How long does it take to walk Bologna city center for this route?

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The distance is approximately 2 kilometers, allowing plenty of time to stop for photos and to search for the hidden details at each location.

Is there a guided tour Bologna offers for these secrets?

While many companies offer services, this self-guided walk allows you to discover the secrets at your own pace using audio narration. This is an ideal way to explore independently without following a fixed group schedule.

When is the best time to do this walking route?

Morning is best to avoid the largest crowds in Piazza Maggiore. Alternatively, late afternoon offers beautiful golden light against the red brick buildings, though the Finestrella may have a small queue for photos then.

Is the Bologna walking tour route accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the route is largely accessible as it follows the city's flat porticos. Some areas have historic cobblestones which may be bumpy, but there are no major stairs required to see these specific secrets.

Can I see the hidden canal at any time?

Yes, the Finestrella (little window) on Via Piella is located on a public street and can be opened at any time, though it is best viewed during daylight hours to see the water clearly.

Are the Two Towers leaning?

Yes, both towers lean significantly. The Garisenda tower has a much steeper lean than the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is why it was partially demolished in the 14th century for safety.

Where does the Seven Secrets walk start?

The route begins at Canton de' Fiori, located at the corner of Via Indipendenza and Via Ugo Bassi, right in the heart of the shopping district.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 45 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Bologna is a city of hidden layers, often overshadowed by the grandiosity of Rome or the art of Florence, but those who wander its portico-lined streets discover a medieval core rich with mystery and legend. This self-guided walking route takes you through the heart of the Centro Storico to uncover the famous Seven Secrets that locals have whispered about for centuries. From architectural optical illusions to hidden waterways reminiscent of Venice, this neighborhood stroll reveals a side of the city that most travelers miss when just passing through. You will start at a bustling intersection where an ancient inscription hints at the city's medieval trade history, then move toward the grand Piazza Maggiore. Here, Renaissance sculpture hides a cheeky secret, and a medieval palace serves as a primitive telephone system. As you explore independently, you will witness the leaning towers that define the skyline and search for arrows embedded in 15th-century wood. This walk isn't just about seeing landmarks; it's about looking closer at the details of the red-brick facades. Whether you are a history buff or a curious photographer, this audio walk provides the context needed to appreciate Bologna’s reputation as the learned, the fat, and the red. It is an easy walking tour Bologna visitors can enjoy at any pace, perfect for a morning or late afternoon when the light hits the terracotta walls just right. By the end of this self-guided adventure, you will understand why Bologna is considered Italy’s best-kept secret and how its medieval spirit survives in the modern day.

Highlights

The 'Wireless Telephone' whispering gallery at Palazzo del Podestà
The cheeky perspective trick of Neptune's Fountain
Searching for the three legendary arrows in Corte Isolani
Glimpsing 'Little Venice' through the Finestrella di Via Piella
Standing beneath the iconic leaning Two Towers

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Canton de' Fiori

Start your self-guided walk at this historic corner where Via Indipendenza meets Via Ugo Bassi. Look up at the vaulting of the portico to find a curious Latin inscription: 'Panis vita, canabis protectio, vinum laetitia.' This translates to 'Bread is life, cannabis is protection, wine is joy.' This refers to the era when hemp production was a cornerstone of Bologna's wealth, used for making rope and textiles. It represents the first of the city's 'secrets.' In the medieval era, this spot was a hub of commerce, and this secular blessing over the essentials of life still greets pedestrians today, reminding us of the city's practical and mercantile roots.

2

Neptune's Fountain

Standing proudly in the square is the Fountain of Neptune, a masterpiece by the Flemish sculptor Giambologna. While it appears to be a standard symbol of papal power, look for a specific black stone near the entrance of the Salaborsa library. From this exact spot, the perspective of Neptune's outstretched hand creates a surprising optical illusion that the sculptor designed to bypass the modesty requirements of the Church. It is a classic example of the Bolognese sense of humor. The fountain was completed in 1566 and remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, symbolizing the rule of the Pope over the seas as he ruled over Bologna.

3

Palazzo del Podestà

Step under the crossroads of the vaults beneath the Palazzo del Podestà. This architectural marvel contains a 'wireless telephone' effect. If you stand in one corner of the square pillars and a companion stands in the diagonal corner, you can whisper into the wall and hear each other perfectly over the city noise. Legend says this was designed in the Middle Ages so that lepers could confess their sins to priests without the risk of contagion. The stone acts as a perfect acoustic conductor. It is a favorite local trick and a testament to the sophisticated engineering of the 13th-century Bolognese architects who built this seat of local government.

4

Two Towers

No walking route in Bologna is complete without the Two Towers: Asinelli and Garisenda. These leaning structures are the survivors of over 100 towers that once pierced the medieval skyline like a Manhattan of the Middle Ages. The Asinelli is the taller one, while the Garisenda leans so precariously it was shortened for safety. Dante even mentioned the Garisenda in his Divine Comedy. One of the city's 'secrets' is said to be a broken vase atop the Asinelli tower, symbolizing Bologna's ability to resolve internal conflicts. While you can't see the vase from the ground, the sheer scale of these brick giants conveys the immense power of the families who built them.

5

Corte Isolani & Strada Maggiore

Walk down Strada Maggiore to the high wooden portico of Corte Isolani. Look up into the dark timber ceiling—if you look closely, you might spot three arrows embedded in the wood. The legend tells of three brigands who were sent to kill a local nobleman. However, a beautiful woman appeared at a window, distracting them so much that they fired their arrows wildly into the ceiling. Though historians suggest the arrows might have been placed there later to commemorate the legend, searching for them is a rite of passage for any visitor. This area perfectly preserves the 13th-century atmosphere with its rare wooden porticos.

6

Finestrella di Via Piella - Canale di Reno

For the final secret, walk toward Via Piella. Here you will find a small, unremarkable wooden shutter in a wall. Open it to reveal a hidden view of the Canale di Reno. This 'Little Venice' is a reminder that Bologna was once a city of water, with a vast network of canals used for transport and powering silk mills. Most of these canals were covered up in the 20th century, but this window offers a glimpse into the hydraulic past that made Bologna an industrial powerhouse in the Middle Ages. It is the perfect, quiet spot to conclude your independent exploration of the city's mysteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

The seven secrets are a collection of legends including the cannabis inscription at Canton de' Fiori, the whispering gallery at Palazzo del Podestà, the Neptune perspective trick, the three arrows of Corte Isolani, the broken vase on the Asinelli tower, the 'Panis Vita' inscription, and the hidden canal at Via Piella.