In the heart of Bologna, behind an unassuming window on Via Piella, lies a glimpse into a forgotten world—a world where water, not asphalt, flowed through the city’s streets. This small window, known as the Finestrella di Via Piella, offers a view of the Canale delle Moline, one of Bologna’s surviving medieval canals. For many, the Finestrella has become a charming yet peculiar attraction, but it is more than just a quaint photo spot—it is a window into Bologna’s industrial and urban history. Today, thanks to significant restoration efforts, Bologna’s ancient waterways are being revitalized, allowing both residents and tourists to rediscover the city’s rich hydraulic heritage.
The History of Bologna’s Canals
Bologna’s relationship with water began in the Middle Ages. Starting in the 12th century, the city developed an intricate network of artificial canals that redirected water from nearby rivers like the Reno and the Savena into the city. These canals served a dual purpose. Firstly, they provided the water necessary to power the mills that helped drive Bologna’s silk industry, a significant contributor to the city’s economic prosperity. Secondly, they enabled the transport of goods and people, connecting Bologna to larger waterways like the Po River, facilitating trade with cities as far away as Venice(Italian Notes)(Gruppo di Studi Pianura del Reno).
The Canale delle Moline, which runs past the Finestrella di Via Piella, was originally created to bring water into the city’s mills. This canal, along with others like the Canale di Reno and the Canale Navile, supported a booming silk industry by powering looms and other machinery. By the 18th century, Bologna was a major player in the European silk trade, and its canals were essential to the city’s industrial infrastructure(Gruppo di Studi Pianura del Reno)(Il Resto del Carlino).
However, as industrial practices evolved and transportation shifted from waterways to roads and railways, many of Bologna’s canals were covered or neglected. By the 20th century, most of the city’s canals had been paved over, hidden beneath layers of asphalt and buildings. Despite this, certain parts of the network, like the Canale delle Moline, survived, albeit underground and often out of sight(Comune di Bologna)(Canali di Bologna).
The Finestrella di Via Piella: A Window Into the Past
The Finestrella, located in the bustling heart of Bologna, is a small window that frames the Canale delle Moline as it runs between ancient buildings. Though the canal is often only a modest trickle of water, it has become a beloved spot for tourists and locals alike. The Finestrella offers a glimpse of what Bologna might have looked like centuries ago when water flowed freely through its streets. For this reason, the window has been dubbed “Bologna’s Little Venice,” a nickname that has contributed to its growing popularity(ITALY Magazine)(Canali di Bologna).
While the view itself might seem underwhelming compared to Venice’s grandeur, the charm of the Finestrella lies in its simplicity. For many, it represents a nostalgic connection to Bologna’s industrial past, a time when the city’s economic lifeblood flowed through these very canals. The Finestrella is also a reminder of the city’s rich history, offering a tangible link to the days when water powered the mills that made Bologna an industrial powerhouse(Bologna Guide)(Bologna Da Vedere).
Canal Restoration: Reviving a Forgotten Legacy
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in uncovering and restoring Bologna’s ancient canals. The city’s hydraulic system, which had been largely ignored for decades, is now the focus of extensive restoration efforts. These projects aim not only to preserve Bologna’s historical infrastructure but also to address modern environmental challenges, such as improving water quality and preventing flooding.
One of the most ambitious projects currently underway is the restoration of the Canale delle Moline. The first phase of the restoration, which covers a 1.4-kilometer stretch of the canal, was completed in 2024, with more phases planned over the coming years. The project involves cleaning the canal, upgrading the sewer systems that feed into it, and repairing the hydraulic infrastructure. These efforts are designed to improve both the canal’s aesthetic appeal and its environmental sustainability(Comune di Bologna)(Gruppo di Studi Pianura del Reno)(Il Resto del Carlino).
The restoration of the Canale delle Moline is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate Bologna’s waterways. This initiative includes the Aposa, another ancient watercourse, which is also undergoing significant restoration. The goal is to create a cleaner, more efficient hydraulic system that benefits both the environment and the city’s residents(
Gruppo di Studi Pianura del Reno). Additionally, there are plans to make more of the city’s canals visible and accessible to the public, offering a unique opportunity to experience Bologna’s history from a new perspective(Gruppo di Studi Pianura del Reno)(Il Resto del Carlino).
A Modern Vision for an Ancient City
The restoration of Bologna’s canals is not just about preserving history; it is about reimagining the city’s relationship with water. For centuries, Bologna’s canals were vital to its economy and everyday life. Today, they offer a different kind of value—one that is cultural, environmental, and recreational. As the city continues its efforts to restore these waterways, the canals are becoming a symbol of Bologna’s ability to blend tradition with modernity.
The ongoing restoration projects are also creating new opportunities for tourism. In addition to the Finestrella, there are plans to develop more viewpoints along the canals, offering visitors a chance to explore Bologna’s hidden waterways. These projects are supported by a variety of stakeholders, including the Comune di Bologna, Hera Group, and the Consorzio Canali di Bologna, ensuring that the restoration efforts are both comprehensive and sustainable(Comune di Bologna)(Canali di Bologna).
Conclusion
Bologna’s canals, once forgotten and neglected, are now being revived, offering both locals and visitors a glimpse into the city’s storied past. The Finestrella di Via Piella, with its simple but evocative view of the Canale delle Moline, serves as a symbol of Bologna’s rich industrial heritage and its ongoing efforts to preserve that history for future generations. As the city continues to restore its waterways, these canals are once again becoming a vital part of Bologna’s identity—a reminder of a time when water powered the mills, and the city’s fortunes flowed along its ancient canals. Through careful restoration, Bologna is not only preserving its past but also creating a more sustainable future for its iconic waterways.