragù, a classic pasta dish that many associate with the city. Bologna is also known for its delicious mortadella-discs and the local wine Pignoletto.

Here I am eating a classic Bolognese pasta. In Tuscany, even the famous dish *bistecca alla Fiorentina* a must try. Then of course there was a lot of pasta and foccacia dishes.

Besides its food, Bologna has a charm that sets it apart from other Italian cities. With its red brick buildings and medieval architecture, the city is as historic as it is modern. It's lively but relaxing at the same time, and it was so easy to relax and just enjoy the atmosphere.

**La Piazza with the Neptune statue in Bologna** - A historic site with the famous Neptune statue, one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

Proximity between Spain and Italy

Something I really reflected on during the trip was how close Spain and Italy are, not only geographically but also culturally. The languages are very similar, and it often feels like there is a natural understanding between the two cultures.

Despite some differences, they are more similar to each other, in the same way as Swedes and Norwegians. However, there is a major difference when comparing Spaniards and Italians with Scandinavians, where the temperament and way of expressing themselves differ markedly. The energy and liveliness of the Italians is a great contrast to the more reserved Swedish mentality, which makes Italy so refreshing to visit.

Perfect weekend destination

The food, the weather, the culture - everything was perfect for a weekend break. Italy is a place where you can really enjoy life, with slow meals, walks through historic neighbourhoods and an atmosphere that makes you let go of all your worries. For me, it was a reminder that sometimes we just need to take a break and travel away to find new inspiration.

If you're looking for a weekend full of culture, art, good food and beautiful views, I can highly recommend a trip to Florence and Bologna. There's something special about Italy that makes you want to go back again and again.

For a weekend trip to Florence or Bologna, you can take direct flights from Stockholm or Gothenburg, making it quick and easy to reach these cities. I flew smoothly with Ryanair directly to Bologna.

My best tip is not to go in summer or peak season. It really is a super touristy city and it can be too much then that's why I chose to go at the end of summer.

Ponte Vecchio in Florence - In the background you can see the beautiful Ponte Vecchio bridge, a symbol of Florence and its rich history.

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Miss Lopez

Isabel López is a prominent Spanish-Swedish entrepreneur with a degree in law and sociology from Stockholm University and extensive experience as an expert in influencer marketing and social media in Sweden. In recent years, she has built a strong career in digital marketing. Since 2009, Isabel has played a central role as a digital creator under the @misslopez brand in her own company in Sweden. During her professional career, she has led, developed and participated in many online marketing projects, with particular expertise in industries such as retail, fashion, tourism, health, coaching and personal development.