Our visit to Dozza reminded us that there’s good street art to be found here in Bologna, too – right in our own neighbourhood, in fact.

In the heady days of the Roman Empire, Via del Pratello, a narrow street about a kilometre north of us, was home to many of Bologna’s elite. But it was outside the city’s second wall and surrounded by meadows (or prati), so its importance waned.

But with the opening of Bologna University in 1088 – Europe’s first university – Via del Pratello made a comeback. Students flooded into the city and were attracted to the area as an inexpensive place to live. Over the centuries Via del Pratello rose again in popularity, but never regained its noble status.

By the 20th century, the area was said to be inhabited by people of questionable character. In the 60s and 70s, it was a centre of student activism. Bologna’s Juvenile Court and detention centre are located on Via del Pratello.

But times change and now there’s a new vibe in the area. Many students still live on and around Via del Pratello and, while the street is generally quiet by day, at night and on weekends the countless bars and restaurants along here fill to overflowing. It’s loud and crowded and fun.

Via del Pratello is a great place for dinner; but for those like us whose student days are long gone, it’s probably best to do a Cinderella and be away before midnight – in case the magic disappears!