Known as La Dotta, La Grassa and La Rossa, Bologna is a city of stories, traditions, and secrets just waiting to be discovered. Beyond the usual tourist hotspots, keep an eye out for these unusual gems in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. From corners that could belong in Venice to quirky local superstitions, here are eight fascinating facts about Bologna.
A slice of Venice in the heart of Bologna
One of Bologna’s hidden treasures is the Finestrella di Via Piella, a small window offering a rare glimpse of the city’s secret canals. It’s a reminder of a time when waterways were vital for trade and industry. Often compared to Venice, this charming view reveals a quieter, water-bound side of Bologna flowing beneath the modern streets.
These picturesque canals date back centuries, when they powered mills and transported goods. Today, the Finestrella di Via Piella is one of the few spots where you can still catch a glimpse of this almost-forgotten network.
Home to the world’s oldest university
Bologna proudly hosts the Alma Mater Studiorum, recognised as the oldest university in the world. Founded in 1088, it has been a centre of learning for over nine centuries.
Law was one of the first faculties, soon followed by rhetoric, medicine, philosophy, arithmetic, and grammar. Famous alumni include Petrarch, Pascoli, Carducci, Tasso, and Pasolini. Today, the university continues to thrive, with campuses spread across different districts of the city. Find out more about student life in Bologna here.
The UNESCO porticoes and their story
Bologna is famous for its porticoes, recently recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. But why does the city have so many? In medieval times, as the student population grew, extra living space was needed. Buildings were extended upwards, with the porticoes below serving both as structural support and as sheltered walkways.
Even today, you can spot this feature in homes for sale or rent in the city centre. Stretching over 40 kilometres across Bologna, the porticoes are more than just architectural details—they’re a defining feature of the city’s character.
The perfect tagliatelle
Tagliatelle is a cornerstone of Bolognese cuisine, and locals take it very seriously. In 1972, a golden tagliatelle was registered with the Chamber of Commerce, marking the exact dimensions the pasta should have.
According to the Italian Academy of Cuisine, the perfect tagliatelle is 8 millimetres wide when cooked and 7 millimetres when raw. Interestingly, this corresponds to 1/12,270 of the height of the Torre degli Asinelli, one of Bologna’s iconic towers.
Bologna’s whispering gallery
For something a little unusual, head to the famous whispering gallery in the city centre. Situated beneath the Palazzo del Podestà behind Piazza Maggiore, this spot has a remarkable acoustic quirk. Two people standing at opposite corners of the vaulted arch and speaking softly towards the wall can hear each other perfectly, despite the distance.
This phenomenon is due to the arch’s design, which carries sound with surprising clarity. Over time, it’s inspired legends and stories, making it a fun stop for curious visitors.
The Torre degli Asinelli and student superstitions
One of Bologna’s most intriguing curiosities involves the Torre degli Asinelli. Local superstition has it that climbing the tower before graduating brings bad luck, dooming the student to never finish their studies.
Of course, it’s just a superstition—much like the belief that crossing Piazza Maggiore diagonally will harm your academic career.
The Neptune trident that inspired Maserati
Emilia-Romagna is famous for its car-making heritage, and Bologna gave birth to Maserati. The brand’s iconic red trident logo is actually inspired by the statue of Neptune in Piazza Maggiore, a nod to the city that continues to draw the gaze of locals and tourists alike.
The miracle of rain (and drought)
If you visit Bologna on the Sunday before Ascension Day, take an umbrella. Tradition holds that during the procession of the Madonna of San Luca from the Sanctuary of the Colle della Guardia, it often rains—a custom dating back to times when locals prayed for water to cleanse streets and fields during epidemics.
Conversely, in July, prepare for the heat. Legend says that in 1433, persistent rains that threatened crops stopped with the arrival of the sacred icon, giving rise to the “miracle of rain,” still remembered today.
