The tour of the seven secrets of Bologna

Located about 60 kilometres from our agriturismo, Bologna is known for its seven secrets, a series of curiosities and hidden details that are part of the city’s history and identity. Let us discover together what they are and where to find them.

1. The Finestrella in Via Piella

The first of the seven secrets, which to tell the truth is now anything but a secret, is the Finestrella in Via Piella, a small opening in the wall overlooking the Moline Canal, one of the few stretches of water in Bologna that was not covered with asphalt between the early 20th century and the post-war period. The small window frames an evocative view of the canal, which, flanked by palaces, is reminiscent of Venice (this corner of the city is known as “little Venice”). Recently, the bridges on Via Oberdan and Via Malcontenti, which flank the Finestrella in Via Piella, have been reopened.

Address: Via Piella 16

2. The inscription Cañabis Protectio

On the corner of Via dell’Indipendenza and Via Rizzoli, under the vault of the portico outside the Canton de’ Fiori, there is an unusual inscription in Latin that reads “panis vita, cañabis protectio, vinum laetitia”, meaning “bread is life, hemp is protection, wine is joy”. Although it could easily be misconstrued as a reference to the potential healing benefits of cannabis, it is actually a reference to the economic benefits the city has historically gained from hemp cultivation.

Address: Via dell’Indipendenza 3

3. The false erection of Neptune

Located in the square of the same name, the Neptune Fountain is one of the most iconic symbols of the city. Nicknamed “al Zigànt” (the Giant) by the Bolognese because of its considerable size, it was created between 1563 and 1566 by the Flemish sculptor Jean de Boulogne (better known as Giambologna), based on a design by the Palermitan painter Tommaso Laureti, to glorify the papal government of Pope Pius IV. The fountain is famous not only for its beauty but also for a truly unique optical effect. Observing the statue from a particular point, namely at the foot of the entrance stairs to the Salaborsa Library, Neptune’s finger looks like his erect phallus. It is said that Giambologna did this on purpose as a sign of protest against the censorship he suffered.

Address: Piazza del Nettuno

4. The three arrows of Corte Isolani

Corte Isolani is a covered passage connecting two of the main arteries of Bologna’s historic centre: Strada Maggiore and Via Santo Stefano. In Strada Maggiore, at number 19, there are three arrows embedded in the ceiling of the portico. Legend has it that a man hired three brigands to punish his cheating wife, but when the woman appeared on the balcony without veils, the criminals, dazzled by her beauty, blatantly missed their aim. The arrows have remained stuck there ever since.

Address: Strada Maggiore 19

5. The “wireless telephone” in the Voltone del Podestà

The Voltone del Podestà, which opens under the palace of the same name in Piazza Maggiore, is known for a curious acoustic effect: it is able to transmit sounds from one end to the other. By standing in one of the corners, it is possible to hear what is even whispered at the opposite corner. In short, it is a kind of natural wireless telephone. It is said that this particular means of communication was used by lepers to receive confession without having to go to church, but no one knows the truth.

Address: Piazza Maggiore 1

6. The broken vase on the Asinelli Tower

The Asinelli Tower is one of the two towers (the other being the Garisenda Tower) commonly recognised as a symbol of Bologna. Erected, according to tradition, between 1109 and 1119 by the nobleman Gherardo Asinelli, it is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world. Legend has it that at the top of the tower is a broken vase symbolising Bologna’s good qualities in problem solving. No one, however, has yet managed to find it.

Address: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana

7. Panum Resis

The tour of the seven secrets of Bologna ends inside Palazzo Poggi. Built during the 16th century to a design by Pellegrino Tibaldi, it houses the headquarters of the University of Bologna and several museums (Museo della Specola, Museo Europeo degli Studenti, etc.). A university desk is said to be engraved with the inscription “Panum Resis”, meaning “knowledge lies at the foundation”. A concept not by chance associated with the oldest university in the western world.

Address: Via Zamboni, 33

Photo © Bologna Welcome