Sasso Marconi
& Bologna

An elegant wood-paneled landmark and the benchmark for Tortellini in Brodo in Bologna. Old-world professional service, seasonal mushrooms, and a quiet refinement that most of the louder osterias can't match.

A historic trattoria with a contemporary edge. Famous for award-winning sfoglia — hand-rolled pasta at its finest — and creative twists on tradition. Romantic atmosphere blending rustic brick and modern design. The Sunday lasagna needs weeks of advance notice.

A warm, wood-lined room just south of the center — practically on your way from Borgo 19. Intimate, unpretentious service and a deep local wine list. Gramigna with sausage and homemade pastas done exactly as they should be. The kind of place locals actually go.

Set in Parco Cavaioni with an expansive garden and panoramic hill views. A "shabby chic" farmhouse trattoria ideal for long weekend lunches — grilled meats, fresh pasta, and ingredients from the property. One of the best combinations of landscape and food near Borgo 19.

A legendary Michelin-starred institution in Savigno built on a "forest to table" philosophy. Truffle and mushroom-centric dishes sourced from the surrounding woods, ancient grain pastas, and seasonal game. One of the finest meal experiences in all of Emilia-Romagna — reserve well ahead.

Bologna's only Michelin-starred restaurant in the historic center, set inside the restored frescoes of the former Teatro Eden. A theatrical, formal experience with creative Mediterranean-Emilian fusion. Complex reinterpretations of local staples like tortellini. The special-occasion table in Bologna.

Mortadella, Parmigiano wheels, aged balsamic, and fresh egg pasta under one medieval roof. Go in the morning before tour groups arrive. Budget for extras — you will buy things you didn't plan to buy.

A moderate 2-hour loop through vineyards and forests, passing a medieval abbey with panoramic views over the valley. One of the most rewarding trails within easy reach of Borgo 19 — finish lunch at Ca' Shin on the way back.

A stunning reservoir in the Apennine highlands. In summer, locals swim here and kayak rentals are available. A 40-minute drive through spectacular mountain scenery — combine with a morning hike for a full day out.

Walk the longest portico in the world — 3.6km of continuous arcade leading up to the Santuario di San Luca. Go in the evening when the light turns gold and the students fill the bars below. One of Italy's great free experiences.

Guglielmo Marconi invented radio in this very town. His hilltop villa is now a fascinating and intimate museum. Small, unhurried, and genuinely moving — allow two hours and pair it with a walk through the grounds.

A surreal 19th-century castle mixing Moorish and Gothic architecture, built by Count Cesare Mattei. One of the most visually striking buildings in the region — most visitors to Bologna never see it. Book tickets in advance, go on a weekday.

A hilltop clearing where locals gather at dusk. On clear evenings you can see Bologna's Two Towers glowing in golden hour light and the Po Valley stretching to the horizon. Ask us at check-in — we'll draw you the route.

One of the best-preserved Etruscan cities in Italy, just 20 minutes from Borgo 19 — and almost entirely unknown outside of specialists. Walk a 2,500-year-old urban grid in near-solitude. Start early on a Sunday and have it to yourself.