Bolognina: make tracks for Bologna’s bustling former rail workers’ quarter
This once industrial area has been transformed into a vibrant artistic hub with a thriving food and drink scene
TL;DR
- Bolognina is a diverse, multi-ethnic neighborhood that originated as housing for railway and industrial workers.
- It offers a wide range of international cuisine, including Georgian, Ethiopian, Sichuan, and vegetarian dishes, alongside traditional Italian fare.
- The area is home to artistic cooperatives like Checkpoint Charly and cultural spaces such as the DLF park, which includes bars, a brewery, and music venues.
- Key attractions include the Holocaust memorial, the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore di Gesù, and the La Memoria di Ustica Museum.
- Bolognina features a daily market, Mercato Albani, which becomes a lively spot for bars and dining in the evenings, and a monthly flea market.
- Independent businesses like Trattoria di Via Serra and Intelligenza Artigianale showcase local crafts and traditional food.
- The neighborhood actively works to avoid gentrification, preserving its authentic local character.