Piazza di Porta Santo Stefano, Bologna

Piazza Santo Stefano is a charming cobble-stone piazza, one of the most magical historical places in the city. It is surrounded by beautiful old noble family palazzos and seems to be an entity in itself. Stories abound about the origins of the Basilica Santuario di Santo Stefano but it seems probable that it was first a Roman temple which was dedicated to the worship of Isis. It is also said that St Ambrose buried here the remains of the protomartyrs, Vitale and Agricola. It was conquered by the Lombards and visited by Charlemagne. Leopardi and Giorgio Morandi used to love coming here as part of their afternoon walks.

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