Bologna
A maze of colourful, fragrant alleys, the Quadrilatero is Bologna's historic market, heir to the city's medieval commercial heart. Among delis, fishmongers and florists, this is where you breathe the city's food soul. Your treasure map guides you through streets that still bear the names of the old trades.
History
The Quadrilatero occupies the area right next to Piazza Maggiore where, since the Middle Ages, Bologna's crafts and trade were concentrated. The street names still give away the old trades that were based here: via Pescherie Vecchie (old fish markets), via Drapperie (drapers), via Orefici (goldsmiths), via Caprarie (goat butchers). This layout goes back to the organisation of the medieval guilds, which grouped shops by trade.
What to see
Walking through the narrow alleys you find stalls overflowing with fruit, vegetables, cheeses and typical Emilian cured meats such as mortadella, prosciutto and parmigiano. The fishmongers display their fish on old marble counters, while bakeries and pastry shops turn out local specialities.
There are also wine bars and historic osterie (traditional taverns) where you can taste tortellini, tigelle (small round flatbreads) and the wines of the Bolognese hills.
Curiosities
The name "Quadrilatero" (quadrilateral) comes from the roughly rectangular shape of the area enclosed by a few main streets. This corner of the city is the heir of the Mercato di Mezzo, already documented in the 12th century: a true temple of Bolognese cooking.
Visiting
The Quadrilatero is free to explore on foot, just round the corner from Piazza Maggiore. The morning market hours are ideal for catching its liveliest atmosphere, while in the evening outdoor tables bring the area to life at aperitivo time.
