We were in a superb location in Bologna, at PIAZZA XX SETTEMBRE, very near to both the bus (AUTOSTAZIONE) and train (STAZIONE CENTRALE) stations.
Our 4th floor apartment had a great view, with the very impressive PORTA GALLIERA across from us, and the wonderful steps leading to GIARDINO PIAZZA XX to the right, easily seen from our balcony.
Valeria greeted us in person and was kindness itself. She supplied us with a file of information, including local attractions and eating places, both nearby and further afield, together with a good supply of tourist books and maps.
Security is very good, with keys to the apartment, lift and building.
In the apartment, which is very clean and of a generous size, there was a kitchen with plenty of crockery, cutlery, saucepans, oven and microwave.
There was a large utility room, which was very helpful, plus a washing machine in the bathroom.
For local groceries, we were above the Ukrainian MIX MARKT, and the CONAD supermarket wasn't too far away. For paninis and filled sandwiches, and wonderful filled croissants, there was the BAR BIANCO in the nearby VIALE PIETRAMELLARA - across the zebra crossings - a sort of mini shopping centre with cafes, gelataria, souvenir shop etc.
Bologna is famous for its PORTICI (porticos), covered street sidewalks which protect pedestrians from the elements. You will need shoes with a good grip on a wet day though, else it is like walking on an ice rink.
The CITY RED BUS was well worth doing.
A stroll around the OLD JEWISH GHETTO was interesting, as was the famous NEPTUNE FOUNTAIN, erected around 1564, in PIZZA DEL NETTUNO, near PIAZZA MAGGIORE, and the impressive Bologna icons, the TWO LEANING TOWERS.
Valeria was a fantastic host, really helpful, and maintained a good messaging dialogue via AIRBNB. She always replied promptly to our queries, and even organised a taxi for us to the airport on our final day.
When we visit Bologna again, we will certainly try to stay with Valeria again.