The Seven Secrets Of Bologna + 1 More | Reveal Them Now!
Bologna is a city full of attractions, hidden gems, untold stories, legends, and secrets. And the 7 Secrets of Bologna are a must-know for anyone curious about its rich history and unique character. But here’s the kicker—there’s an extra secret that often flies under the radar. Ready to uncover what makes Bologna truly special? Let’s dive into the Seven Secrets of Bologna, plus one more that might just surprise you!
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Discover The Seven Secrets Of Bologna (+1 More) At A Glance
Little Venice: The Canals Of Bologna
The Medieval Phone At The Four Corners Of Palazzo del Podestà
The “Happiness” Of Neptune Fountain
The Vase At The Top Of The Asinelli Tower
Cannabis Protectio
The Three Arrows Of Corte degli Isolani
Panum Resis
The +1 To The 7 Secrets Of Bologna: The Devil of Santo Stefano
Little Venice
In the heart of Bologna, a small, unassuming window on Via Piella reveals a hidden gem—an unexpected glimpse of a canal that instantly transports you to a scene reminiscent of Venice. This view, known as “La Finestrella,” opens onto the Canale delle Moline, one of the few visible remnants of Bologna’s once extensive network of waterways.
Back in the 12th century, the canals in Bologna were the lifeblood of the city, powering mills and facilitating trade. The Canale delle Moline, a continuation of the Canale Reno, was crucial for moving goods and generating mechanical energy for the city’s factories, particularly during Bologna’s industrial peak when silk production was booming. Over time, most of these waterways were covered up as the city modernized, but a few remain, hidden beneath the streets.
La Finestrella offers a rare, romantic view of this forgotten side of Bologna, earning it the nickname “Little Venice.” It’s a spot that surprises many visitors who stumble upon it, revealing a picturesque canal framed by the historic buildings of the city. The view is especially enchanting in the evening when the canal is illuminated, casting a soft glow over the water and the surrounding architecture.
This little window is a favorite among couples, with hearts and love notes often found etched around it. It is also one of Bologna’s most romantic photo spots. This secret view gives a taste of Venice, right in the middle of Bologna.
The Medieval Whispering Phone
In the heart of Bologna, beneath the Palazzo del Podestà in Piazza Maggiore, lies a fascinating acoustic secret known as the “ancient wireless phone.” The vaulted ceiling of the portico creates an incredible sound phenomenon that allows a whisper to travel clearly from one corner of the archway to the opposite corner.
Here’s how it works: stand in one corner of the archway and have a friend stand diagonally across in the opposite corner. When you whisper into the wall, your friend at the opposite corner will hear your words as if you were standing right beside them, even amidst the noise of the bustling city center.
This remarkable feature was not just a clever architectural trick but served a practical purpose in the past. It’s believed that the acoustics were used to allow lepers and plague victims to confess their sins to priests without risking contagion. The vault’s design, which transmits sound across the space, enabled communication from a safe distance, making it an early and ingenious form of a “wireless phone.”
Today, tourists often gather to test out this curious feature, amazed at how clearly their whispers can be heard across the vault. The corners where people lean in to speak have even darkened over time from so many attempts. This “whispering arch” is one of Bologna’s Seven Secrets, and it continues to intrigue visitors with its blend of history and acoustic marvel.
The Erection Of The Neptune Statue
The Fountain of Neptune, located in in Piazza del Nettuno was crafted by Giambologna in the 1560s. it is famous not just for its grandeur but for a hidden secret that still amuses visitors today. The statue was originally commissioned as a symbol of the Pope’s power, with Neptune ruling the seas as the Pope ruled the world. However, the artist was instructed by the Church to tone down Neptune’s masculinity, following the strict religious guidelines of the time.
Giambologna complied, but with a twist. He cleverly designed the statue of Neptune so that when viewed from a specific spot near the staircase in front of the Sala Borsa, Neptune’s outstretched thumb aligns perfectly, creating the optical illusion of an erection. This optical trick, now known as “Happy Neptune,” is one of Bologna’s “Seven Secrets” and is marked by a special tile, the “Stone of Shame.”
This subtle rebellion against the Church’s censorship is why you’ll often see tourists peering at the statue from odd angles, trying to catch a glimpse of Giambologna’s playful defiance. Even centuries later, the secret remains a humorous reminder of how artists found clever ways to challenge authority.
The Broken Vase In Asinelli Tower
The Asinelli Tower, one of Bologna’s iconic landmarks, is steeped in mystery—particularly when it comes to the tale of the broken vase. According to local legend, this vase sits at the very top of the tower, symbolizing the city’s remarkable ability to resolve conflicts. But here’s the twist: no one can say for sure if the vase even exists.
Built between 1109 and 1119, the Asinelli Tower was originally a military stronghold, later handed over to the city’s municipality. Today, it stands as a towering symbol of Bologna’s history, leaning slightly at 97.02 meters tall. Climbing its 498 steps is no small feat, but those who make the journey are rewarded with breathtaking views of the city. And for those in the know, there’s an added challenge—finding the mysterious broken vase.
The vase is said to represent the citizens’ talent for peaceful problem-solving, a trait that helped make Bologna the prosperous city it is today. But the vase itself is shrouded in uncertainty. Is it really up there? Was it ever there? No one knows for sure, making it a secret within a secret.
Even if you don’t spot the elusive vase, the climb to the top is well worth it for the stunning panorama of Bologna’s skyline. Just be warned: if you’re a student, local superstition says you should avoid the climb until after you graduate, or you might find your academic journey mysteriously prolonged.
Canabis Protectio
As you walk through the porticoes of Bologna, especially at the corner of Via Indipendenza and Via Rizzoli, you might notice a curious inscription: “Panis Vita, Canabis Protectio, Vinum Laetitia.” Translated, it means “Bread is Life, Cannabis is Protection, Wine is Joy” This phrase is more than just words; it reflects a significant part of Bologna’s history.
Cannabis, or hemp, was once a cornerstone of Bologna’s economy. During the medieval period, the cultivation and trade of hemp brought considerable wealth to the region. The plant was highly valued for its versatility, especially in textile production and rope-making. The phrase “Canabis Protectio” in the inscription isn’t a nod to the plant’s psychoactive properties, but rather to the economic protection and prosperity that hemp cultivation provided to the city.
This inscription is just another one of the seven secrets hidden in Bologna’s historic porticoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The porticoes themselves are a testament to the city’s architectural and cultural evolution, spanning centuries and adding to the unique charm of Bologna’s landscape.
So next time you’re wandering through the city, take a moment to look up and appreciate this subtle reminder of Bologna’s rich agricultural past, where hemp once played a vital role in the city’s prosperity.
The Three Arrows
The next secret is at the entrance of Corte Isolani on Strada Maggiore. There’s a curious sight that many people miss—three arrows stuck in the wooden ceiling of the portico.
Legend has it that the arrows were shot by three would-be assassins, hired to kill an unfaithful wife. Just as they were about to take aim, the woman appeared at her window, unashamedly without a veil. The sight of her distracted the assassins so much that they missed their mark entirely, and the arrows ended up stuck in the ceiling instead of hitting their intended target.
Another version of the tale suggests that the arrows were aimed at a local merchant, but again, the assassins were thrown off by the unexpected appearance of a naked woman at a window. The sudden distraction caused them to fire wildly, embedding their arrows in the wooden beams where they remain today.
Despite these colorful stories, the truth is a bit more playful. During a restoration of the area, historians Alfonso Rubbiani and Guido Zucchini decided to place the arrows there as a joke, using materials like cane and cardboard to craft them.
Whether you believe the legend or enjoy the prank, the arrows are a quirky piece of Bologna’s history. So next time you’re at Corte Isolani, don’t forget to look up and spot three arrows stuck in the ceiling from the past.
Panum Resis Inscription
One of the seven secrets of Bologna remains unsolved—a mystery that continues to elude even the most determined seekers. It’s tied to the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world, established in 1088. This institution boasts an impressive roster of alumni, including Dante Alighieri, Nicolaus Copernicus, Guglielmo Marconi, and filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni.
The secret revolves around an inscription, allegedly carved into one of the historic desks at the university. The Latin phrase “Panum Resis,” which translates to “knowledge as the foundation for everything,” is said to be hidden somewhere within Palazzo Poggi on Via Zamboni, the heart of the university. Despite its significance, no one has ever managed to locate it.
This elusive inscription perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Bologna, a city known as “La Dotta” for its intellectual heritage. The University of Bologna has long been a symbol of academic excellence, making this hidden phrase a fitting tribute to its legacy. Yet, the fact that no one has ever found it adds a layer of intrigue, making it the most enigmatic of Bologna’s Seven Secrets.
So, whether you’re a scholar or a curious traveler, the search for “Panum Resis” offers a challenge: can you uncover what countless others have missed? Or will this secret remain hidden, a testament to the mysteries that give Bologna its enduring allure?
The Devil’s Head
Here’s a hidden gem of Bologna that often slips under the radar and rarely makes it onto the usual lists of the 7 Seven Secrets of Bologna. As you stroll from Piazza Maggiore to the Basilica of Santo Stefano, take a moment to pause before you enter Piazza Santo Stefano. Look up at the last building on your right, Palazzo Salina, and you’ll notice something intriguing—numerous terracotta faces peering out from the façade.
Palazzo Salina, with its origins dating back to the late 15th century, has a history as rich as its architecture. While its construction spanned over a century, what truly sets it apart are the faces that adorn its exterior. Each face is unique, crafted with meticulous detail, and believed to be the work of artists like Alfonso Lombardi and Niccolò da Volterra. These heads were designed to watch over the house, a traditional symbol of protection.
However, the mystery deepens with the 13 bat-winged faces above the first-floor windows and the 133 heads tucked neatly under the ledge, almost invisible from the ground. One of these faces is rumored to be the Devil’s head, adding an eerie twist to this lesser-known secret of Bologna.
Can The Seven Secrets Of Bologna Be Revealed In A Day?
Revealing the Seven Secrets of Bologna in a single day is a thrilling challenge but definitely doable if you plan your route carefully.
Start early to tackle the Asinelli Tower and its elusive broken vase while the light is still fresh. Don’t forget to buy your ticket in advance.
Then, wander through the city’s porticoes to uncover the whispering corners and hidden inscriptions. Don’t miss the chance to explore the fascinating details of Palazzo Salina and the romantic view through
Peek through La Finestrella in the evening. There will be hardly anyone and the night view of the Moline Canal is amazing!
Conclusion
And there you have it—the Seven Secrets of Bologna, plus one more that flies under the radar. Whether you’re wandering the porticoes, climbing the Asinelli Tower, or exploring hidden corners like Palazzo Salina, Bologna is full of surprises that go beyond its rich history and stunning architecture. Each secret offers a glimpse into the city’s quirky past and adds an extra layer of intrigue to your visit. Next time you’re in Bologna, keep an eye out for these hidden gems—they might just turn your trip into an unforgettable adventure.
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