The seven secrets of Bologna and where to find them

It's easy to be enthralled by Bologna's history and vibrant culture, but were you aware of its mysterious side? A long tradition has been inviting visitors to hunt for the most unusual, hidden corners of the city, testing their own knowledge about it. How many can you find?

Step beyond the best-known attractions and discover the city's seven best-kept secrets and other legends

1. The little window of Via Piella

Also referred to as ‘little Venice’, the little window in Via Piella is one of Bologna's most romantic surprises: a small opening in the wall overlooking the Moline Canal. It casts a glimpse into a time-honoured Bologna, recalling the presence of a network of underground canals that has criss-crossed the city for centuries.

Address: via Piella 16/a – 18/a

2. Neptune's finger

The Neptune Fountain, proudly dominating the eponymous square, is famous not only for its beauty, but also for a curious optical effect: visitors standing near the entrance to the Salaborsa library may see Neptune's finger magically turn into a phallus. It is said that this perspective play was intentionally sought by its creator, Giambologna, as a sign of protest against the censorship he was subjected to.

Address: Piazza del Nettuno

 3. The three arrows of Corte Isolani

Three mysterious medieval arrows are lodged in the wooden portico of the noble complex of Corte Isolani, in Strada Maggiore. Legend has it that they were shot by three bandits who wanted to strike a Bolognese aristocrat to death. Fortunately for him, when a unclothed woman appeared at a window, the attackers were distracted and missed their aim. Their arrows have remained stuck there ever since.

Address: Strada Maggiore 19

 4. The "voltone" of Palazzo del Podestà

An astonishing acoustic effect is hidden beneath the Voltone of Palazzo del Podestà in Piazza Maggiore. If two people stand at opposite corners and whisper to the columns, their voices will propagate along the walls, allowing them to communicate without being audible to those in the centre. This particular means of communication is rumoured to have been used to make lepers confess, but no one knows the truth.

Address: Voltone del Podestà, Piazza Maggiore 1

5. Canabis Protectio

On the ceiling of the portico at the beginning of Via dell'Indipendenza is an unusual Latin inscription: ‘Panis Vita, Canabis Protectio, Vinum Laetitia’. This phrase means ‘Bread is life, hemp is protection, wine is joy’ and denotes the importance of hemp for the Bolognese economy in the Middle Ages, a valuable resource for the production of textiles and ropes.

Address: via dell’Indipendenza 3

©RestodelCarlino

6. Panum Resis

One of the rooms of Palazzo Poggi, the city's university seat on Via Zamboni, is said to feature a desk with the inscription ‘Panum Resis’,  ‘knowledge lies at the foundation’, which reflects the importance of knowledge for Bologna, home to the oldest university in the western world.

Address: via Zamboni, 33

7. The broken vase on the top of the Torre degli Asinelli

A broken vase resulting from a settled dispute is said to be found at the top of the Asinelli Tower, symbolising Bologna's ability to successfully resolve conflicts.

No one, however, has yet managed to find it. Will you succeed?

Another legend has it that if you climb to the top of the tower before graduation, misfortune will prevent you from completing your university degree. Do you feel like trying your luck?

Address: P.za di Porta Ravegnana 

In Bologna, however, there is so much more to explore. If you want to start with the basics, discover the must-see attractions with our article on the top 10 things to do in Bologna. The more curious, on the other hand, can venture out in search of further tidbits with our guide to undiscovered places in Bologna!