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Piazza Maggiore and the Neptune Fountain, Bologna

Piazza Maggiore and the Neptune Fountain, Bologna

Highlight • Historical Site

Piazza Maggiore and the Neptune Fountain, Bologna

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Location: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

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JaroW

October 22, 2025

Hiking

Neptune's Secret: Legend has it that Cardinal Borromeo asked the sculptor to reduce Neptune's penis due to strict religious principles.

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JaroW

October 22, 2025

Hiking

"Smaller dick" is a playful term referring to the legendary secret of Neptune's fountain in Bologna. When the sculptor Giambologna was commissioned to reduce Neptune's genitals, he employed a clever solution that can still be observed today. Standing in the right spot, one might get the impression that the statue has an enlarged penis, an optical illusion created by Neptune's finger fitting into his right hand ✋.

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Theo

June 23, 2025

Hiking

Piazza Maggiore was built as a market square in the 13th century, but its current appearance dates back to the 15th century. The following buildings surround the piazza: the Palazzo dei Notai, the Palazzo d'Accursio (Palazzo Comunale), which houses the Bologna Civic Art Collections and the Museo Morandi, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo dei Banchi, and the Basilica of San Petronio, whose construction began in 1390 and was completed unfinished 300 years later due to a lack of funds.

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Nearby routes

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Portico di San Luca – Portico di San Luca loop from Bologna

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Basilica of San Petronio – Piazza Maggiore loop from Bologna Centrale

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Piazza Maggiore – Asinelli and Garisenda Towers loop from Bologna Zanolini

11.5km

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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 60 m

Weather

Thursday 14 May

18°C

10°C

72 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Location: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

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Piazza Maggiore and the Neptune Fountain, Bologna

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Portico di San Luca – Portico di San Luca loop from Bologna

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Piazza Maggiore – Asinelli and Garisenda Towers loop from Bologna Zanolini

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