BOLOGNA BETWEEN SECRET AND POPULAR BELIEFS
十月 01 2023
CURIOSITIES BOLOGNA 
“To be superstitious is ignorant, but not to be brings bad luck” Eduardo De Filippo
Are you one of those who think that being superstitious is ignorant, but that not being superstitious brings bad luck? If so, get ready to enter the captivating world of Bologna, a city that offers much more than its extravagant architecture, delicious food and unrivalled hospitality. Here, in the heart of Bologna, where myths and superstitions are interwoven with the city's rich history, lies the Hotel Commercianti.
This hotel in Piazza Maggiore of Bologna offers you the opportunity to experience the real Bologna. As a curious traveller, you will find yourself surrounded by centuries of history and the authenticity of this city. Every corner of this charming hotel tells its own story, and you will be immersed in the unique atmosphere that only Bologna can offer.
Where History and Magic Intertwine
Bologna's charm is not limited to the extravagant architecture, exquisite food and warmth of the people, but also draws on the richness of its folklore. It's no secret that Bologna has a rich and varied history, but what escapes many is the various myths and superstitions of the Emilian provincial capital. Too many to list (and probably impossible to know them all!). Here are some of the city's most popular beliefs that you can check out or try out for yourself.
As in all cities, many superstitions and superstitious rites are directed towards university students. Let us remember that the University of Bologna has very ancient origins: founded in 1088, it is in fact the oldest university in the western world! Famous people such as Leon Battista Alberti, Thomas Becket and Giovanni Pascoli have studied at the Bolognese university, and who knows if they too will have respected the rituals to pass the exams and obtain their degree.
The Heart of Bologna: Piazza Maggiore
The first of these are the city's most famous landmarks: the Two Towers and the Piazza Maggiore. Bologna's Piazza Maggiore, or Piazza Maggiore in Italian, is the epicentre of this vibrant city. Surrounded by impressive historic buildings, this square is a place where life comes alive. Here, locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the authentic Bolognese experience.
But did you know that this square is also home to some deep-rooted superstitions? For many, crossing the crescentone of Piazza Maggiore diagonally is considered extremely forbidden. It is also said that climbing to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli, which towers majestically over the city, will bring bad luck.
Neptune's Fountain: A Magical Meeting Point
Another belief linked to one of the main sites of the city of Bologna is the famous Fountain of Neptune, located in the homonymous Piazza di Neptuno. The fountain, affectionately called "Al Zigant" ("The Giant") by the Bolognese, represents Neptune, the deity of the Roman religion, and is one of the most popular meeting points in the city. Superstition has it that before taking an exam, students have to walk around it twice (strictly counter-clockwise) if they want to have a bit of luck.
Porticoes and Superstition
The porticoes are a distinctive feature of Bologna's urban landscape. These unique architectural structures stretch across the city and, in particular, from the historic centre to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. For the Bolognese, San Luca is like a giant looking down on them and represents the feeling of being at home. It is said that, returning from a trip, the moment you see the sanctuary, it means that you have finally come home.
However, this symbolic place also has its superstitious side. The arcades formed by the porticoes on the way to the shrine add up to a total of 666, a number that many consider to be associated with the devil. Climbing the shrine with your loved one or before an exam is considered unlucky according to these beliefs.
Weather and Superstition: The Meteorological Saying of Emilia-Romagna
Throughout Emilia-Romagna, there is a shared belief that if it rains during the first four days of April, it will continue to rain for forty consecutive days. Although we don't want to rely too much on the weather, we hope that your arrival in Bologna will be accompanied by bright and sunny weather.
Hotel Commercianti: A Haven in the Heart of Bologna
If you have ever had the opportunity to visit Bologna, you have surely been enveloped by its charm and magic. In the heart of this city full of history and superstition lies the Hotel Commercianti, a haven of tranquillity and comfort.
This historic hotel in Bologna offers you the opportunity to experience the authentic Bologna from the Piazza Maggiore. As a curious traveller, you will find yourself surrounded by centuries of history and the authenticity of this city. Every corner of this charming hotel tells its own story, and you will be immersed in the unique atmosphere that only Bologna can offer, with rooms overlooking the Basilica of San Petronio that will take your breath away.
Dare to explore Bologna and defy superstition in this fascinating destination. Hotel Commercianti awaits you in Bologna's Piazza Maggiore to offer you a unique experience in a historic and magical setting. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, culture and charm of Bologna while enjoying an unforgettable stay in this unique hotel - discover the real Bologna and book your stay at Hotel Commercianti today!
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Are you one of those who think that being superstitious is ignorant, but that not being superstitious brings bad luck? If so, get ready to enter the captivating world of Bologna, a city that offers much more than its extravagant architecture, delicious food and unrivalled hospitality. Here, in the heart of Bologna, where myths and superstitions are interwoven with the city's rich history, lies the Hotel Commercianti.
This hotel in Piazza Maggiore of Bologna offers you the opportunity to experience the real Bologna. As a curious traveller, you will find yourself surrounded by centuries of history and the authenticity of this city. Every corner of this charming hotel tells its own story, and you will be immersed in the unique atmosphere that only Bologna can offer.
Where History and Magic Intertwine
Bologna's charm is not limited to the extravagant architecture, exquisite food and warmth of the people, but also draws on the richness of its folklore. It's no secret that Bologna has a rich and varied history, but what escapes many is the various myths and superstitions of the Emilian provincial capital. Too many to list (and probably impossible to know them all!). Here are some of the city's most popular beliefs that you can check out or try out for yourself.
As in all cities, many superstitions and superstitious rites are directed towards university students. Let us remember that the University of Bologna has very ancient origins: founded in 1088, it is in fact the oldest university in the western world! Famous people such as Leon Battista Alberti, Thomas Becket and Giovanni Pascoli have studied at the Bolognese university, and who knows if they too will have respected the rituals to pass the exams and obtain their degree.
The Heart of Bologna: Piazza Maggiore
The first of these are the city's most famous landmarks: the Two Towers and the Piazza Maggiore. Bologna's Piazza Maggiore, or Piazza Maggiore in Italian, is the epicentre of this vibrant city. Surrounded by impressive historic buildings, this square is a place where life comes alive. Here, locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the authentic Bolognese experience.
But did you know that this square is also home to some deep-rooted superstitions? For many, crossing the crescentone of Piazza Maggiore diagonally is considered extremely forbidden. It is also said that climbing to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli, which towers majestically over the city, will bring bad luck.
Neptune's Fountain: A Magical Meeting Point
Another belief linked to one of the main sites of the city of Bologna is the famous Fountain of Neptune, located in the homonymous Piazza di Neptuno. The fountain, affectionately called "Al Zigant" ("The Giant") by the Bolognese, represents Neptune, the deity of the Roman religion, and is one of the most popular meeting points in the city. Superstition has it that before taking an exam, students have to walk around it twice (strictly counter-clockwise) if they want to have a bit of luck.
Porticoes and Superstition
The porticoes are a distinctive feature of Bologna's urban landscape. These unique architectural structures stretch across the city and, in particular, from the historic centre to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. For the Bolognese, San Luca is like a giant looking down on them and represents the feeling of being at home. It is said that, returning from a trip, the moment you see the sanctuary, it means that you have finally come home.
However, this symbolic place also has its superstitious side. The arcades formed by the porticoes on the way to the shrine add up to a total of 666, a number that many consider to be associated with the devil. Climbing the shrine with your loved one or before an exam is considered unlucky according to these beliefs.
Weather and Superstition: The Meteorological Saying of Emilia-Romagna
Throughout Emilia-Romagna, there is a shared belief that if it rains during the first four days of April, it will continue to rain for forty consecutive days. Although we don't want to rely too much on the weather, we hope that your arrival in Bologna will be accompanied by bright and sunny weather.
Hotel Commercianti: A Haven in the Heart of Bologna
If you have ever had the opportunity to visit Bologna, you have surely been enveloped by its charm and magic. In the heart of this city full of history and superstition lies the Hotel Commercianti, a haven of tranquillity and comfort.
This historic hotel in Bologna offers you the opportunity to experience the authentic Bologna from the Piazza Maggiore. As a curious traveller, you will find yourself surrounded by centuries of history and the authenticity of this city. Every corner of this charming hotel tells its own story, and you will be immersed in the unique atmosphere that only Bologna can offer, with rooms overlooking the Basilica of San Petronio that will take your breath away.
Dare to explore Bologna and defy superstition in this fascinating destination. Hotel Commercianti awaits you in Bologna's Piazza Maggiore to offer you a unique experience in a historic and magical setting. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, culture and charm of Bologna while enjoying an unforgettable stay in this unique hotel - discover the real Bologna and book your stay at Hotel Commercianti today!