Dream location meets amazing history at  the Grand Majestic, Bologna’s only five star property. Local born, Pope-to-be Benedict XIV built this 18th century palazzo as a seminary. It sits atop an old Roman road. In the basement, near the loo, you can still see the tracks made by chariot wheels. In 1912 it became a hotel in classic Italian style filled with old school luxury. The Nazi’s used the hotel as their command center during WWII. It’s perfect location, within walking distance of everything, made it the perfect headquarters. The less than thrilled partisans placed a crate of TNT beside the building, blowing up the central part and much of the façade. The long and massive restoration took until 1987. There have been several renovations since but the style remains…think brocade, Murano glass chandeliers and marble bathrooms. There are antiques and works or art throughout. Many fourth floor rooms have private terraces, ideal for people watching on weekends when the street the hotel is on is pedestrianized.