Podcast

The Journey Home 2025 — Bologna

16th Century spy camera.

We had an excellent guide in Bologna provided by Phil~italy. One the most fascinating parts of the tour was the tour of the Jewish ghetto.

The Bologna Ghetto was established in 1556 when the Jewish community in Bologna was confined to a small, enclosed area near Via dell’Inferno. It was created by papal decree under Pope Paul IV, a decision that reflected the broader policies of the Catholic Church to segregate and control Jewish populations. Life in the ghetto was marked by discrimination, economic hardship, and restrictions on movement, though the community maintained its cultural and religious traditions. In 1593, the Jews were expelled from Bologna altogether, and the ghetto was emptied. Today, the former ghetto area is a vibrant part of the city, with signs and landmarks commemorating its historical significance.

During the Black Plague, the Jewish community in Bologna, like many others in Europe, faced increased persecution as they were often scapegoated for the spread of the disease. Within the Bologna Ghetto, residents endured harsh living conditions, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to medical care, which likely exacerbated the impact of the plague on the population. Despite their suffering, the Jewish community demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining their traditions even in the face of disease and discrimination.

One of the lesser-known facts about the Neptune Fountain is the optical illusion ingeniously designed by Giambologna. From a specific angle, Neptune’s thumb aligns perfectly with his groin, creating the illusion of an erect phallus. This subtle rebellion against the church’s censorship showcases Giambologna’s cleverness and perhaps a hidden critique of the era’s moral constraints.

When booking with Phil~italy mention Italian Roots and Genealogy

 

One of the best places we ate on the entire trip was Osteria Da Fortunata. Fresh pasta made as you watch in the window.

The kids made a trip to a special illusion exhibition being held in Bologna.

And of course there were other great sites to see such as the canal that is partially underground, churches and the clock tower.

We also made a new friend, Bruno, who holds an important job with the RR. He guided us through the station and got us taxi’s to our apartment.

Our Apartment was the Micaela by Everyday Apartments. Great place, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, very clean with washer and full kitchen. Highly recommended.

Next stop day trip to Modena

The Journey Home 2023 — Bari

Click here to join out Facebook group Ancient ruins just down the street Halfway through our trip found us in Bari. We took the train from Taranto, about 90 minutes and very reasonable at about 9 Euros per person. The train was spotless inside and out and very comfortable. We could have walked from the train to our B & B, but it’s good that we did not as we would have gotten lost in

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Τhe Journey Home – Day 2 – Naples

Click here to join out Facebook group One of the things I really wanted to try was the Frecciarossa fast train from Rome to Naples, and in a sense we did try it. When we arrived at the station I noticed that there were a lot of delays up to 60 minutes and increasing. That being said our train was not showing any. We were due to leave at 4 PM and our train was

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The Journey Home — Day 1 — Rome

https://www.italiangenealogy.blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/99662202-F1C7-4940-8D8E-01C538A49B17.mov Click here to join out Facebook group So after seven days finally a bit of time to write a blog about day one in Rome. BITN booked us into the Floris Hotel on Via Nazionale. Very convenient and about a ten minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, if you go in the right direction. Make a left out of the hotel. If you make a right you are just two minutes from the Metro

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Bob

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