Just off Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s central square, the Quadrilatero seduces all of the senses. Grocers deal out chunks of nutty, rich Parmigiano Reggiano cheese as samples to discerning shoppers, along with razor-thin slices of prosciutto di Parma that melt on the tongue.

Wine bars pour effervescent glasses of local pignoletto wine alongside boards of warm focaccia, lightly salty-herby mortadella, and balsamic so delectable it tastes closer to dark-chocolate syrup than vinegar.