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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

Recommended by 48 hikers out of 49

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Location: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

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Best Hikes to Piazza Maggiore and the Neptune Fountain, Bologna

4.6

(35)

507

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1. Basilica of San Petronio – Piazza Maggiore, Bologna loop from Irnerio

6.68km

01:45

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.8

(76)

942

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2. Basilica of San Petronio – Piazza Maggiore loop from Bologna Centrale

9.74km

02:31

60m

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

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Moderate

4.8

(35)

345

hikers

3. Basilica of San Petronio – Piazza Maggiore loop from Bologna Zanolini

11.6km

03:01

80m

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

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Moderate

Tips

JaroW

October 22, 2025

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

Translated by Google •

JaroW

October 22, 2025

"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 ✋.

Translated by Google •

Theo

June 23, 2025

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.

Right next to it is Piazza Nettuno, with the Fountain of Neptune and the Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio. If you look at the statue of Neptune from the back right at a certain angle, the outstretched fingers, as seen from the front, form a penis.

Every summer, the piazza hosts a cinema under the stars, where you can watch films until late into the night.

Translated by Google •

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Details

Informations

Elevation 60 m

Weather

Thursday 25 December

8°C

4°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

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Location: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

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Piazza Maggiore and the Neptune Fountain, Bologna

1. Basilica of San Petronio – Piazza Maggiore, Bologna loop from Irnerio

2. Basilica of San Petronio – Piazza Maggiore loop from Bologna Centrale

3. Basilica of San Petronio – Piazza Maggiore loop from Bologna Zanolini

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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