In the world's oldest university is a stunning 17th century anatomical theater carved from spruce.

A massive line that stretches across the floor of Bologna’s largest church was created by a 17th-century scientist to measure the movements of the Sun.

A large statue of Pope Gregory XIII in Bologna was disguised as Saint Petronius to avoid destruction.

The remains of an ancient Roman city are hidden underneath Bologna's beautiful public library.

A striking memorial recalls thousands of Bolognese men and women killed fighting fascists in World War II.

Legend has it this fountain built to symbolize the Pope’s power hides a strange secret concerning Neptune's manliness.

Stuck in the arcade of Casa Isolani are three arrows of mysterious origins.

This building features dozens of faces along its facade, although one is a bit chilling.

Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the Middle Ages, but only 22 survive.

Once known for its horse-powered knife sharpening, this 200-year-old shop offers an array of blades and hard-to-find culinary tools.

This decoration above a door, an unofficial family crest, is said to come alive during the night to try to get free of the stone.

A hidden bas-relief of a hare on a church main portal that brings good luck to the ones who find it.

It took more than 300 years to build this church, which is home to two sacred vessels believed to hold the blood of Christ.

The oldest church in Mantua was buried for centuries under the facades of other structures.

A medieval tower with a suspended iron cage used as an open-air jail for criminals who were exposed as a warning.

The seat of the Mantua bishop holds many secrets within its walls.

A small villa said to have inspired the design of the court jester at the heart of Giuseppe Verdi's 1851 opera.

The final resting place of the famous violinist, after his corpse was denied a proper Catholic burial for decades.

Where mountaineers were checked for lice before entering the city.

The city of Parma's cathedral is home to one of the greatest illusionistic frescoes of the Renaissance.

A sculpture in memory of a homeless man much loved by the city of Parma.

The memory of the ancient unit of measurement of local builders.

An ode to the washerwomen who called Pavia home.

The mysterious “eyes of the Devil” dot a street in the occult center of Italy.