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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

Hiking

4.9

(109)

Running

5.0

(2)

Mountain biking

5.0

(2)

Cycling

5.0

(1)

Road cycling

5.0

(1)

Location: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

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Tips

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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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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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

Best routes near Piazza Maggiore and the Neptune Fountain, Bologna

4.6

(121)

1,613

hikers

#1.

Meloncello Arch – Piazza Maggiore loop from Bologna Centrale

12.0km

03:17

190m

190m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

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Moderate

4.6

(93)

1,315

hikers

#2.

Piazza Maggiore – Asinelli and Garisenda Towers loop from Bologna Centrale

9.45km

02:27

60m

60m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

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Moderate

4.6

(64)

967

hikers

#3.

Basilica of San Petronio – Meloncello Arch loop from Bologna

9.33km

02:30

110m

110m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 60 m

Weather

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Wednesday 4 November

16°C

8°C

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Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

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See nearby routes

Location: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

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