Ep 2. Bologna
- January 1, 2017
- 24 min
-
(5)
Dream of Italy is a captivating, informative and inspiring television show that explores the cultural, culinary and historical riches of Italy. In Season 2 Episode 2, viewers get to experience the enchanting city of Bologna through the eyes of host Kathy McCabe.
Bologna, known as La Grassa (the fat) for its delicious cuisine and La Dotta (the learned) for its prestigious university, is a city full of surprises. From the iconic Piazza Maggiore to the ancient University of Bologna, the episode takes viewers on a tour of the city's most significant landmarks.
The episode also showcases Bologna's culinary traditions by taking viewers on a tour of the bustling open-air market, Mercato di Mezzo. Here, Kathy meets local vendor Primi di Emilia and learns about the art of making tortellini, a traditional pasta dish from the Emilia-Romagna region. Kathy also visits a charming bakery, Le Sfogline, where she watches dough being handmade and shaped into various types of bread, including the famous torta di riso (rice pie).
Bologna is a city with a rich artistic history, and the episode takes viewers on a tour of the Pinacoteca Nazionale, one of Italy's most significant collections of Renaissance art. Kathy admires masterpieces from renowned artists like Guido Reni and Giovanni Battista Moroni, while also learning about lesser-known artists who contributed to the city's vibrant art scene.
The episode also highlights Bologna's musical heritage by taking viewers to an opera rehearsal at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. Here, Kathy meets with director Roberto Abbado and vocal coach Anna Maria Bruzzese to learn about the city's long-standing opera tradition. The show also features an interview with Maggie O'Neill, an American who moved to Bologna to study opera at the city's Conservatorio di Musica.
Overall, Season 2 Episode 2 of Dream of Italy is a delightful journey into the heart of one of Italy's most intriguing cities. With its perfect blend of art, music, and cuisine, Bologna is an essential destination for anyone interested in experiencing the best that Italy has to offer.
