San Donato & San Vitale
The San Donato-San Vitale district is located in the north-east of Bologna and was born in 2016 from the unification of the two formerly separate districts. It stretches from the avenues bordering the historical centre to the suburbs and borders the Navile and Savena districts and the municipalities of Granarolo dell'Emilia, Castenaso and San Lazzaro di Savena.
The name San Vitale refers to the ancient road of the same name that, passing through Porta San Vitale, connected the city centre with the Idice River to the east. This road, which today has the names Masserenti and Mattei, is still the district's main thoroughfare. Instead, the name San Donato is due to the church of the same name in the centre of the city.
In the past all this was a rural area, close to the surrounding countryside, then with the economic boom of the 1950s urban growth and population expansion began. At the end of the 1970s, work began on the construction of the Bologna Trade Fair, and in the early 1980s the first towers were inaugurated, but the actual completion of the work only took place in 2011.
The presence of the Fair and CUBO (Centro Unipol Bologna) make the district lively and attended by young people and students. It is also well connected by public transport: bus and train.
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What to see and do
The main attraction in the San Donato-San Vitale district is the Fiera di Bologna, a large exhibition space that is used for various types of events. For example, conferences dedicated to different sectors, from video games to agricultural machinery.
To name but a few of the events held at the exhibition centre: Salone Nautico Internazionale (International Boat Show), Mecspe, which is the international trade fair for the manufacturing industry, Autopromotec, reserved for operators in the automotive sector (machinery, equipment, systems, materials, etc.). And again Arte Fiera, entirely dedicated to artistic paths, CosmoProf, the reference exhibition for the cosmetics industry.
The Fiera District is made up of various buildings constructed over time, but the first and main ones are the towers by Kenzō Tange, a well-known Japanese architect. The towers also house administrative bodies such as the Emilia-Romagna Region.
Other notable buildings that are interesting to see are: the multifunctional pavilion and service centre by Tommaso Giura Longo, the Palazzo degli Affari by Leonardo Benevolo and Carlo Melograni, the Palazzo dei Congressi by Melchiorre Bega, and the Galleria d'Arte Moderna building by Leone Pancaldi. Also related to the latter is the Museum of Modern Art - MAMbo, located in Via Don Minzoni in the centre of Bologna, where temporary exhibitions are held.
In the San Donato-San Vitale district is also the Teatro EuropAuditorium, a large and modern theatre where shows, ballets, musicals and concerts are staged. Towards the San Donnino area is The Space Cinema Bologna, a multiplex with a full programme of screenings, including 3D.
The area also has green areas, such as the Don Bosco Park with tree-lined avenues, a footpath and some outdoor sports facilities. Perfect for those who want to spend some free time outdoors, for a moment of relaxation alone or in company.
Where to eat and drink
In the lively San Donato-San Vitale district there are several informal bars attended by students, as well as restaurants offering both street food and various specialities of Italian and international cuisine.
Let's start with the restaurants in San Donato that offer a variety of menus including starters, main courses and desserts: La Piccola Trattoria, Lambrusco - Crescentine e Tigelle, here you can find appetisers and typical dishes accompanied by regional wines, I Matti Anni 30, Ristorante Pizzeria La Perla, excellent fish dishes, Dispensa Emilia - Bologna Stalingrado, with freshly cooked tigelle and Emilian specialities.
If you are looking for a place to eat a good pizza, here are the solutions: Il Portico di San Donato, here you will also find a selection of craft beers; Il Sellaio, an informal place with exposed wooden beams. And again, Pizzeria Pantera Rosa, also wholemeal and gluten-free doughs; Pizzikotto, here the choice is truly vast from crispy pizzas to high pizzas with a large crust or even pizza by the metre.
Being a busy neighbourhood there are also several clubs and pubs where you can have a drink with friends and spend the evening. For example, Dragon Pub, craft beers and sandwiches in an easy-going place; Kik Bar, where you can also find wine and whisky; Hostaria Re Artù, where you can eat and drink, also equipped with a dehor and a large garden. Also worth mentioning is the Mercato Sonato, a former fruit and vegetable market whose spaces have been restored and is now a cultural centre where concerts, dance evenings and various events are organised.
International cuisine restaurants include: Il Mandarino and Chitao, Chinese restaurants; Zhusushi Asian Fusion, an Asian fusion restaurant; Sapori Di Aleppo, Syrian cuisine; Sweet & Salt, Pakistani kebabs and sweets.
There are also some excellent restaurants to try in Via San Vitale, such as La Taverna di Roberto, delicious tortellini in brodo and typical Bolognese lasagna, as well as all the other dishes on the menu; Osteria Buca delle Campane, a bistro of traditional dishes with a terrace and live music.
If you are looking for a pizzeria in San Vitale: La Rustica Pizzeria Osteria, Novanta6, where they offer Roman pizza, Pizzeria Spacca Napoli, for Neapolitan specialities. For ethnic food, instead, Sushiman, Nippon Ramen, Ja&ck Express Rosticceria Cinese, Indian Curry House, an Indian restaurant.
Where to go shopping
To do some shopping in San Donato, just wander the streets of the neighbourhood where you will find various businesses. Shops selling clothes, shoes, household items, bags and anything else you might need.
If you need to do your shopping, you are sure to find supermarkets or grocery shops and well-stocked shops within walking distance of your flat. There is a Coop right on Via San Donato, but also various neighbourhood convenience stores with both Italian and international products.
There are also several markets in the neighbourhood: Vag61 a farmers' market and the Sant'Anna second-hand market. Further north, beyond Via Nuvolari, is the Borgo Mascarella Commercial Park, a shopping centre with shops, restaurants, and green spaces.
Via San Vitale also has shops of all kinds and it is pleasant to walk along it to have a look at the shop windows, such as those of the various jewellers present.
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