Ten important skateboard spots at Bologna University
1. Piazza Maggiore
- Description: Located in the heart of Bologna, Piazza Maggiore is surrounded by historic landmarks and has a smooth, open layout that is perfect for flatground tricks and cruising. The square's polished stones offer ideal surfaces, though the area can be crowded with tourists and locals.
- Skateboarding Style: Flatground, street.
- Ambiance: Iconic and bustling.
- Accessibility: Open access, though high foot traffic may limit certain skate times.
2. Giardini Margherita
- Description: This large public park near the university is popular among skaters for its open paths and casual vibe. Some areas in the park are paved with smooth asphalt, offering enough space for skaters to practice ollies, manuals, and other tricks in a natural setting.
- Skateboarding Style: Freestyle, cruiser.
- Ambiance: Relaxed and family-friendly.
- Accessibility: Open and free; weekends can be crowded.
3. Via Zamboni
- Description: A central street near the university, Via Zamboni is lined with old buildings, cafés, and arcades. The wide sidewalks and open areas make it a solid option for street skaters looking to practice grinds and slides along ledges and railings. It also offers a taste of Bologna's student life.
- Skateboarding Style: Street, flatground.
- Ambiance: Energetic and youthful.
- Accessibility: Best in the evening when fewer pedestrians are present.
4. Parco Montagnola
- Description: One of Bologna’s oldest parks, Parco Montagnola has concrete paths and open spaces that make it a good spot for beginners and intermediate skaters. The central fountain area has a variety of ledges and benches, which can be used for tricks and grinds.
- Skateboarding Style: Freestyle, technical.
- Ambiance: Historic and laid-back.
- Accessibility: Free and open, though busy during weekends.
5. Piazza Verdi
- Description: Located near the university’s main buildings, Piazza Verdi is a popular spot among students and street artists. The area offers ledges, stairs, and open space for creative skateboarding. Due to its vibrant student culture, it’s an ideal place to connect with other skaters.
- Skateboarding Style: Street, technical.
- Ambiance: Urban and artistic.
- Accessibility: Open access; evenings are less crowded.
6. Bologna Centrale Station
- Description: While busy, certain areas around the Bologna Centrale Station offer interesting skateboarding terrain. The modern design and some of the lesser-used pathways around the station have smooth ground, benches, and ledges.
- Skateboarding Style: Urban, technical.
- Ambiance: Modern and urban.
- Accessibility: Open access, but best during off-peak hours.
7. Portico di San Luca
- Description: Stretching from the city to the Sanctuary of San Luca, this covered walkway is an architectural marvel. While technically not a skate park, the long downhill stretch provides a unique experience for longboarders or cruiser skaters. However, caution is needed due to pedestrians and limited visibility on turns.
- Skateboarding Style: Cruising, longboarding.
- Ambiance: Scenic and historic.
- Accessibility: Best in early morning or late evening when pedestrian traffic is low.
8. Mambo – Museum of Modern Art of Bologna
- Description: The area around MAMbo has open, modern spaces with smooth concrete, steps, and ledges. Skaters often practice technical tricks here as the environment is more controlled and provides creative features for skateboarding.
- Skateboarding Style: Street, technical.
- Ambiance: Artistic and modern.
- Accessibility: Open access, though security may sometimes enforce restrictions.
9. Bologna Skatepark
- Description: Located in Parco Pier Paolo Pasolini, the Bologna Skatepark offers ramps, rails, and bowls suitable for all levels. It’s a more traditional skate park and is frequently used by local skaters, making it a good spot for those looking to practice technical tricks and meet other skateboarders.
- Skateboarding Style: Park, vert, technical.
- Ambiance: Active and social.
- Accessibility: Open to the public, though it can get crowded.
10. Piazza Santo Stefano
- Description: Known for its beautiful architecture, Piazza Santo Stefano is less crowded than Piazza Maggiore and offers smooth pavement and steps that can be used for tricks. Skating here requires a more respectful approach due to the historical nature of the square.
- Skateboarding Style: Flatground, technical.
- Ambiance: Historic and serene.
- Accessibility: Accessible at most times but best for low-impact tricks to respect the heritage site.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
BellyRash