Finestrella (Small Window), Bologna
A small window on Piella Street offers a lovely and rare peek at Bologna's lost canals. Unlike Venice, where the famous canals and glamorous gondola rides are everywhere, Bologna's historic waterways are much easier to miss. This is mainly because many of them were covered over time, with roads and buildings built on top, hiding these medieval channels from view.
Back in the 12th century, canals were constructed on Bologna鈥檚 major rivers, the Savena and Reno. They had a sophisticated system of locks and pipes, stretching over 37 miles. These canals were essential for silk manufacturing and trade, making Bologna a major hub for silk, tobacco, and flour.
Many of the canals were used for transporting goods and people. However, as the economy evolved, most of the canal system was covered with roads and parking lots, especially after World War II.
Today, the best spot to see one of the few remaining sections of these historic canals is through the Small 鈥淐anal Window鈥� on Piella Street. From this unassuming street, you can look out over a part of Mill Canal. The water flows between brightly colored houses on one side and unpainted brick walls on the other. It's a quaint and picturesque sight, making the Small Window a popular spot for visitors.
Many locals didn't know this canal still existed and thought all of them had been closed. Even though you can see the canal from the bigger street, the window view is much better.
Back in the 12th century, canals were constructed on Bologna鈥檚 major rivers, the Savena and Reno. They had a sophisticated system of locks and pipes, stretching over 37 miles. These canals were essential for silk manufacturing and trade, making Bologna a major hub for silk, tobacco, and flour.
Many of the canals were used for transporting goods and people. However, as the economy evolved, most of the canal system was covered with roads and parking lots, especially after World War II.
Today, the best spot to see one of the few remaining sections of these historic canals is through the Small 鈥淐anal Window鈥� on Piella Street. From this unassuming street, you can look out over a part of Mill Canal. The water flows between brightly colored houses on one side and unpainted brick walls on the other. It's a quaint and picturesque sight, making the Small Window a popular spot for visitors.
Many locals didn't know this canal still existed and thought all of them had been closed. Even though you can see the canal from the bigger street, the window view is much better.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bologna. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Finestrella (Small Window) on Map
Sight Name: Finestrella (Small Window)
Sight Location: Bologna, Italy (See walking tours in Bologna)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Bologna, Italy (See walking tours in Bologna)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Bologna, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Bologna
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bologna is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bologna Introduction Walking Tour
Bologna is the Emilia-Romagna region's capital. This large northern city is the seventh most populous city in Italy and has been a vital cultural center for millennia.
Archeological discoveries indicate the area has been settled since the third millennium BC. First, the Etruscans settled the area, then the Celts, and then the Romans. During the Middle Ages, Bologna was a free municipality... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Archeological discoveries indicate the area has been settled since the third millennium BC. First, the Etruscans settled the area, then the Celts, and then the Romans. During the Middle Ages, Bologna was a free municipality... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Bologna's Shopping Areas
When it comes to shopping, Bologna walks tall amid grands like Milan or Rome, with a harmonious mix of international chains, exclusive boutiques, luxury stores and open-air markets lining the streets in the city center, offering a wealth of international fashion, designer brands and top quality local delicacies in rich supply.
Shopping here is particularly pleasant on weekends when Zone... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Shopping here is particularly pleasant on weekends when Zone... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Historical Churches
The historic city of Bologna is one of the most sumptuous medieval places in Italy, as well as one of the country's most visited destinations. There are churches everywhere in the city, many of which are well-preserved and well worth a visit. Magnificent and centuries-old, each of them has its own specialty and history carved into, replete with great historic artifacts associated with world... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Bologna Palaces
Bologna is famous for a huge number of ancient buildings and unique historic sites, closely associated with a huge number of mysteries and legends. There are numerous incredibly beautiful palaces in the city, richly adorned with art by great masters, intricately decorated interiors and luxurious old furniture. Each palace is fit to leave an unforgettable impression upon visitors, firmly imprinted... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles