"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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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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Best routes to Piazza Maggiore and the Neptune Fountain, Bologna

4.8

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942

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1. 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

4.6

(50)

698

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

6.89km

01:48

50m

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

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Easy

4.7

(50)

602

hikers

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

12.4km

03:12

70m

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

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 60 m

Weather

Tuesday 17 February

14°C

7°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 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 loop from Bologna Centrale

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

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

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