Fontana di Nettuno (The Fountain of Neptune) by Giambologna, completed about 1567
CANABIS PROTECTIO
In the piazza del nettuno, a city square in Bologna, Italy, history can be literally breathed into the soul. With foundations dating back to at least the Pagans, change has come and gone like the tide…
But secrets to the past remain…
Fountain of Neptune by Giambologna, Bologna, Italy
The eye catching Fountain of Neptune by Giambologna, completed in about 1567, in the central square becomes the focal point to the much older architecture that surrounds. But even this focal point holds a secret in plain site…
While creating his fountain, Giambologna was asked by the Cardinal to under exaggerate Neptune’s penis for religious decency. With this request Giambolgna consented making the gods manhood underwhelming… Or did he?
When viewing the Fountain of Neptune from a certain angle behind the statue, Giambologna’s vision becomes clear…
Neptune’s hand becomes his erect manhood, fitting a god…
Fountain of Neptune by Giambologna in the Piazza Del Nettuno in Bologna, Italy showing the angle of Giambologna’s revenge
Present day architecture in the manly fountain dates to at least 1200ad with much of the arching ceilings carried over from the Basilica of San Petronio built around 1390.
As amazing as the arched ceilings are on their own, its the art that has survived that takes our story higher…
Arching vault of the Canton de’ Fiori in Bologna, Italy
Located in the Via Indipendenza, near the corner of Via Rizzoli, under the Escape Tower on the vault of the Canton de’ Fiori hides a second secret of the Piazza del Nettuno…
Written in Latin, the roof is artistically designed with Medieval style paintings. Its the borders that first catch the eye to the secret past… Cannabis leaves…
Bordering the arching vaulted roof, Cannabis leaves along with grape leaves & grain plants dominate the ornate decoration.
“Canabis Protectio” inscribed on the arching ceilings of the Canton de’ Fiori in Bologna, Italy
The artists message is written in Latin, “Panis Vita, Canabis Protectio & Vinum Laetitia”…
“Bread life, Cannabis protection, Wine pleasure”
The building was most likely a textile and storage area for weaving hemp hundreds of years ago. History forgotten but not erased…
Arching roof in the piazza del nettuno in Bologna, Italy
These are just 2 of the 7 secrets of Bologna, Italy to discover while visiting.
With a history as storied as Italy, its easy for cannabis to slide into oblivion as it has. Sometimes a single passage can awaken the hidden history lurking within.
Bread life, Cannabis protection, Wine pleasure…
A lactating Nereid from The Fountain of Neptune by Giambologna, completed about 1567