There’s a hidden window in the center of Bologna that takes visitors back to the time when numerous open-air water canals used to flow in the city. The bike tour of Bologna and its hidden canals by Walk ‘n Ride starts right here, from the little window on Via Piella (finestrella di Via Piella in Italian).

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Description

The view on the canal of Le Moline you can enjoy from the Via Piella reveals an unknown side of the city to many visitors. Bologna is in fact a city on the water, crossed by the Aposa and other artificial water canals created in the XII century. These canals were built as a defensive measure, for the inhabitants’ water supply and for industrial scopes (i.e. for water mills and factories). That is why in the Middle Ages Bologna was actually called “the little Venice”.

The water canals were buried after World War I, during the city’s reconstruction and reclamation works which gave Bologna its actual appearance.

Everywhere in the city there is a connection to water, such as in the names of the streets (via del Porto, Riva di Reno, Val D'Aposa, Savenella). The tour will take you to the places that best represent the link between Bologna and the waters, including Bagni di Mario, an ancient cistern, Piazzetta della Pioggia square and Parco del Cavaticcio park.

Riding with the guide you will lose yourself in the history of our city while understanding the great historical, cultural and economic value of water, artificially brought into the city with an incredible work of engineering.

You will discover the city from a completely different point of view, living a unique and unforgettable experience.

Dress code:
Casual, comfortable clothes and/or sportwear.
During Summer sunscreen and a hat are recommended, as gloves, scarves and a cap during Winter.

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Highlights

The sequence and the number of visited highlights may be subject of last -minute changes

• 1
  

  Via Malcontenti

  Street

• 2
  

  Finestrella di Via Piella

  Attraction

• 3
  

  Parco del Cavaticcio

  Historical building

• 4
  

  Via della Grada

  Street

• 5
  

  Bagni di Mario

  Area of historical interest

• 6
  

  Via d'Azeglio

  Street